Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, is not a budget destination. In fact, in 2019 it was said to be the most expensive country in the world to reside. However, there are many things to see and do that are free. Thereby allowing you to keep your travel cost down and get a good insight into this exciting city. Moreover, this city has something to suit every travellers’ interest. As an example, free activities include hiking, a wildlife park and museum.
We were lucky that we were invited to visit Zurich and stay with our good friends, the Vonic family; consequently saved much on accommodation. Accommodation, along with food, is going to take a large chunk of your budget. However, you can find cheaper accommodation by staying outside of the city centre and using public transport to get around. We were staying at Adliswil, and it was easy to get into the city on a train. Check out booking.com for different types of accommodation and great specials.
About Zurich
Zurich, which lies at the north end of Lake Zurich, is often believed to be the capital of Switzerland, but it is not. It has, however, been there for a long time. Zürich was actually permanently settled over 2,000 years ago; in fact, evidence of settlements as far back as the Neolithic era exist around Lake Zurich. However, it has come along way since that Neolithic era and has become a global centre for banking and finance. Zürich is known for being clean and efficient and has often ranked as the city with the highest living standard.
Ok, now let’s have a look at how you can save money and still see and do so much in Zürich!
#1 Wildnispark Zurich – Langenberg Wildlife Park
The Langenberg Wildlife Park is Switzerland’s oldest wildlife park. Many of Switzerland’s native animals can be observed here in their natural environment, including bears, wolves, beavers, lynxes, wild boar, bison and more. Enjoy a walk through the forest to see these animals in open enclosures. Apparently, they have lots of room to behave as they would in the wild, being able to retreat from the public eye as they wish. Langenberg Wildlife Park is open 365 days a year and is free! For more information, click here.
#2 Explore Zurich Old Town
Alstadt, or Old Town, is the oldest part of Zürich. The city’s historic heart is a melting pot of all things historical, cultural and social. Not only does this medieval town, with its gorgeous cobblestone lanes, contain many important cultural and historical sites (such as Grossmünster and raumünster), but it also has the highest concentration of nightclubs in Switzerland. Yep, that is right. If you want to party in Switzerland, this is the place to do it. However, that is not free, whereas wandering the convoluted alleyways, window shopping and immersing yourself in Zürich’s rich history is.
#3 Uetliberg and the Albis Ridge
If you’re looking to get out of the city for the day, a trip up nearby Mount Uetliberg is an easy and cheap choice. With views and nature all around, Uetliberg is a pleasant place to spend some time during your Zürich trip.
Uetliberg is the highest peak of the Albis mountain ridge that runs down the western edge of Lake Zürich. From Uetliberg and the Albis ridge, you’re treated to some superb views down to Zürich, out along the lake and will even see some gentle Swiss countryside in the other direction. You can either choose to climb up the lookout tower here which costs CHF 2 or just enjoy the views from the panoramic viewpoints.
Besides the views, a trip up to the Albis ridge is also a great chance to spend time amongst nature. Walking trails wander along the ridgeline, giving you plenty of freedom in where you can walk. The ridgeline is a beautiful place to walk. Covered by forest, and occasional breaks in the trees will reward you with more stunning views. Alternatively, you can choose to stroll through the lovely meadows behind the ridge and explore little local villages. Either way, don’t expect these trails to be too strenuous. It’s a different story if you choose to hike up to Uetliberg from the city. While it’s a great work out, it’s easier to take the S10 train straight up from Zürich Hauptbahnhof or the cable car that goes from Adliswil.
By David, a blogger always travelling elsewhere at Travelsewhere.
#4 Free Bicycle Rental in Zurich
Hire a bicycle and explore the city on two wheels. City bikes, e-bikes and children’s bikes are available at several locations. You will need to present ID and make a deposit of CHF 20. Click here for more information.
#5 Lindenhof Hill Lookout
Lindenhof Hill is the perfect place to relax, as well as a great place to get some good photos of Zürich. At the top of the hill are a park and a public square with gorgeous views over the Limmat River and Zürich. But it is not just about the view or a place to stop and relax; for those interested in the history of the area there are the remains of the Roman medieval city wall.
#6 Lindt Chocolate Shop
Although buying chocolate is not free, I have decided to put the Lindt Chocolate Shop on this list as it is free to visit. We did go there to buy a little chocolate, and it was a pretty impressive place to see. Lindt has been making chocolate for years! In fact, they have been creating yummy chocolates since 1845, and they have so many delicious products. There is also a unique photo op for those wanting to take a momento of their visit to Switzerlands chocolate capital!
Now, for those visiting Zürich in 2020, the new Lindt Chocolate World may be open. This is said to be the biggest Lindt Chocolate Shop in the world and will boast a Lindt Cafe and the worlds largest chocolate fountain – rumoured to be 8 meters tall!
#7 Baugeschichtliches Archiv Stadt
One free museum hidden away in the alleys of Zürich’s old town is the Baugeschichtliches Archiv Stadt Zürich or the City of Zürich Construction History Archives Museum. The entrance to the museum is not well marked, so lookout for a large wooden door on a pink building, across from a small fountain. The museum is small, but it doesn’t cost a franc. Wander through the exhibits to discover what Zürich looked like throughout its history.
Pictures along the walls show famous Zürich landmarks through the ages, some of which you may recognize. The highlight of the museum is a large model of old Zürich, where each tiny building, lining a star-shaped canal, can be admired. You can see where the Zürich’s old town walls were; then once you leave the museum, you can walk over to where parts of the wall still exist today. For more information, click here.
By Erika from Erika’s Travelventures
Click here for more about Switzerland by Erika
#8 Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is Zürich’s main shopping street and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive. If like me, you are a budget traveller, chances are you will not be shopping on Bahnhofstrasse. That doesn’t mean you can’t go and have a look. Window shopping on this street is free and can be a lot of fun.
#9 Lake Zurich
Take a walk along the banks of the lake. We saw many interesting sights as we wandered the picturesque paths on lake Zürich. The swans are gorgeous and plentiful, the views across the lake are lovely and the red peddle boats are bright and colourful.
#10 Hiking
There are many places to hike near Zürich. While we were staying at Adwisvil, we often walked into the forest. As we walked with our hosts, and their dog, we explored some forest paths that eventually led to the Sihl River. There are also hiking trails at Wildnispark Zürich – Sihlwald Forest. These trails are very close to the Langenberg Wildlife Park (#1). They have a Forest Nature Trail that is open all year round. This 2-hour, 2-km circular trail, is a fantastic way for children to experience the forest. There are twelve learning stations with engaging activities – cross the moorland water on a wooden gangway or count growth rings on trees. Click here for more information on hiking trails through Wildnispark.
#11 Focusterra
This Museum is an up-close look at our dynamic planet! The geologic processes that occur in and on our planet are explained in simple terms. The museum’s displays include what makes volcanoes erupt, how are earthquakes triggered, where do precious gems come from, and what can fossils tell us about the origin of life. It is really cool, especially if you are a rock nerd like me. Click here for more information.
#12 Zoological Museum
The Zoological Museum is the biggest Museum of the University of Zürich. Here you can have a closer look at more than 1500 animals. Displayed on the ground floor, you will find native animals, whereas, on the basement floor, you can see animals from all over the world in their geographic zones. The museum is united with the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies and aims to raises awareness for the diversity and value of nature. Click here for more information.
#13 Sechseläuten
This “thing to do” is only once a year. The Sechseläuten is a traditional spring holiday which is celebrated in Zürich each April. We were lucky enough to be in April during celebrations this year. It was a fabulous experience. The origins of the festival go back to medieval times when, at the beginning of summer, celebrations were held in guide halls across the city.
We went into the city to join in with the festivities. First, we watch part of a three-hour-long parade consisting of historical dress (and some not historically dressed) people who represented the 26 guides, including bands and horse-drawn floats. The parade leads to the galloping of mounted horse riders around a bonfire. Atop the fire stands Böögg. Böögg, who looks like a snowman, is set afire. He burns until his head explodes. How long it takes for his head to explode is believed to indicate the coming weather for Zurich. The faster Böögg’s head explodes, the finer the summer will be.
More Information
Currency
CHF – Swiss Frank – written in this post as CHF
Accommodation
We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. We like the convenience of booking online, and we are usually able to pay for our accommodation on arrival at the hotel/resort or room. booking.com advertise many different accommodation styles in Zürich, so you are sure to find the perfect place.
iVisa
iVisa makes getting a visa super easy. You can even get passport and visa photos done!
Photo credit
Bahnhofstrasse by Thomas8047 Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
#3 photos (Uetliberg) by David Johnson
#6 photos (Baugeschichtliches Archiv Stadt) by Erika Van ‘t Veld
#12 photos (Zoological Museum) Zoological Museum of the University of Zurich
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