How to turn a day in Zurich’s Old Town into an epic adventure
Of all the places I could call my “backyard”, Old Town is the part of Zurich I love the most. I grew up walking these old cobbled streets, racing my friends beneath colourful stained-glass windows and ducking under archways that have stood here for centuries.
What I find remarkable is how this place is never quite the same. Sometimes it’s bustling with music and markets. Other times, it’s so quiet you can hear your own footsteps on the stones.
Even after all these years, I still stumble upon hidden corners that take me by surprise.
So, whether it’s your first visit or you know these streets well, why not join me as we explore Old Town Zurich together—because sometimes, your “usual stroll” really does turn into an unexpected adventure.
Where is Old Town?
Old Town sits at the centre of Zurich. This neighbourhood spans the area on both sides of the Limmat River, extending roughly from Central and Bellevue to Stauffacher. Old Town is bordered by the Limmat River to the west, Bellevue to the north, Central to the south, and the hillside toward the University of Zurich to the east.
What is the main street in Old Town?
The main street running through Old Town Zurich is called Niederdorfstrasse. You’ll find it near Central and go all the way down to Bellevue.
How to get to Old Town
By Foot: If you’re already in the city centre, Old Town is very easy to reach on foot. Just head towards the Limmat River, and you’ll soon find yourself strolling through the narrow streets and historic squares of Old Town.
By Tram: You can take trams number 4, 6, 7, 10, or 15 and alight at stops such as “Central,” “Rathaus,” or “Helmhaus.” All of these will drop you right by Old Town.
By Train: Make your way to Zurich Main Station (Hauptbahnhof or HB). From there, Old Town is only a short walk away. Just cross the river or follow the signs, and you’ll be at the heart of it within five minutes.
By Car: Driving isn’t really the best option, as Old Town is full of narrow, pedestrian streets. However, if needed, public car parks are available nearby, such as Parkhaus Urania or Parkhaus Hohe Promenade. Park up there, then walk into Old Town.
By Bike: You can easily cycle in from anywhere in the city centre and lock your bike at one of the stands near Bellevue, Central or Uraniastrasse.
What to Do and See in Old Town
Climb Grossmünster for amazing views
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Website: https://grossmuenster.ch/4.php?read_category=2758
Address: Zwinglipl. 7, 8001
Contact: +41 44 250 66 51
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: ₣
Grossmünster is this iconic twin-towered church that stands proudly above the city’s skyline and is packed with centuries of fascinating history.
Once you step inside, you’ll notice the coolest blend of old and new. There’s the classic Romanesque architecture all around you, but if you peek at the stained-glass windows, you’ll spot the modern twist put there by renowned artist Sigmar Polke.
But here’s where things get interesting: the climb. Head to the spiral staircase for a little adventure—yes, you might feel your legs getting a workout, but the reward waiting at the top is seriously worth every step.
As you reach the top, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable view. You can see the Limmat River winding through the city, with picturesque red roofs in the Old Town. If the weather’s clear, the distant Alps are on the horizon.
Visit Fraumünster Church
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Website: https://fraumuenster.ch/
Address: Münsterhof 2, 8001
Contact: +41 44 250 66 33
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: ₣
Fraumünster Church might not grab your attention right away from the outside, but once you step in, you instantly understand why it’s such a cherished gem in Old Town.
The air inside is calm and hushed, and there’s a very special reason many stroll straight to the choir—you’ll want to experience the breathtaking stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.
They practically glow with vibrant blues, reds, and greens, each pane telling its own enchanting story from the Bible. It’s one of those sights that holds your attention, no matter how many times you see it.
There’s even more to discover after you’ve admired the windows. Fraumünster is full of hidden corners: side chapels, a crypt, a gorgeous pipe organ, and some lovely old frescoes that transport you back in time.
Discover history at the Swiss National Museum
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♬ Originalton – Landesmuseum Zürich
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Website: https://www.landesmuseum.ch/en
Address: Museumstrasse 2, 8001
Contact: +41 44 218 65 11
Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Thursday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: ₣
Right next to Zurich’s main train station, the Swiss National Museum instantly catches your eye with its castle-like turrets and grand, fairy tale entrance. As you explore, you’ll journey from ancient times to modern-day Switzerland.
One moment you’re admiring gleaming medieval armour and intricate Gothic art, and the next you’re chuckling at quirky objects from everyday Swiss life—some of which might just surprise you.
There are also interactive exhibits sprinkled throughout. You can try on virtual costumes, play around with detailed models of old Swiss towns, and check out creative temporary exhibits that are always changing things up.
The clever mix of interactive displays and unique artefacts means there’s always something fresh and fun to discover, no matter how many times you visit.
Where to Eat and Drink in Old Town
Café Bar ODEON
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Website: https://odeon.ch/en/
Address: Limmatquai 2, 8001
Contact: +41 44 251 16 50
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: ₣₣
If you’re after a slice of old-school glamour, Café Bar Odeon is absolutely worth a stop. This legendary café, with its gorgeous Art Nouveau interiors and rich literary history, has hosted creative minds like James Joyce and Albert Einstein over the decades.
Breakfast here is always a treat. You’ll find buttery croissants, fresh fruit, and their signature bircher muesli—the creamy, apple-packed Swiss classic I can’t get enough of.
For a mid-morning pick-me-up, a cappuccino paired with a slice of Sacher torte is a winning combo. When lunch or dinner rolls around, the Odeon club sandwich is a real crowd-pleaser, stacked generously with chicken, bacon, and crunchy lettuce.
If you want to eat like a local, try the Züri Gschnätzlets. It’s a tender slice of veal in a creamy white wine sauce, served with crispy rösti. The first time I had it, it was so comforting I wanted to linger all afternoon.
Restaurant Kronenhalle
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Website: https://www.kronenhalle.com/
Address: Rämistrasse 4, 8001
Contact: +41 44 262 99 00
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: ₣₣
Restaurant Kronenhalle has been the local go-to spot for artists, celebrities, and curious food lovers since 1924.
This restaurant has a long history and has welcomed guests such as Marc Chagall, James Joyce, and Coco Chanel over the years. Their visits are part of Kronenhalle’s story and contribute to its reputation as a well-known Zurich restaurant.
Once you settle in, the menu itself reads like a love letter to Swiss and European classics. Regulars keep coming back for the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes—tender veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, served with crispy rösti potatoes.
You’ll also spot favourites like their melt-in-the-mouth beef filet, rich butter-fried perch, and fluffy soufflés that always seem to steal the show for dessert.
Mère Catherine
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Website: https://www.mere-catherine.ch/
Address: Nägelihof 3, 8001
Contact: +41 44 250 59 40
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM and 11:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
Mère Catherine is such a fun spot if you’re craving French food in Zurich. As soon as you step inside, the colourful décor and friendly buzz set a lively tone, making you feel welcome right away.
The food genuinely impressed me. The duck confit was beautifully tender, served on a bed of crispy potatoes, with rich, savoury flavours in every bite.
For starters, I tried the French onion soup—deeply aromatic with a golden layer of melted cheese, and it was incredibly comforting on a cool evening.
If you’re a fan of sweets, their crème brûlée is a must-try: golden and crackly on top, silky-smooth beneath. And of course, their wine list shines with some beautiful French bottles to accompany your meal.
Where to Shop in Old Town
Schweizer Heimatwerk
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Website: https://www.heimatwerk.ch/en
Address: Uraniastrasse 1, 8001
Contact: +41 44 222 19 55
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣
Schweizer Heimatwerk is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking to bring home a genuine slice of Swiss style.
Step inside and you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautifully crafted treasures. You’ll see hand-carved wooden toys, vibrant linens, sleek Swiss army knives, and those charming cuckoo clocks you’ve always wanted to see up close.
One thing I find especially memorable is their selection of one-of-a-kind, locally made art pieces—like intricate paper cuttings and delicate Scherenschnitt silhouettes.
These traditional designs are typically crafted in the Alpine regions, and seeing them up close really gives you a sense of Swiss heritage and artistry.
Rosenhof-Markt
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Website: https://rosenhof-markt.ch/
Address: Weingasse, 8001
Contact: +41 79 810 23 70
Hours:
- Sunday to Friday – Closed
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: ₣
Rosenhof-Markt is the most vibrant shopping spot in Old Town Zurich. This open-air market is where you’ll uncover all kinds of treasures—colourful handmade jewellery, cool vintage clothes, quirky antiques, and stunning local crafts.
Local artisans set up their stalls here, giving you a chance to chat with creators and pick up pieces you won’t find anywhere else. As you stroll through, expect to be drawn in by the lively mix of colours, scents, and friendly chatter.
You’ll spot handcrafted incense, funky bags, vintage trinkets, and eye-catching artwork. I always make a stop at the Duftwerk stall, where the owner, Sabine, creates her own natural incense blends.
She even lets customers sample her signature Alpine scent—I did, and I couldn’t resist bringing some home. On top of all that, you’ll find plenty of organic snacks and natural beauty products—perfect little treats as you shop.
Where to Stay in Old Town
Storchen
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Website: https://storchen.ch/en/
Address: Weinpl. 2, 8001
Contact: +41 44 227 27 27
Pricing: ₣₣
Storchen is that perfect blend of old-world charm and five-star comfort, right by the river in Zurich’s Old Town. You’ll love starting your day with breakfast or winding down with evening drinks on the riverside terrace—it offers stunning views of the Limmat.
Inside, every room comes with all the essentials: air-conditioning, a Nespresso machine for your coffee fix, plush robes, fast Wi-Fi, and soundproof windows, so you can get a proper rest after a day exploring museums and shops nearby.
When it comes to food and drink, there’s the highly-rated La Rôtisserie, a lively bar, a cosy cigar lounge, and a terrace you can use throughout the year.
Extra touches, such as the fitness centre, valet parking, airport shuttle, and 24-hour reception assistance, make things a breeze.
25hours Hotel Zürich Langstrasse
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Website: https://25hours-hotels.com/zurich/langstrasse/
Address: Langstrasse 150, 8004
Contact: +41 44 576 50 00
Pricing: ₣₣
If you’re after a hotel with loads of personality, 25hours Hotel Zürich Langstrasse is the spot. The whole place pops with colour and playful art.
Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. They come with air-conditioning, cosy beds, a UE Boom speaker, modern bathrooms, and rain showers. Double rooms usually cost between CHF 180 and 250 per night, which is reasonable for Zürich.
On the ground floor, NENI offers a mix of global comfort food and Swiss classics. I couldn’t resist their sabich—an Israeli-inspired pita stuffed with eggplant and egg—which ended up being my favourite meal in Zürich.
In the evenings, the Cinchona Bar comes alive with locals enjoying craft cocktails. For longer stays, you’ll also find a fitness room, co-working spaces, fast Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. The staff are friendly and always happy to offer tips or just have a chat.