The Ultimate Zurich Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Zurich? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

Largest city in Switzerland, with a population of 1.4 million in the metro area).
The wealthiest European city, Zurich is a financial hub and powerhouse.
Consistently receives top rankings in the world for quality of life.
Nickname: Little Big City.

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 CHF is about 1 EUR.
Spoken languages: Standard German and Swiss German, although English and French are also widely spoken.
Best time to visit: from June to August (summertime).
Arriving from the airport: buy a 2^nd class train ticket at the adjoining stations for 5.60 Euros to Zürich Hauptbahnhof in Central Zurich. A taxi to the centre will run about 50 Euros.
Zurich is an expensive place to visit. Come with a solid budget to make the most of it.

Best hostel for solo travelers: MEININGER Zürich Greencity. It’s on the expensive side, and 15 minutes (by public transport) away from the action, but this is as good as you’re going to get on a budget in Zurich. The staff do their best to make up for this – very friendly and welcoming. Clean rooms and facilities. Social aspect is “hit or miss” depending on who else is staying.
It’s best to stay in the medieval Old Town, from which everything is pretty accessible.
Niedderdorf is the more charming, well-known neighborhood in the city center, though it can be a bit much if looking for peace and quiet.
For something a bit mellower, consider the area around the central train station.

While most of the city is very walkable, Zurich is also known for one of the most well-organized, most efficient public transportation systems in the world. Schedule and price information about tram, bus, and rail networks can be found on the official website.
Lake steamers (year-round) and river buses (only in summer) provide access to the city via Zurich’s beautiful waterways.
Free skateboards and bicycles can be borrowed at several locations around the city – passport and a deposit of CHF 20 are required.

Drinking age is 16 for beer/wine/cider, 18 for all else. Most clubs close between 2 and 4 AM.
In contrast to much of Switzerland, Zurich has emerged as a great party destination. Head to Hallenstadion for the big rock concerts.
The Old Town has enough bars and restaurants to suit any taste on a short visit. Further out, Jules Verne Panorama Bar is great for epic views of the city, and the Kaufleuten is a nice place known for its four themed bars and celebrity sightings.
Great bars for solo travelers: Moods (live jazz), Oliver Twist (Irish pub), Cabaret Voltaire, Le Raymond Bar, 4 Tiere (cocktails).
Clubbing scene: EXIL, Supermarket, Gonzo.

Be sure to head out on a lake cruise, as Lake Zurich composes a good deal of the heart of this great city. The longer tours cover the whole lake and take about 4 hours.
Visit Zurich’s three great churches – Fraumünster, St. Peterskirche, and Grossmünster.
Hop on a train and head out of the city to Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe.

Hike to the top of the Uetliberg, a small mountain that pops up in the middle of the city. It’s topped with a viewing tower that offers breathtaking views of the city and the Alps beyond. Some routes take about an hour, making it a very nice way to get some exercise.
A walk along the banks of Lake Zurich is highly recommended.

Plan your trip for the 2^nd Saturday of August to catch the famous Street Parade, the most popular technoparade in Europe. It should be on everyone’s bucket list!
Great cafes in Zurich: sphères (doubles as bar and bookstore), Kafi Dihei, Café du Bonheur.
Tipping: people usually round up for excellent service (e.g. 154 CHF bill becomes 160, etc.)
Great restaurants for solo travelers: Café BEBEK, Gaijin Izakaya ($$$), Hermanseck ($$$), Restaurant Lotusgarden (Chinese), Yardbird Southern Fried Chicken, QIRIN – Sushi & Drinks.
Where to find good cheap eats: make your own meal! Go to Migros (next to Löwenplazt) or Coop (on Bahnhofstrasseor) and pick up some ingredients for a picnic. Alternatively, visit a bakery and pick up a local snack: ask for a Wurstweggen, Canapé, or just a regular sandwich.
Dangerous areas: while overall a very safe city, pickpockets and bag thieves abound in Zurich, especially around the central train station. Also, young locals sometimes try to pick fights near the lakefront; if harassed, avoid engagement and walk on.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days