Zurich – 13 Free Things To Do

Switzerland’s largest city, Zürich, is not a budget destination. In fact, in 2019, it was said to be the most expensive country in the world to reside in. However, there are many things to see and do that are free, allowing you to keep your travel costs down and get a good insight into this exciting city. Moreover, this city has something to suit every traveller’s interest. For example, free activities include hiking, a wildlife park, and museums.

Accommodation

We were lucky that we were invited to visit Zürich 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 Zürich

Zurich, which lies at the north end of Lake Zürich, is often believed to be the capital of Switzerland, but it is not. It has, however, been there for a long time. Zürich was permanently settled over 2,000 years ago; in fact, evidence of settlements as far back as the Neolithic era exists around Lake Zürich. However, it has come a long way since the 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.

Okay, now let’s have a look at how you can save money while still seeing and doing so much in Zürich!

1. Wildnispark Zürich – 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 Zürich 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.

4. Free Bicycle Rental in Zürich

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 memento of their visit to Switzerland’s 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 look out 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 recognise. 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 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.

8. Bahnhostrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is Zürich’s main shopping street and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive. If you are a budget traveller like me, chances are you will not be shopping at 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 Zürich

Take a walk along the banks of the lake. We saw many interesting sights as we wandered the picturesque paths of 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 earthquakes are triggered, where precious gems come from, and what fossils can 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. 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 raise awareness for the diversity and value of nature. Click here for more information.

13. Sechseläuten

This “thing to do” occurs only once a year. The Sechseläuten is a traditional spring holiday celebrated in Zürich each April. We were lucky enough to be in April during celebrations this year, and it was a fabulous experience. The festival’s origins go back to medieval times when celebrations were held in guide halls across the city at the beginning of summer.

We went into the city to join in the festivities. First, we watched 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 Zürich. The faster Böögg’s head explodes, the finer the summer will be.

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