Things to do in Zurich 

About Zurich 

If the thought of traveling to Switzerland makes you cringe at how expensive the country is, don't be discouraged! Yes, the country is expensive, but with a little searching and planning, you can have a great trip to Zurich on a budget. 

Places of Interest in Zurich 

If you are the museum-going type, then it may be worth purchasing a Zurich Card which gives you free or reduced admission to many different museums around the city as well as access to public transportation during card’s validation.  

Probably one the most well-known museums on the list of museums that offer free admission is the National Museum. Here you will be able to mosey around cultural and historical artifacts of Switzerland's past which in effect has shaped its present and future. Housed in a gorgeous building that looks similar to something out of a storybook, the museum also hosts concerts in its courtyard from time to time so be sure to check their website for a schedule of events.  

If you are more interested in science than culture, Kulturama – the Museum of Mankind, may be just up your alley. The museum has an expansive collection of fossils and artifacts all designed in an interactive way.  

Culture and History of Zurich 

Zurich does have many things available to its visitors that are free or next to nothing. There are so many nooks along the lake that make a perfect picnic or snack break spot.  

You can also take the funicular up to the University of Zurich where you can get the best view of the city while also providing you with a great place to rest and numerous buildings you can wander about.  

Make sure to take your time walking around the Old Town (Altstadt). You never know what kind of gems you’ll come across. During your stroll, you will most likely come across one of the 1,200 water fountains. These water fountains are completely safe to drink from. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and fill up your water bottle! If you are an active traveler, you can rent a bike for very cheap and zoom around the city from a different perspective.  

A wonderful free thing to do while in Zurich is to visit the Botanical Gardens operated by the University of Zurich. There is a wide array of different biospheres to travel between each one different from the next. If the weather is nice and sunny during your visit to Zurich, you will also see locals enjoying the weather and tanning. If you are on board with the succulent house plant trend, then you may be delighted to know that Zurich has a collection of about 4,000 different species of succulents at The Zurich Succulent Plant Collection all for free to its visitors. The staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about the collection as well taking fun pictures for your Instagram.  

If you love hunting for good deals, then Flohmarkt Kanzlei may be just what you need. This year-round flea market is open every Saturday offering everything one may ever desire, so go ahead and bargain hunt your heart out. 

What to eat in Zurich 

Even if you are traveling on a budget, you still need to eat. Groceries stores offer a great variety of sandwiches as well as hot ready-to-eat dishes.  

While in Zurich, it is fun to pop into one of the many different bars in the city to get a good local beer and pretzel as a side. Ask the bartender to recommend a solid Swiss-made beer depending on your taste. Yes, it’s very touristy and stereotypical but it is a ton of fun and a good excuse to talk to locals. Plus, if you fill up on pretzels and beer you may not need to buy a full meal later on.  

A fun and hip foodie spot in Zurich you shouldn’t miss is Frau Gerolds Garten. This community created out of old cargo boxes has become a local hotspot for shopping and restaurants. Stop by for a great way to end an awesome day in Zurich. If you are a chocolate lover, then Switzerland is your country.  

There are many different chocolate makers located in Switzerland with stores in Zurich. There will be a wide array of flavours and prices. As you walk around the city, you are bound to see at least five different chocolate stores in one afternoon. These chocolates make great souvenirs for your family and treats for yourself. However, many grocery stores offer a huge selection of Swiss-made chocolate at a lower price. 

Plan your trip to Zurich 

If you're looking for a cost-effective, comfortable, and eco-friendly way to get to Zurich, hop on a FlixBus! With affordable fares and convenient schedules, FlixBus makes it easy for you to plan your trip without breaking the bank. You'll be able to enjoy the journey with comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning onboard. Plus, by choosing a bus over a car or plane, you'll be doing your part to protect the environment, as travelling by bus reduces traffic-related emissions and you can help the planet by offsetting your CO₂ emissions when booking your ticket. So, if you're planning a trip to Zurich, why not choose a FlixBus for a budget-friendly, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel experience? 

Buses to Zurich

Find the most affordable bus tickets to Zurich

Looking for affordable tickets to Zurich? We've got you covered! FlixBus has many connections in Switzerland and in many other countries, so no matter where you're traveling from, we've got a trip for you. Hop on board and enjoy your trip with our free Wi-Fi and spacious seats. Booking your ticket is easy, whether you want to do it online, at a sales point, or with our FlixBus App. You can also use the App to manage your bookings and use the digital tickets to get on board. For the most affordable tickets, book in advance – the earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will be!

Why travel to Zurich with FlixBus

FlixBus is the most affordable and convenient way to travel to Zurich. Booking a ticket with FlixBus is very simple: you can choose between different payment methods, such as credit card, Paypal, Google and Apple Pay. Book your ticket online in advance on our website or the FlixBus App, or pay in cash onboard or at a sales point. On top, traveling by bus is one of the most environmentally-friendly options available, as you reduce traffic-related emissions and you can help the planet by offsetting your CO₂ emissions when booking your ticket!

Onboard services

Traveling to Zurich is a very comfortable experience: once you're on board your FlixBus, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy our onboard services. Our buses are equipped with toilets and power outlets, and to make your experience even nicer, they have free Wi-Fi, so you can catch up on emails or watch your favorite show as we take you to Zurich. Do you like to travel by the window? When booking your ticket, you can reserve your preferred seat, and if you want more space or privacy, you can even book the seat next to you for some extra comfort! When it comes to baggage, you can bring whatever you want to Zurich as one stored bag and one carry-on are included in your ticket, free of charge!