Like you, I was once searching for the best winter things to do, see and eat in Zurich — so here are 13 experiences to help you plan your perfect trip!
To be completely honest, I’ve visited Switzerland before, but I’ve never had the chance to fully explore Zurich. I always treated it as a brief stopover before heading off to discover other parts of the country.
So, on my second visit, I was surprised to find that the city is far more than just a transit point — it’s a vibrant destination worth exploring, especially in winter.
From walking with penguins in a fun parade to exciting snow activities like snowboarding, here are 13 things to do, see, and eat in Zurich during the winter for first-timers!
Things to do and see in Zurich
1) Catch the Penguin Parade at Zoo Zürich
Zoo Zurich is home to over 300 animal species and is easily one of the largest and most impressive zoos I’ve ever visited. I was genuinely amazed by how much space the animals have to roam — it’s clear that their well-being is a top priority.
While most people visit in spring or summer when the weather is pleasant, winter offers a unique charm. When the temperature drops below 10°C, the Penguin Parade begins, and you actually get to walk alongside the penguins as they waddle around. Watching them waddle in circles was a fun and unexpected highlight — a true bucket list moment I’ll never forget!
Besides that, I was also impressed by the mini rainforest, which was carefully arranged to mimic the natural habitat of tropical animals like giant tortoises and iguanas. There’s even a treetop walkway that gives you a unique bird’s-eye view of the lush environment.
Since we visited in winter, stepping into the warm, humid rainforest was like entering another world — it felt surreal to be instantly transported to a tropical climate.
Entrance fee: From CHF31/pax (~S$50) — 10% discount with the Zurich Card
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM (Nov – Feb), 9AM – 6PM (Mar – Oct)
Penguin parade time: 1:30PM (during Winter, Nov – Feb)
Address: Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
How to get there: 5min walk from Zoo Tram Station (Google Maps)
2) Warm up at Hürlimannbad & Spa Zurich
Hear me out — thermal baths in winter just hit differently. Hürlimannbad & Spa Zurich is the ultimate relaxation spot, known for its “Roman-Irish Spa Ritual” (CHF68). This involves moving through 10 stations designed to warm, cleanse, relax, and cool your body.
We went through various saunas, steam rooms, and thermal pools as part of the ritual. The highlight? A rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views over Zurich.
For the full spa experience, visitors can also book treatments and massages starting from CHF60. I never thought I’d be wearing a bikini in 2°C weather, but this experience completely changed my mind. The combination of crisp winter air and 35°C warm water was surprisingly refreshing.
I always joke that if I ever retire in Zurich, you’ll find me in that rooftop pool every single winter day.
Entrance fee: From CHF42/pax (~S$68) for a thermal bath — 10% discount with the Zurich Card
Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM
Address: Brandschenkestrasse 150, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland
How to get there: 7min walk from Enge Tram Station (Google Maps)
3) Ice skate at Dolder Open-Air Ice Rink
Ice skate at Dolder Ice Rink, one of Europe’s largest open-air artificial rinks with 6,000sqm of ice. During Christmas, a giant tree sits in the middle of the rink, adding to the festive vibe.
Skate rentals are just CHF8, making it an affordable way to enjoy the winter magic (with no time limit)! We had such an amazing time, laughing the whole way through! As two tropical girlies who haven’t ice-skated in forever, it was an unforgettable experience.
Entrance fee: CHF8/pax (~S$13) — 50% discount with the Zurich Card
Opening hours: 9AM – 10:30PM, closes at 5:45PM on Sun
Address: Adlisbergstrasse 36, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
How to get there: 4min walk from Bergstation Dolderbahn Station (Google Maps)
*Note: The rink is closed on Wednesdays from 5.30PM – 7PM due to training sessions.
4) View masterpieces by Monet and Picasso at Kunsthaus Museum
Kunsthaus is Switzerland’s largest art museum and spans two buildings. It houses works dating all the way back to the 13th century, including pieces by masters like Picasso and Monet. One of the highlights for us was seeing Monet’s iconic Water Lilies up close — the detail in the oil painting was impressive.
They also host seasonal immersive installations, which make exploring the space even more fun and engaging. We ended up spending way more time there than expected — I kept turning corners and finding new rooms that made me stop and go, “Wow!”
Entrance fee: CHF31/pax (~S$51) — Free with the Zurich Card
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, closes at 8PM on Thu, closed on Mon
Address: Heimpl. 1/5, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
How to get there: 1min walk from Kunsthaus Station (Google Maps)
5) Learn about Swiss cultural history at the National Museum Zurich
Learn about the history of Switzerland at the National Museum Zurich, also known as the Landesmuseum. The museum is housed in a castle-like building that perfectly matches the vibe of the exhibits.
You’ll find fascinating displays of Switzerland’s history, including beautiful gowns from the past and an impressive collection of jewellery. As someone who loves old traditional European ballgowns, stepping into the museum felt like walking onto the set of Bridgerton — I half expected to be announced as the diamond of the season!
Entrance fee: CHF13/pax (~S$21) — Free with the Zurich Card
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM, closes at 7PM on Thu, closed on Mon
Address: Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
How to get there: 1min walk from Zurich Main Station (Google Maps)
6) Indulge in unlimited chocolates at the Lindt Home of Chocolate
If you’re wondering, yes, that is an actual chocolate fountain — the smell of fresh chocolate hits you as soon as you step off the bus! At Lindt Home of Chocolate, learn all about the chocolate-making process through workshops and guided tours.
We got to try melted chocolate and sample the final products, which were absolutely delicious. The highlight is the unlimited Lindt bonbons, available in a variety of flavours like cheesecake and pistachio. It was honestly a chocoholic’s dream come true, and the whole experience was as sweet as I imagined!
Entrance fee: CHF17/pax (~S$28) — 20% discount with the Zurich Card
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM
Address: Schokoladenplatz 1, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland
How to get there: 3min walk from Kilchberg ZH, Lindt & Sprüngli bus stop (Google Maps)
7) Take a day trip to Flumserberg
Just 1.5 hours from Zurich City by train is Flumserberg, a winter paradise loved by locals for activities like cross-country skiing, winter hikes, and snowboarding. We learned how to snowboard with the Swiss Ski School Flumserberg and had the instructor’s full attention the whole time — though ngl, an hour is definitely not enough!
I was a mix of excited and slightly terrified at first, but once I got the hang of it (kind of), it was actually so much fun. I spent more time falling than riding, but couldn’t stop laughing the whole way through. It was such a fun (and slightly chaotic) intro to snow sports, and I’d totally do it again.
If you’d like to take it easy, go for a hike on the Madilsrundweg trail. It’s a pretty simple hike, mostly flat, and takes about 50 minutes to complete.
We started at Restaurant Sennästube, which sits right by the trail, and followed the path in a full loop since it’s a circular hike. But we were so mesmerised by the beauty at every corner that our 50-minute hike turned into a 3-hour adventure — but hey, we got a ton of cute pictures!
*Pro-tip: Follow the pink poles for the hiking trails! The yellow poles are for cross-country skiers.
Swiss Ski School Flumserberg
Cost: From CHF50/pax (~S$81)
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 12:15PM, 1PM – 5PM
Address: Flumserbergstrasse 196, 8898 Flumserberg Tannenbodenalp, Switzerland
How to get there: From Zurich Main Station, take a 55min train ride on IC3 to Sargans Train Station. From there, take a 40min bus ride on 441 to Flumserberg, Tannenboden Dorf Station (Google Maps)
Madilsrundweg Trail Hike
Entrance fee: Free
Duration: ~1hr
Starting point: Restaurant Sennästube, Flumserberg (Google Maps)
Bonus: 8) Get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets
If you’re in Zurich during the Christmas season, the Christmas markets are in full swing. But one thing I noticed is that, unlike other European countries, the markets in Zurich end on Christmas Eve.
Some of my favourite markets include the one at Zurich Sechseläutenplatz — one of the city’s largest outdoor Christmas markets. It has around 100 stalls set up right in front of the Opera House.
Another market I really enjoyed is the Singing Christmas Tree. It’s a daily show where performers sing Christmas carols while standing on a tiered stage shaped like a giant Christmas tree
*Pro-tip: Check the dates before you go, as all Christmas markets run on different schedules.
Things to Eat in Zurich
From Swiss favourites like rösti and fondue to Asian comfort food like siumai and dumplings, these are some of our go-to spots — just make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment!
9) Enjoy cheese fondue in a “cable car” at Gstaad Fondue Gondola
What better way to indulge in a winter vibe than enjoying a cheese fondue at Gstaad Fondue Gondola — though it isn’t moving! The set included the fondue, along with bread, potatoes, and a bottle of wine for CHF124 (2 pax). We were also provided with blankets and pillows to keep warm and cosy.
However, it wasn’t quite as warm as we’d hoped, as there’s no heater in the gondola, so we were pretty much freezing! It was definitely a vibe, though — despite the cold, dipping into the warm cheese made it totally worth it.
Cost: CHF124 for 2 pax (~S$202)
Opening hours: 12PM – 8:30PM, closed on Sun
Address: Adlisbergstrasse 36, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
How to get there: 4min walk from Bergstation Dolderbahn Station (Google Maps)
10) Feast on authentic Swiss dishes at Restaurant Zum Kropf
Restaurant Zum Kropf is well known for its traditional Swiss dishes, and it seems to be one of those spots that’s always busy — it was fully booked even on a weekday when we went. They serve traditional Swiss dishes like rösti and schnitzel. We managed to try the veal schnitzel, and it was really tender and juicy!
The restaurant is set in a 15th-century building with old murals, painted ceilings, and wooden panels. The space feels a bit like stepping into a piece of Swiss history — definitely different from the usual restaurant setting.
*Pro-tip: Show your Zurich Card and receive a free apple crumble dessert!
Cost: ~CHF30/pax (~S$49)
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 2PM & 6PM – 11PM (Mon – Fri), 6PM – 11PM (Sat), closed on Sun
Address: In Gassen 168001 Zürich
How to get there: 2min walk from Paradeplatz Station (Google Maps)
11) Sample a taste of Italy at Più
Più might serve some of the best pizzas and pastas I’ve ever had — or maybe I was just starving! They offer handmade, wood-fired pizzas and pastas, so it’s definitely worth trying both.
Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable compared to most restaurants in Zurich, where a typical meal can cost between CHF25 – CHF40. At Più, a pizza costs around CHF20 and can easily be shared between two people, making it a great deal.
We tried the Margherita pizza and Paccheri pasta, and both were absolutely delicious. The pizza wasn’t too tomatoey, and each dish had perfectly balanced flavours. We loved the food so much that we went back for lunch on our last day in Zurich!
Cost: ~CHF30/pax (~S$49)
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 11PM, closes at 10PM on Sun (Più Europaallee)
Address: Kasernenstrasse 958004 Zürich
How to get there: 2min walk from Zurich Main Station (Google Maps)
12) Wine and dine at the fancy Loft Five
Photo credit: Zurich Tourism
Loft Five is a bar and restaurant with an atas vibe, perfect for special occasions. It’s like a fancy restaurant and bar combined, with sleek decorations and loud music that creates a vibrant atmosphere.
The menu focuses on meat dishes like Tomahawk steak and veal cordon bleu. I had the veal cordon bleu and was genuinely sad when it was gone — it was that good. Between the food and the atmosphere, it ended up being one of the more memorable spots from the trip.
Cost: ~CHF60/pax (~S$98)
Opening hours: Varies
Address: Europaallee 158004 Zürich
How to get there: 1min walk from Zurich Main Station (Google Maps)
13) Satisfy your Asian cravings at Rooftop
For a taste of Asia in Zurich, Rooftop Restaurant is a great spot to try. They offer a variety of dishes, from Chinese favourites like siumai and dumplings to Thai specialities like Panang Curry Chicken. Our favourite dish was the Thai Panang curry rice — it was rich in coconut flavour and not too spicy.
Photo credit: Zurich Tourism
And true to its name, the restaurant offers a beautiful view of Bahnhofstrasse from above. Since we visited during the Christmas season at night, we were treated to the stunning Lucy Lights — fairy lights that illuminate the shopping street throughout the festive season.
Cost: ~CHF60/pax (~S$98)
Opening hours: Varies
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 748001 Zürich
How to get there: 4min walk from Zurich Main Station (Google Maps)
Tips for planning your first trip to Zurich
Before going to Zurich, I always thought there wouldn’t be much to do there besides visiting the Lindt Home of Chocolate. But Zurich offers more than just a quick stopover (especially in Winter).
From relaxing in 35°C waters while it’s freezing outside to catching the penguin parade at the zoo, the city is full of unique experiences. And to help you make the most of your visit, here are some tips!
1) Get the Zurich Card for discounts
The Zurich Card comes in two options: 24-hour and 72-hour pass. We got ours on Klook and it gave us free, unlimited public transportation within Zurich, covering everything from buses and trams to trains and boats.
But it doesn’t just cover public transport — it also gives you discounts on top attractions like the Lindt Home of Chocolate and the Swiss National Museum.
Plus, you can enjoy extras at participating restaurants — flash your card at places like Restaurant Zum Kropf and get a free apple crumble.
*Pro-tip: Use the code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> for 5% off your purchase on Klook!
2) Check train schedules easily with the SBB app
To make your journey smooth and easy, download the SBB app to check train schedules and see how crowded the trains are before you hop on! By checking the timings in advance, we were able to better plan our day and make the most of our time, instead of spending it waiting around at the train station!
3) Check live webcam on websites to see real-time weather and plan your trip
Imagine travelling all the way, only to have your plans ruined by bad weather. Especially when heading to places like Flumserberg, you don’t want cloudy skies or rain to mess up your mountain adventure. Check the live webcam before you go to avoid a wasted trip and make sure the weather’s on your side!
Want to explore more of Switzerland? Be sure to read these guides and itineraries too:
– 7D Zurich and Surrounds Winter Itinerary for First-timers — Zurich, Einsiedeln and Flumserberg
– 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary — 6 Cities Under S$2.3k with the Swiss Travel Pass
– Switzerland 14 Best Things to Do — From Iconic to New Attractions
– Budget Switzerland Hotels and Hostels — Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St Moritz
Any other interesting things to do in Zurich? Let us know in the comments below and we might include it in this listicle!
