Zurich tours

Things to do in Zurich

Zurich, a city where the charm of the medieval mingles seamlessly with modern flair, is alive with creativity and tradition. The Limmat River courses through its heart, and with your local guide, Zurich transforms beyond a checklist of landmarks. Explore the vibrant art scene in Kreis 5 or delight in Swiss culinary creations on a food and wine tour. Your guide helps you sidestep the lines at the Kunsthaus, unravelling the stories etched into the city's historic facades. Zurich beckons you to peel back its layers, each moment crafted into a memory with your guide’s touch. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Zurich. Explore Zurich your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Zurich tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Zurich for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Hike the ridge from Uetliberg to Felsenegg for city-to-Alps views, then drop into the Sihlwald for a quiet forest loop where deer and woodpeckers are regular sightings. For birding, circle Greifensee on flat paths and return to the city by S-Bahn. History tours: Trace Roman, medieval and guild life through the Altstadt, stepping into Grossmünster’s towers, Fraumünster’s Chagall windows and the Lindenhof overlook, with stops at storied Zunfthäuser along the Limmat. Add the Swiss National Museum for context on the confederation and everyday objects you’ll see on the streets. Food and Drink tours: Snack through Bürkliplatz or Helvetiaplatz markets, taste bean-to-bar at a chocolatier, then sit down for fondue at Le Dézaley or raclette in a cosy Stube. Cap it with a craft beer at TurbinenBräu or a cupping at award-winning roaster MAME on a food-focused tour. Most sights cluster within a walkable core, and trams, trains and boats connect everything quickly and reliably. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Zurich inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour of Zurich, guided by a local who will introduce you to its diverse neighborhoods. There’s no substitute for local insight when it comes to exploring a city’s true character. - Old Town (Altstadt): With its narrow streets and historic buildings, this area is ideal for those interested in Zurich’s past. It’s a lively hub where history enthusiasts can soak up tales from centuries ago. - Zurich West: A trendy neighborhood perfect for cultural tourists and those seeking contemporary art and design. It’s a vibrant area with a mix of modern architecture and cultural venues. - Seefeld: Nestled along the lake, this neighborhood is great for families and those who enjoy outdoor activities. The area offers parks and lakeside paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. - Niederdorf: Known for its lively atmosphere, this area is filled with cafes, shops, and nightlife. It caters to those looking for a fun and energetic vibe in the heart of Zurich. Day trip ideas from Zurich From Zurich, you can slip into nearby cities and lake towns that switch up the scenery fast, and these easy day trips pair well with your tour so you see more without spending your whole day on the road. - Lucerne: Walk the frescoed old town and the Chapel Bridge, then add lake views and a simple mountain viewpoint if you like; your tour can balance a relaxed city wander with time by the water so history lovers and photo fans both get what they want. - Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein: Feel the spray at Europe’s largest waterfall, then step into a compact medieval centre filled with painted facades; nature seekers get drama at the falls, while the village offers calm streets, river paths, and easy cafés that fit a slow-paced day. - Bern: Switzerland’s capital mixes arcaded streets, the clock tower, and Aare River lookouts, and your tour can weave in market stops or a short riverside walk so you get solid history with room to breathe between sights. - Appenzell and the Alpstein foothills: Painted houses, cheese traditions, and rolling green hills set a rural tone, and you can shape the day around a village walk, a dairy visit, and light trails that suit casual hikers and food fans alike. - Rapperswil-Jona on Lake Zurich: A short hop brings you to the rose town with a hillside castle, vineyards, and the long wooden footbridge across the lake; your tour can mix old-town corners with shoreline time, or ride the ferry one way for a simple, scenic loop. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Zurich most travellers miss.