Top Rated Attractions in Zurich

The Kunsthaus Zurich is among the most prominent fine arts museums in the city and is renowned for its 19th and 20th-century collections. It includes pieces by Chagall, Mondrian, Munch and other masters. Those who favor Impressionist artists will be delighted to find two of Monet's best waterlily paintings here. Modern art is not forgotten, with works by Beuys, Baselitz and Bacon flying the flag. At the entrance, you will find an elaborately stocked art bookshop. Refresh yourself at the café bar or restaurant.

Nestled along the fringes of Lake Zurich, the Zürich Opera House, known locally as Opernhaus Zürich, has a history dating as far back as 1834. Its stately facade, fashioned in white and grey sandstone, gives way to interiors which are just as regal, adorned with gorgeous carved paintings of maestros like Schiller, Mozart, Shakespeare, Goethe, and Weber. Touted as one of the world's smallest opera houses, this neo-classical edifice yet stands magnificent bearing a stunning repertoire of theater, ballet, premiers and the like. It has established itself as one of the pioneers in the rich and eclectic course of Swiss arts and culture. Currently housing the Bernhard-Theater Zürich and the Zürich Ballet, this award-winning opera house brings to mind the past glories of the iconic operatic and theatrical cultures of Switzerland.

Crowning the picture-perfect Weinegg Quarter, this university garden is enlivened by a vivid tapestry of botanical wonders. It is an integral part of the Institute of Systematic Botany. Constructed across its verdant meadows are bubble-style greenhouses, bountiful harbors of plants which lovingly call to mind the clear weather and vibrant landscapes of the Mediterranean and the Tropics. Come spring, the garden comes alive with a burst of mesmerizing blooms while droves of frogs croon into its glimmering pond. From alpine roses and water plants to native European and primitive species, the garden strives to be an embodiment of both research and recreation, creating a gardenscape which is a spectacular feast for the senses.

Flanked by verdant hills, the majestic Lake Zurich spans the cantons of Zürich, St. Gallen and Schwyz. The lake is bridged by the Seedamm at the point where it narrows, diving Lake Zurich into two distinct parts. Carved out by the ambling Linth River, this enormous lake is fringed by vineyards, orchards and splendid alpine hillocks. Myriad cruise ships ply its shimmering, blue-green waters, making it an ideal tourist destination replete with opportunities for adventure. Along its banks lie a wide variety of lake-view restaurants where patrons can relish 'Fischknusperli', a dish made using fish straight from the lake's depths. In addition, Lake Zurich is a popular windsurfing destination, and several idyllic hiking and biking trails wind around its perimeter. Particularly on public holidays, the lake is swarmed by boats and its banks with strolling people.

Amid the city's bustle lies a serene sanctum complete with tree-lined walkways and the ornate Hedwig Fountain. This moraine hill-top space is a picturesque canvas and a nationally significant Swiss heritage site. Evidence of early activity dates back to the 2nd Century, and it is believed that the former castle remained standing through the 6th Century. Lindenhof also became a center of political activity and significant historic events. Home to the antiquated Lindenhof quarter, Lindenhof hill is where a synergy of history, culture, and natural beauty takes center stage. What today stands as an open verdant space is an erstwhile Celtic settlement harboring a Roman fortress, the ruins of which are still visible today. This scenic, emerald-hued expanse affords sweeping views of Old Town's charming roofed houses, the meandering waters of the Limmat River, and even the distant, mighty Swiss Alps.

The Predigerkirche in Zurich is a beautiful protestant church with spectacular architecture. It is was built somewhere in the 13th Century and was run by Dominican monks but was turned into a protestant church after the Zwingli Reformation. Besides the wooden church pews, the side aisle has a library and a seating area with chairs for lunch that is served every Sunday. Almost every evening the church is a venue for Christian concerts.