Top Rated Attractions in Zurich

Zurich's vibrant and diverse history comes alive Augustinergasse, a historic street which winds through the charming Old Town. Touted as one of Zurich's most colorful streets, Augustinergasse is where lovingly carved, wooden windows embellish picture-perfect buildings gleaming in corals, emeralds and pastels. In the Middle Ages, it was home to a number of local artists, though the street was largely occupied by wealthy factory owners by the 17th Century. Notable landmarks along Augustinergasse include Augustinerkirche, one of the most significant churches in medieval Zurich, and Munzplatz, which served not only as a church but also as a workshop and mint coinage. Perhaps the most striking attribute of these edifices is the strategically crafted oriel windows, which go beyond just being a pretty ornamentation. Through these bay windows, residents could view forthcoming guests, hence buying themselves time to decline them with grace, if they so wished. These buildings which date to as far back as the 14th Century, are presently storefronts brimming with cultural relics, books, souvenirs, clothing and the likes.

Villa Patumbah, built for Karl Fürchtegott in the 1880s, demonstrates an architectural style quintessential of the Renaissance period. Designed by Chiodera and Tschudy, the ornate structure is punctuated by a magnificent piano nobile. A glass-stained dome tops the marble-framed windows, intricate murals and balconies. The villa is surrounded by a verdant landscape of manicured lawns, ponds, fountains and gazebos. It is the present headquarters of the Swiss Heritage Society.

Explore the quiet beauty of Zurich on foot, with knowledgeable guides from Free Walking Tours Zurich to enlighten you every step of the way. Choose from a bevy of tour types, each tour unearthing an interesting nugget of the city. The Downtown Zurich Tour takes you around Paradeplatz, Lindenhof, Niederhof and other hidden gems, while the city's Historical Tour helps you understand the Medieval charm of the city. Other free tour options include the Langstrasse Tour, the New in Zurich Tour and the Zurich West Tour. While the tours are tagged free, it is imperative to note that the organizers do appreciate tips and donations.

Though quite central, Josefstrasse feels like it's way off the beaten path. Traffic - both pedestrian and motorized - is light, making it a pleasant street for strolling. Here you'll find a wide range of stylish boutiques, some of them featuring Swiss designers. In addition to cool clothing and accessories, there are some funky housewares, too. Other shops sell hiking gear, skateboards, books and music, and keep an eye out for the impressive hookah pipe collection at one of the grocery stores. If you happen to get hungry, you can choose from Thai, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian, Japanese and Swiss restaurants.

Museum Sammlung Rosengart is an iconic landmark of fine art in the city. This establishment curates and displays century-spanning artwork by influential artists from across the world. These include masterpieces by Claude Monet, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, and the like. Take a well-interpreted tour of the museum and marvel at thought-provoking sketches, paintings and canvases. The exhibition represents the Impressionism art movement of the 19th Century, as well as the Surrealism and Classical Modernism cultural movements of the early 20th Century. For further research, visitors can pick up books and publications on a range of topics.

Constructed in 1333, Kapellbrücke is the oldest covered wooden bridge in all of Europe. The truss-style landmark crosses the Reuss River and features a prominent water tower, which was originally constructed as part of the fortification for the city and used later as a treasury, prison, and torture chamber. Named after St. Peter's Chapel, the bridge also features paintings dating back to the 1600s. Unfortunately, several of its artworks have been destroyed over time. Today, Kapellbrücke is one of the most photographed landmarks in Lucerne and makes for a supremely pleasant addition to any itinerary.