Zurich is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world, offering a vast line-up of attractions for you to explore. However, it’s a myth that Zurich is expensive and potentially inaccessible for all travellers. Agreed, it can be costly if you opt for a luxury vacation, although there are several ways in which you can affordably explore the city without burdening your pocket. So, on that note, let’s look at some of the best Zurich travel tips to check out the city and its surroundings on a budget.
Budget-Friendly Attractions in Zurich
There are several cheap things to do in Zurich as you will find out. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Free Walking Tours
You can explore Zurich and most of its landmarks for free! Yes, you read that right. Find and book free walking tours that take you across the length and breadth of the city without costing a dime (you can always leave a tip for the guide if you want). For instance, Free Walk Zurich offers tours across Downtown Zurich and also the Zurich West area while also providing a popular Chocolate Tour.
GuruWalk is another option for exploring the Old City and taking lovely photo walks, while Sandemans Tours also takes you through the Old Town, the Paradeplatz, and even Chocolate Tour hotspots like the House Sprungli and more. You can also visit the Grossmunster Church and Lindenhof for free with these tours. Check out the available options and book at the earliest.
Free Attractions in Zurich
There are several other free attractions in Zurich, including several public parks and lovely viewpoints. You can visit the Platzspitz Park and Rieterpark, along with the lovely Lake Promenade and the Backeranlage. Then there’s the Uetliberg which offers stunning mountain views of the lake and Zurich. You can also venture to Lindenhof Hill which is a famous viewpoint for tourists and Rigiblick which can be accessed only by funicular railway.
You can also explore the massive Botanical Gardens for free, checking out the amazing exotic trees, medieval herb garden, palm house, and the greenhouses. Look out for special offers that allow you to check out the art scene in Zurich for free. The Migros Museum, for example, offers free exhibits from time to time and so does the Kunsthaus. Another option is to pick up free bicycles from Zuri Rollt by paying a deposit which is refunded once you return them at the end of the day. Other free attractions include the Freitag Tower and Lake Zurich, where you can swim for free.
Visit the free museums of the University of Zurich, checking out the mammoths, skeletons, and more, or check out the Succulent Plant Collection and James Joyce’s grave. And if you’re feeling adventurous, enter the Langenberg Wildlife Park with its diverse species. Football fans should not miss a trip to the FC Zurich Museum and fabulous collection of trophies, photographs, and films. So, as you can see, there’s a lot that you can do for free during your stay in Zurich.
Affordable Accommodation Choices
Another way to embrace Zurich on a budget is to choose affordable accommodation options. They mostly include the following:
- Budget Hostels- The city is dotted with several budget hostels offering shared accommodation and basic facilities at nominal rates for travellers. If you can spend a little more, try private hostels in strategic locations.
- Affordable Serviced Apartments- You’ll find numerous budget serviced apartments that are located in prime areas and provide home-like and comfortable accommodation with hotel-like services and great amenities. The best part is that they are extremely pocket-friendly, particularly for extended stays. TheSqua.re is a great place to find affordable serviced apartments in Zurich.
Money-Saving Travel Tips for Zurich
Here are some ways in which you can save money during your stay in Zurich.
Zurich Card-
Use the Zurich card strategically to get unlimited second-class travel across trains, cable cars, trams, buses, and boats throughout the city. You also get free/discounted museum entry to the Kunsthaus, Museum Rietberg, and many others. Discounts are also available on the Old Town Walking Tour, selected stores, restaurants, Casino Zurich, nightclubs, and entry to 43 museums.
You can buy it at the SBB Travel Centre or the ticket machines of the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), along with the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV) and online. Prices are CHF 29 (24 hours) or CHF 56 (72 hours).
Additional Tips-
- Get a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel throughout the country (boats, buses, trains, etc.)
- The Swiss Half Fare Card also offers discounts on 50% on public transportation
- Explore the city centre with a free bike rental as mentioned above or walk as much as you can
- Find affordable serviced apartments or hostels outside the city centre for reasonable rates
- Buy groceries from local supermarkets like Migros or Coop and you can easily have the high-quality tap water throughout the city (without buying bottled water). The city has several free water fountains for you to quench your thirst without any costs
- Book free walking tours and list museums and other attractions offering free entry. Make a note of the viewpoints and parks in the city as well
- Consider travelling the off season (autumn or spring) to avoid the crowds and get lower prices on your airfare and accommodation
- Book accommodation and transportation as early as you can to get better prices and availability
- Students can get discounts on specific Zurich attractions along with public transportation facilities
Concluding Notes
Use these Zurich travel tips to explore the city without overspending or blowing a hole in your wallet. The city has plenty of free attractions and activities as listed above, which you can integrate into your itinerary. Make sure you check out as many beautiful parks, scenic viewpoints, and historic museums as you can, while walking or using public transportation to save on costs. If you plan your trip smartly and book affordable serviced apartments in Zurich, you can definitely have the vacation of a lifetime at unbelievably low prices.
