Did you know that Zurich is one of the most winter-friendly cities in the world?
But Zurich is not only a winter holiday destination: if you are considering moving, here are the pros and cons of living in Zurich. Thanks to its proximity to several ski areas, it offers plenty of winter sports and culinary, shopping and cultural opportunities.
Let’s see them together!
Top things to do in Zurich in winter
1. Walking Around The City
The first activity you should absolutely do is just walking around the city to:
- See the Limmat river and the Old Town behind it, enjoying a beautiful sunrise;
- Walk down from Lindenhof to reach the Münster Bridge and visit the Fraumünster Church;
- Walk along the Limmat in the evening, stopping at La Rôtisserie restaurant to enjoy a wonderful view on the Grossmünster;
- Reach the Quay Bridge and Lake Zurich and sit on a bench to admire the view.
2. Visit the Christmas markets
The Christmas atmosphere in Zurich is truly magical, thanks to a mix of fascinating Christmas markets, events, lights and music that are not to be missed!
We recommend a visit to these Christmas markets:
- The ” Dörfli-Weihnachtsmarkt” in Niederdorf: the oldest in Zurich, a small world of its own with a varied offer;
- The“Singing Christmas Tree” and the “Wiehnachtsmärt“: along the Bahnhofstrasse, where various choirs perform their Christmas repertoire;
- The Christkindlimarkt at the main railway station: one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe with no less than 140 stalls;
- The Wienachtsdorf am Bellevue: the Christmas village on the lakeside opposite Zurich Opera House, with a wide range of food and handicrafts as well as an ice rink.
3. Having the Time of Your Life at the Ice Skating Rinks
What’s more, Zurich offers several exciting Ice Skating Rinks like the above-mentioned ice rink at the Bellevue Christmas Market, next to the Zurich Opera House, which is up from mid-November to mid-December, where you can easily rent your skates.
And then, near the Opera House, you may also enjoy the famous Fondue Chalet restaurant!
4. Eating Fondue and Raclette
As we were mentioning, you should absolutely try out the traditional Swiss Fondue and Raclette!
Fondue consists of a mixture of melted cheese inside a special pot – called ‘caquelon ‘ – where you dip pieces of bread. This is a speciality that you can enjoy in one of the best restaurants, boats, trams and chalets.
On the other side, raclette is a national dish that consists of a pure melted cheese poured over roasted or cooked potatoes.
5. Tasting Hot Chocolate
In Zurich, drinking hot chocolate is a tradition known as ‘Heisse Schoggi’, which can be enjoyed in any cafés, including:
- Teecafé Schwarzenbach, in the heart of Zurich’s Niederdorf quarter;
- Café Confiserie Sprüngli, at Paradeplatz, one of the city’s most famous café-salons;
- Café Felix, at Bellevue, a popular meeting place;
- Barchetta Bar & Lounge, on the River Limmat.
6. Joining Carnival Events
Last but not least, you can’t miss joining the Fasnacht event, a Swiss tradition when Zurich becomes colorful and wild for three days, thanks to the ZüriCarneval parade (from February 28 to March 1), its masks, the traditional “Guggenmusik” melodies, and the marching bands in the heart of the Niederdorf quarter!
