Looking for no cost activities in the city? We have many suggestions that are great whether you’re travelling with the family, friends or on your own.
1. Rent a Bike For Free! Yes, bicycles really are for free in Zurich, thanks to the initiative “Züri rollt”. You can pick up a “Gratis Velo” at two different stations (“Swiss National Museum” and “Postbrücke”) all year round and from at more stations in summer. Just download the free app to check live availability and rental locations. Reservations are not possible. All you need to do to rent a bicycle in Zurich is to leave a deposit of 20 CHF. This is definitely one of my favorite free things to do in Zurich! 2. Take the Polybahn up to Polyterasse Polyterasse is a platform in front of Zurich university from where you will have stunning views over Zurich’s old town. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing and people watching on a sunny afternoon since it’s visited by over 30,000 workers and students daily. The Polybahn, a small old tram, takes you up from the city centre (next to the main station) to the panorama terrace in only three minutes for free. No need to spend any money! 3. Uetliberg From Zurich’s most central mountain you have incredible panoramic views over the city, Lake Zurich, Limmat Valley and on a clear day even the Alps. It is especially popular in November, as the summit of this mountain (2,850 feet above sea level) is above the cloud of fog that covers the city of Zurich on many winter days. In summer, you can hike or mountain-bike well-marked routes. In winter, these turn into sledding runs. Even more fascinating is the Planet Trail that takes you on a two-hour tour through a model of the solar system. Everything on Uetliberg is for free and you can reach it via public transport 4. Zoological Museum Go on a free journey into the Animal Kingdom! The museum is home to 1,500 animals, so you can imagine how much there is to explore. Examining insects under magnifying glasses, hearing singing whales and touching the fur of some wild animal species. This museum is open every day of the week and often features special exhibitions, you’ll find more information here. An awesome thing to do for free in Zurich, especially with kids! 5. MyClimate Audio Adventure Go on an interactive listening tour around Zurich for free and learn about climate change in an entertaining way. You can choose between three different stories in English and German, depending on your age (starting from age 5 up to adult listeners). It takes about 2-2 ½ hours and you can choose to walk or do parts of the tour by public transport or Zurich’s free bikes. Just go to the Tourist Information at Zurich main train station and leave a valid ID to get the audio equipment or download the audio data to your smartphone. 6. River Pools One thing very typical and unique to Zurich is the river pools. In summer, you don’t just go to an outdoor pool or a lake to enjoy a refreshing jump in the water. Nope! In Zurich, pools are built into the river Limmat. The water is very clear, unlike in most other rivers. Depending on the weather, Zurich’s river pools are usually open between May and September. There are many “Badis”, but if you’re on a budget you have the choice between a few different free outdoor pools in Zurich centre: 7. Langenberg Wildlife Park Enjoy an afternoon in nature, surrounded by wild animals. You will see many animals from Switzerland in their natural environment, like deer, brown bears, wolves and elks. The park is just outside of Zurich and open all year round, no entrance fee required. 8. Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich Spend a day surrounded by nature. Naturally, the best time to visit a botanical garden is in spring, as all flowers come to life and blossom during this time of year. Around 9,000 different plant species welcome you, spread over an area of 53,000 m². Even during winter or on a bad weather day though you can easily spend half a day at the Botanical Garden in Zurich – the tropical greenhouses are always worth a visit, especially because they are completely free. This Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich is open all year round, every day of the week. 9. FCZ – Zurich’s Football Club Museum For the male share of my readers, this will probably be more interesting than gardens and flowers ? You will learn everything about Zurich’s Football Club since its beginnings in 1896 and about soccer in general – another one of the great free things to do in Zurich! There are seven themed zones that will keep you entertained for a few hours while your wives or girlfriends check out Botanical Gardens and Succulent Collections ? It is closed on Sundays. Sorry guys, bad luck for you! 10. focusTerra Museum of Earth Sciences Go on an ecological exhibition from the center of the earth all the way to the tops of the Alps. Many scientific explanations about the earth are being provided in an entertaining way. Recent topics and environmental issues are addressed as well. The most fun part though is the earthquake simulator. Except for Saturdays, you can enjoy the mix of science and entertainment every day as a completely free thing to do in Zurich. 11. Archaeological Collection Discover original work of arts from ancient populations all over the world. The collection was founded 150 years ago and it’s one of Switzerland’s most important art collections. It is open every day except on Mondays and you don’t have to pay a single $ to get in. Now that’s what I call awesomeness! 12. Zurich Succulent Collection Visit one of the largest collections of succulents worldwide for free. Founded 1931, the area is now home to 6,500 species from more than 70 different families. You will find seven greenhouses and cold frames as well as an outside area, so if you’re a plant lover on a budget, this is your go-to spot. 13. Paleontological Museum See 230-240 million-year-old fossils with your own eyes at this worldwide unique collection in Zurich for free. Virtual exhibitions, models and color illustrations make sure you’ll have an entertaining day if you are interested in these things. Open daily, except for Mondays 14. Belvoir Park Enjoy a long stroll through this historic and peaceful park without spending a $. Surely you will be able to shake off your everyday stress in this amazingly beautiful environment – large meadows, benches, big pools and a pergola guarantee that. And if that’s not enough, you will have terrific views of Lake Zurich, the city and even the surrounding mountains. 15. Rieter Park Beam yourself into the glamor of the 19th century in Zurich’s biggest park. With over 72,000m², this impressive landscape garden offers endless views on the Glarus Alps on a clear day. There’s also a villa in Rieter Park, built in 1855, for which the entrance is free with the Zurich Card. For all budget travelers, the park will be an amazing destination even without going inside, one of my favorite free things to do in Zurich. 16. Zurich Aviary and Bird Sanctuary Admire a wide range of exotic and local birds that have been rescued at this sanctuary since 1898. Up to now, this initiative has helped 2,600 injured birds and even provides a “guesthouse” for birds, whose owners go on vacation. The outdoor aviary is for free and open all year, the indoor enclosure closes on Mondays. 17. Brockenstuben Brockenstuben are Thrift Stores where you can get all kinds of weird, old and funny curiosities, trinkets etc. These traditional stores go all the way back to the 19th century. You should visit at least one of them and bring home a souvenir that will always remind you of your time in Zurich.
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1. Rent a Bike For Free! Yes, bicycles really are for free in Zurich, thanks to the initiative “Züri rollt”. You can pick up a “Gratis Velo” at two different stations (“Swiss National Museum” and “Postbrücke”) all year round and from at more stations in summer. Just download the free app to check live availability and rental locations. Reservations are not possible. All you need to do to rent a bicycle in Zurich is to leave a deposit of 20 CHF. This is definitely one of my favorite free things to do in Zurich! 2. Take the Polybahn up to Polyterasse Polyterasse is a platform in front of Zurich university from where you will have stunning views over Zurich’s old town. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing and people watching on a sunny afternoon since it’s visited by over 30,000 workers and students daily. The Polybahn, a small old tram, takes you up from the city centre (next to the main station) to the panorama terrace in only three minutes for free. No need to spend any money! 3. Uetliberg From Zurich’s most central mountain you have incredible panoramic views over the city, Lake Zurich, Limmat Valley and on a clear day even the Alps. It is especially popular in November, as the summit of this mountain (2,850 feet above sea level) is above the cloud of fog that covers the city of Zurich on many winter days. In summer, you can hike or mountain-bike well-marked routes. In winter, these turn into sledding runs. Even more fascinating is the Planet Trail that takes you on a two-hour tour through a model of the solar system. Everything on Uetliberg is for free and you can reach it via public transport 4. Zoological Museum Go on a free journey into the Animal Kingdom! The museum is home to 1,500 animals, so you can imagine how much there is to explore. Examining insects under magnifying glasses, hearing singing whales and touching the fur of some wild animal species. This museum is open every day of the week and often features special exhibitions, you’ll find more information here. An awesome thing to do for free in Zurich, especially with kids! 5. MyClimate Audio Adventure Go on an interactive listening tour around Zurich for free and learn about climate change in an entertaining way. You can choose between three different stories in English and German, depending on your age (starting from age 5 up to adult listeners). It takes about 2-2 ½ hours and you can choose to walk or do parts of the tour by public transport or Zurich’s free bikes. Just go to the Tourist Information at Zurich main train station and leave a valid ID to get the audio equipment or download the audio data to your smartphone. 6. River Pools One thing very typical and unique to Zurich is the river pools. In summer, you don’t just go to an outdoor pool or a lake to enjoy a refreshing jump in the water. Nope! In Zurich, pools are built into the river Limmat. The water is very clear, unlike in most other rivers. Depending on the weather, Zurich’s river pools are usually open between May and September. There are many “Badis”, but if you’re on a budget you have the choice between a few different free outdoor pools in Zurich centre: 7. Langenberg Wildlife Park Enjoy an afternoon in nature, surrounded by wild animals. You will see many animals from Switzerland in their natural environment, like deer, brown bears, wolves and elks. The park is just outside of Zurich and open all year round, no entrance fee required. 8. Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich Spend a day surrounded by nature. Naturally, the best time to visit a botanical garden is in spring, as all flowers come to life and blossom during this time of year. Around 9,000 different plant species welcome you, spread over an area of 53,000 m². Even during winter or on a bad weather day though you can easily spend half a day at the Botanical Garden in Zurich – the tropical greenhouses are always worth a visit, especially because they are completely free. This Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich is open all year round, every day of the week. 9. FCZ – Zurich’s Football Club Museum For the male share of my readers, this will probably be more interesting than gardens and flowers ? You will learn everything about Zurich’s Football Club since its beginnings in 1896 and about soccer in general – another one of the great free things to do in Zurich! There are seven themed zones that will keep you entertained for a few hours while your wives or girlfriends check out Botanical Gardens and Succulent Collections ? It is closed on Sundays. Sorry guys, bad luck for you! 10. focusTerra Museum of Earth Sciences Go on an ecological exhibition from the center of the earth all the way to the tops of the Alps. Many scientific explanations about the earth are being provided in an entertaining way. Recent topics and environmental issues are addressed as well. The most fun part though is the earthquake simulator. Except for Saturdays, you can enjoy the mix of science and entertainment every day as a completely free thing to do in Zurich. 11. Archaeological Collection Discover original work of arts from ancient populations all over the world. The collection was founded 150 years ago and it’s one of Switzerland’s most important art collections. It is open every day except on Mondays and you don’t have to pay a single $ to get in. Now that’s what I call awesomeness! 12. Zurich Succulent Collection Visit one of the largest collections of succulents worldwide for free. Founded 1931, the area is now home to 6,500 species from more than 70 different families. You will find seven greenhouses and cold frames as well as an outside area, so if you’re a plant lover on a budget, this is your go-to spot. 13. Paleontological Museum See 230-240 million-year-old fossils with your own eyes at this worldwide unique collection in Zurich for free. Virtual exhibitions, models and color illustrations make sure you’ll have an entertaining day if you are interested in these things. Open daily, except for Mondays 14. Belvoir Park Enjoy a long stroll through this historic and peaceful park without spending a $. Surely you will be able to shake off your everyday stress in this amazingly beautiful environment – large meadows, benches, big pools and a pergola guarantee that. And if that’s not enough, you will have terrific views of Lake Zurich, the city and even the surrounding mountains. 15. Rieter Park Beam yourself into the glamor of the 19th century in Zurich’s biggest park. With over 72,000m², this impressive landscape garden offers endless views on the Glarus Alps on a clear day. There’s also a villa in Rieter Park, built in 1855, for which the entrance is free with the Zurich Card. For all budget travelers, the park will be an amazing destination even without going inside, one of my favorite free things to do in Zurich. 16. Zurich Aviary and Bird Sanctuary Admire a wide range of exotic and local birds that have been rescued at this sanctuary since 1898. Up to now, this initiative has helped 2,600 injured birds and even provides a “guesthouse” for birds, whose owners go on vacation. The outdoor aviary is for free and open all year, the indoor enclosure closes on Mondays. 17. Brockenstuben Brockenstuben are Thrift Stores where you can get all kinds of weird, old and funny curiosities, trinkets etc. These traditional stores go all the way back to the 19th century. You should visit at least one of them and bring home a souvenir that will always remind you of your time in Zurich.
One thought on “Free things to do – Zurich”
I have another commitment at same date, next time. Happy & thanks!