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ZURICH IMAGE LIBRARY ZURICH BROCHURES ZURICH TRADE PORTAL ZURICH WEBSITE
Email: uliana.shtoyko@zuerich.com
Phone number: +41 44 215 40 89
Zurich is a top-choice destination for a diverse range of travellers, including FITs, couples, families and solo adventurers aged 25-65. It caters to those interested in city breaks, culture, history, art, wellness and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Additionally, Zurich appeals to premium travellers and those in search of gourmet experiences.
The city stands out because it seamlessly combines urban sophistication with natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy an enriching cultural experience while having easy access to picturesque Swiss landscapes. Zurich’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for various traveller profiles, offering both vibrant city life and tranquil natural settings.
The best way to reach Zurich from the UK and Ireland is by air or train, depending on the travellers’ preferences. Direct flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin and Edinburgh to Zurich, operated by airlines such as Swiss International Air Lines, take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Air travel offers speed and convenience, making it the quickest option.
It’s also possible to travel to Zurich by train, starting from London St Pancras, with a journey via Paris taking around 8-9 hours. This option is ideal for eco-conscious travellers who value a scenic journey and a relaxed travel experience.
Zurich is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique attractions tailored to different traveller preferences:
Summer (July to August) is the city’s peak season, ideal for those who want to make the most of outdoor activities. The warm weather is perfect for urban swimming, enjoying boat rides on Lake Zurich and exploring the picturesque Swiss mountains. This is also a great time for outdoor festivals and events. However, be prepared for higher accommodation prices and more visitors during these months.
Winter (November to January) is a magical time for winter sports enthusiasts and fans of festive atmospheres. Zurich’s six multifaceted Christmas markets are renowned for their charm and holiday spirit, offering a delightful experience with seasonal foods, crafts and decorations. Snow-covered landscapes around the city provide excellent opportunities for winter sports in the nearby Alps, making Zurich the perfect gateway to winter adventures.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SEASONS IN ZURICH
On a first visit to Zurich, there are several must-see attractions that best represent the city’s essence and charm, offering a blend of historical, cultural, and natural experiences. Some top highlights include:
Zurich Old Town (Altstadt): Zurich offers a 2.000 year old, perfectly preserved historic town, with narrow medieval streets, charming squares, and iconic landmarks such as Grossmunster and Fraumunster churches.
Lake Zurich: Zurich is situated on the shores of Lake Zurich, which forms a picturesque backdrop to the urban landscape. This stunning lake stretches 40 kilometers and offers a variety of activities right at the city’s edge. Visitors can enjoy leisurely boat rides, scenic lakeside walks and charming parks. The lake’s clear waters reflect the surrounding Alpine peaks, creating a serene setting for relaxation and recreation.
Kunsthaus Zurich: Known as Switzerland’s largest art museum, Kunsthaus Zurich houses an impressive collection of Swiss and international art, including works by Alberto Giacometti and Marc Chagall. The Kunsthaus Zurich’s recent extension by renowned architect David Chipperfield is an architectural marvel in itself, offering visitors a captivating blend of modern design and expanded art collections.
Lindt Home of Chocolate: The Lindt Home of Chocolate is the perfect introduction to Switzerland’s well-known chocolate heritage and a must-visit in Zurich, offering an immersive experience into the world of Swiss chocolate through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, tastings and delicious chocolate workshops.
Uetliberg Mountain: For panoramic views of Zurich and the surrounding Alps, a hike or a train trip to the top of Uetliberg is a must. It’s the ideal spot for outdoor activities, photography or a romantic dinner.
For repeat visitors seeking something a bit different, consider these unusual attractions:
Zurich-West: Zurich-West, once an industrial area, has transformed into a vibrant hotspot known for its modern architecture, lively nightlife and eclectic cultural spaces. Explore the trendy Frau Gerolds Garten, a popular spot for casual dining and socialising with its unique garden setting, or visit the impressive Viadukt, a former railway viaduct now home to a bustling market, boutique shop and stylish restaurants. These highlights make Zurich-West a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Zurich’s contemporary flair.
E-Bike Tour Public Art: Discover Zurich’s thriving street art scene with a guided tour that showcases the city’s murals, graffiti, and urban installations. On this city tour with electrically-powered bicycles, participants discover art in public spaces, art on buildings, and hidden or amusing works that only insiders know about. The main focus is on the trendy area of Zurich-West. Thanks to the stylish e-bikes provided by Casino Zurich, it is no problem to reach the works of art, some of which are far apart, in a short time and completely effortlessly.
Botanical Gardens: Zurich’s Botanical Gardens are a hidden gem, offering a peaceful retreat with their meticulously curated landscapes. The gardens feature a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including tropical, Mediterranean and alpine species. This tranquil setting provides a serene environment to appreciate the rich biodiversity and beautifully designed green spaces.
Agents should definitely keep an eye on several exciting hotel openings in Zurich, as the city’s hospitality scene is undergoing significant transformations with both new arrivals and revamped classics.
Zurich offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes, with the Zurich subregion boasting more than 170 hotels, offering a total of 15,123 rooms and 28,385 beds. Stand-out properties that have opened over the past few years include:
Locke am Platz
Located in the Enge district, this extended-stay hotel is a reimagining of the former Ascot Hotel by Edyn Ltd. With 80 rooms designed for longer stays, it blends contemporary style with comfort, making it ideal for both business travellers and those seeking a home-like environment during their leisure visit.
Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich
Previously known as the Savoy Baur en Ville, this iconic downtown hotel reopened under the prestigious Mandarin Oriental brand. With 80 luxurious rooms, it’s set to become a premier choice for travellers looking for top-tier service and an unbeatable location in the heart of Zurich.
The Home Hotel
Opened in summer 2024 in Sihlcity, this 130-room property offers a modern and stylish stay in one of Zurich’s vibrant districts, perfect for leisure and business travellers alike.
Zleep Hotel Zurich Kloten
Opened in autumn 2024, this 90-room hotel in Kloten provides a convenient option for travellers, especially those looking for easy access to Zurich Airport.
Some of the most recent hotels openings from Zurich's 2025 accommodation include:
Mama Shelter
Opened in 2025 in Oerlikon, this trendy hotel brings its signature playful and eclectic style to Zurich, offering 175 rooms designed with a youthful, vibrant vibe.
Villa Florhof
Villa Florhof is a boutique gem opened in downtown Zurich in 2025, featuring 15 exclusive suites and providing a luxurious and intimate experience for discerning guests.
Revier Hotel Neuhausen am Rheinfall
This 140-room hotel in Neuhausen am Rheinfall caters to those wanting to explore the natural beauty of Europe’s largest waterfalls – the Rhine Falls – while enjoying modern comforts.
DISCOVER MORE ACCOMMODATION IN ZURICH
Zurich is the leading Swiss city when it comes to events, offering a vibrant calendar of annual festivals and cultural happenings that can be excellent selling points. The city hosts a range of events that cater to the most diverse of interests, making it a dynamic destination year-round. Key annual events include:
Sechselauten Spring Festival (20 April 2026): A traditional spring festival where locals celebrate the end of winter by burning the Boogg, a symbolic snowman. This colourful event includes a parade with participants in historical guild costumes, making it a unique cultural experience.
Zurich Art Weekend (13-15 June 2026): Held in early June, this event transforms Zurich into a hub of contemporary art, featuring exhibitions, gallery openings, and special events across the city, attracting art lovers from around the world.
Zurich Pride Festival (19-20 June 2026): Zurich Pride is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in Switzerland, taking place in mid-June. The festival includes a colourful parade, concerts, parties, and discussions, celebrating diversity and inclusion in the heart of Zurich.
Zurich Theater Spektakel (August 2026): One of the most important European festivals for contemporary performing arts, this event features an array of performances from theatre, dance, and music to experimental art forms. It takes place along the shores of Lake Zurich, providing a stunning backdrop for the creativity on display.
Zurich Design Weeks (4-14 September 2026): Running throughout September, Zurich Design Weeks highlight the city's innovative design scene with exhibitions, workshops and talks, making it a key event for design professionals and enthusiasts.
Zurich Film Festival (September-October 2026): This internationally recognised festival, held in late September and early October, showcases the best of new cinema from around the world. It’s a prime opportunity for film buffs to enjoy premieres, screenings and events featuring top filmmakers and stars.
Christmas Markets (November-December 2026): Zurich’s six multifaceted Christmas markets, starting in late November, are among the most enchanting in Europe. Highlights include the Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station – the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe – and the market in the Old Town, where festive lights, seasonal treats and handcrafted goods create a magical holiday atmosphere. Don’t miss the performance of The Singing Christmas Tree or a dinner at one of the fondue chalets spread around the city.
MORE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS IN ZURICH
Zurich, often overshadowed by its reputation as a business hub, is in fact a true gem when it comes to leisure travel. This cosmopolitan city, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps, has transformed into a vibrant destination that blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. Today, Zurich stands as a must-see destination in Switzerland, offering a rich cultural scene, diverse activities and premium experiences.
For agents, the key to selling Zurich is to highlight its unique appeal as a compact, yet incredibly rich, leisure destination that caters to a wide range of travellers. Here are some top tips to help successfully promote Zurich:
1. Highlight Zurich’s compactness and accessibility
Zurich’s small size makes it easy for travellers to explore a wide range of attractions without the need for long commutes. Whether it’s historic landmarks, modern galleries, or the serene Lake Zurich, everything is within easy reach, allowing visitors to make the most of their stay.
2. Showcase the rich cultural and leisure offerings
Zurich is brimming with cultural experiences, from its renowned museums and art galleries to its vibrant festivals like Zurich Art Weekend and Food Zurich. This cultural diversity makes Zurich a destination where there’s always something happening, appealing to art lovers, food enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike.
3. Promote Zurich as a gateway to Swiss nature
Zurich’s location in the heart of Switzerland offers easy access to the county's natural wonders. Highlight the proximity to the Alps, scenic boat rides on Lake Zurich and hiking opportunities on Uetliberg Mountain and the nearby region, which make Zurich perfect for clients who want both urban charm and outdoor adventure.
4. Emphasise Zurich’s premium appeal
Zurich is synonymous with luxury and quality, offering upscale shopping, fine dining and world-class accommodation. For clients seeking a high-end experience, emphasise the city’s exclusive offerings, from boutique hotels to gourmet restaurants.
5. Reassure on value despite the premium tag
Zurich delivers excellent value through its high standards of service, cleanliness and safety. Reassure clients that they will receive exceptional quality, making their investment in a Zurich holiday worthwhile.
MORE TOOLS TO HELP YOU SELL ZURICH
When selling Zurich as a destination, agents should highlight the Zürich Card, a valuable product that can greatly enhance their clients' travel experience. The Zürich Card provides unlimited travel by tram, bus, train, boat, and even cable car within the city and surrounding region. It also includes the travel to and from Zurich Airport, as well as free or reduced entry to the majority of the city’s museums, discounts at various restaurants and shops, and additional benefits such as a complimentary short boat trips on Lake Zurich.
The Zürich Card is available for:
24 hours: CHF 29 (approx £26) adults / CHF 19 (approx £17) children (6-15 years old)
72 hours: CHF 56 (approx £50) adults / CHF 37 (approx £33) children (6-15 years old)
Zürich Tourism has launched a new B2B shop specifically designed for travel agents. This platform allows agents to easily book the Zürich Card for their clients, streamlining the process and ensuring a seamless travel experience. This platform offers several advantages:
One-stop shop: a centralised location for Zürich Card purchases with a personal B2B login
Net prices: net prices with a 10% mark-up over recommended gross prices
Direct payment: quick and secure transactions via credit card
Sales reporting: sales reporting tools for effective tracking and management
App integration: upload of Zürich Card tickets directly into the Zurich City Guide App for added convenience
Alternatively, the SBB Swiss Mobility App AgentClient also allows your travel company to book a range of Swiss public transport services, including the Zürich Card, for your customers. A voucher solution is also on the way, which will further simplify transactions and add flexibility for both agents and their clients.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ZÜRICH CARD
