Zurich has some stunning views waiting to be discovered, even if they are not apparent at first glance.
And if you are exploring Zurich for a day or two, you have to make time to see some of these views.
One thing I love about Switzerland is that all its major cities are built next to stunning natural landscapes. Whether it’s a lake, mountains, river, or all of the above, it connects city life to nature.
You will find the best viewpoints below if you want to see Lake Zurich in all its glory, the Old Town, famous churches, and more.
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Grossmünster
One of the best views in Zurich can be found in the heart of the Old Town on the banks of the Limmat River at Grossmünster Church.
Grossmünster Church is a stunning Romanesque Cathedral that dates back to the 12th century and is a gorgeous building. So much so that it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Zurich.
Make sure to see the notable stained glass windows, the stunning towers, and the wonderful interior. Historically, this Grossmünster Church was a Catholic place of worship but was converted to a Protestant church during the Reformation.
But what about the beautiful views? On a clear day, you can climb the 187 steps to the top of one of the towers of this great church for a perfect view of the city, Lake Zurich, and even the neighboring Alps. It costs 5 CHF to enter and you can grab a ticket in the back corner before you go up.
It’s a bit tight as you ascend the spiral staircase, but it soon opens into a wooden structure with lots of space. The viewing area is closed for safety, but you can get your camera up to the grate and still get epic shots.
You can look down onto the Limmat River, the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, the Fraumunster, St. Peterskirche Clock, and the city’s rooftops.
Clouds
With a name like Clouds, you would expect some of the best views in Zurich. Clouds is a restaurant and bar on the 35th floor of Prime Tower in the city center.
It is located next to the Zurich Hardbrücke train station, so it couldn’t be easier to get to or find since it is a huge tower.
From Clouds, you will see panoramic views of the city, the rooftops, and Zurich Lake. You can stop in for a fancy cocktail while admiring the beautiful views, or if you enjoy some fine dining, you can book a table at the excellent restaurant.
Clouds face predominantly west, which means for the best views, try and plan your arrival just before sunset. You will see the sun setting over the lake and the colors transforming the sky into a stunning palette.
The restaurant serves fine European dishes while the bar is all about signature cocktails specializing in gin, and there is a bistro for a few light snacks.
Lindenhof
Lindenhof is located in the heart of the city center, and it is a park and square at the top of Lindenhof Hill. The only way to get to Lindenhof is by walking, so you will have to hike uphill for a while, but for some of the best views in Zurich, it’s worth it.
From Lindenhof, you get beautiful views of the medieval houses, the old town, the west bank of the Limmat River, Grossmünster Church, and City Hall, too!
It is said that all paths lead to Lindenhof from the Old Town, making it a famous historical meeting point. It is a relaxing place, soaking in the views while sitting on benches under lovely trees.
You can also play chess here too and you will find that lots of locals and tourists enjoy this area too. But, being so big, Lindenhof never feels crowded, and you can always find a little spot to yourself.
There are also a few statues in Lindenhof Park to admire while you are there too!
Uetliberg
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Mount Uetliberg is known as Zurich’s little mountain and certainly offers one of the best views in Zurich. Sitting outside of the city to the west, Mount Uetliberg is easy to get to, and it offers some stunning hiking trails, too, if you want to escape the busy streets for a day.
From the top of Mount Uetliberg, you can look back onto Lake Zurich and see clear panoramic views of the city and the Alps, too.
You can hike up to the peak of Mount Uetliberg from Zurich if you are up for a challenge. It takes about 2 hours to get up there, and there are more hiking trails to discover on the peak, too.
If a long hike isn’t quite what you are looking for, you can take the S10 train from Zurich HB station, directly to the top of the mountain. Once you have taken in the beautiful views, you can hike back down the mountain, eat and drink at the mountain-top restaurant, and lots more.
Uetliberg and the chain or hills along Lake Zurich are great places to hike near Zurich on a weekend or later summer’s evening.
Polyterrasse
Polyterrasse is an observation deck that is a part of Zurich University, but you don’t have to be a student to see some of the best views in Zurich as it is open to the public.
From Polyterrasse, you can see panoramic views of Zurich, historical buildings, and the mountains beyond. One of the key landmarks to spot is the town of the famous Fraumünster Church.
Once you have taken in the beautiful rooftop view, you can visit one of the many cafes and bars nearby. It is also very close to the many museums connected to the university, so you can make a day of it.
Getting to Polyterrasse is relatively easy, and you need to hop on the Polybahn funicular from Mühlsteg Bridge to the ETH Zurich station at the University campus.
Loorenkopf Tower
The Loorenkopf Tower offers some of the best views in Zurich without question, but it is not in the city. You must go on a little hike into the hills to experience this view.
The Loorenkopf Tower is located east of the city on the Adlisberg mountain. It is a wooden tower in the middle of a forest that towers above the canopy and provides panoramic views of the city, Lake Zurich, and the hills and mountains beyond it.
Getting to the Loorenkopf Tower is an awesome experience in itself, and you should reserve it for a day when you want a break from the busy city and want to get back into nature.
You can hike directly from Old Town Zurich, and following Google Maps, you will be at the Loorenkopf Tower in just over an hour. The hike is lovely, taking you through the forests and hills. You can also rent a bike and ride there following the biking trails.
It is worth the effort as you get one of the absolute best views of Zurich and the surrounding countryside. Be sure to choose a clear day and why not take a picnic.
Zurich Thermal Baths & Spa
Zurich Thermal Baths & Spa is located on the western side of Zurich and has one of the best views in Zurich. Imagine soaking in a spa with breathtaking views of the city, Lake Zurich, and more.
The Zurich Thermal Baths & Spa is open every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering a rejuvenating spa experience and a view. You can book everything from saunas to hot tubs, massages, thermal baths, and more.
For a panoramic view, head to the top floor of the building, where you will find a heated outdoor pool. Enjoy panoramic views in every direction while swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the warm waters on the roof.
Talk about combining a traditional Swiss experience with spectacular views, but that is what the Swiss are all about.
You can find the Zurich Thermal Baths & Spa at 150 Brandschenkestrasse. It is easy to get to, just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, or hop on a bus or the metro.
Limmatquai
There is nothing like taking a stroll through a city and enjoying a new beautiful view of the city with almost every step you take. That is what the street of Limmatquai offers you in Zurich, as it follows the eastern bank of the Limmat River through the Old Town.
Limmatquai is known as one of the most beautiful streets in Zurich, and as you walk along this 1 km stretch, you will see a ton of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
The old buildings, Grossmünster, Fraumünster Church, Rathaus, and Münster Bridge are all notable sites you can see along the way.
At the end of Limmatquai, you will find yourself at Lake Zurich and it is the ending that has the best view for me. As you stand on the shores of Lake Zurich and gaze across it, you realize the magnitude of the nature surrounding you.
