Zurich has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. But with clever planning, you can spend a diverse weekend without burning a hole in your pocket.
Scenario 1: Free Culture and Nature
The Natural History Museum is completely free of charge. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The University's Botanical Garden is also free and open daily.
A real highlight on weekends is the focusTerra research exhibition at ETH (Sonneggstrasse 5). It is open to the public for free on Sundays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and offers fascinating insights into the world of geology. The Museum of Design also opens for free every Thursday from 5:00 PM for all visitors.
Budget for this scenario: 0 CHF.
Scenario 2: Hiking and Lakeside
The Lake Zurich Promenade is one of the most beautiful free activities. The walk from Bellevue to Zürichhorn offers views of the lake and the Alps and takes about 2–3 hours.
Alternatively: The Uetliberg path starts directly in the city and offers panoramic views over Zurich and the surrounding landscape. Reachable by train (short-haul ticket approx. 2.50 CHF).
Other popular routes can be found on Zurich Tourism, including the Sihlwald wilderness trail (2 hours, 6.2 km).
Budget: 0–5 CHF for public transport.
Scenario 3: River Baths and Free Lakeside Areas
The river baths in Zurich are completely free. The Oberer Letten river bath and Unterer Letten offer free showers, toilets, and sunbathing areas. Ideal for refreshment and relaxation in summer.
The Chinese Garden at Lake Zurich (Bellerivestrasse 138) is a beautiful, free destination with pavilions, bridges, and ponds – a gift from the partner city of Kunming.
Budget: 0 CHF.
Scenario 4: Eating Cheap in Zurich
A secret tip for affordable meals are the cafeterias (Mensen) of the University of Zurich and ETH. Although it is not widely known, external visitors are explicitly welcome. The main cafeteria of the University of Zurich is located directly in the impressive main building (Zentrum), while the ETH cafeteria at the Irchel campus offers a green environment. Meals for external guests usually cost between 12–18 CHF.
A little-known pro tip: The SBB Restaurant Oase right at the main station is also open to the public and offers solid prices in an otherwise very expensive area.
Further budget options:
- Rheinfelder Bierhalle in the Niederdorf: Traditional Swiss cuisine with charm
- Kebab stands: Found all over the city, from 10–13 CHF
- Buffets at Coop and Migros: Cheaper than restaurants and very diverse
Budget: 12–22 CHF per meal.
Scenario 5: Free Activities and Bicycles
Züri rollt offers free bicycle rentals at Europaplatz – ideal for city exploration. Zurich's more than 1,200 free fountains provide drinking water, saving you from buying expensive bottles.
Explore the Old Town on foot: Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and the cobblestone alleys can be visited for free. The churches can be admired from the outside.
The Palmenhaus (Palm House) of the City Nursery is free and houses over 50 tropical plants – perfect for a tropical feeling in the heart of Zurich.
Budget: 0 CHF.
Total Budget for a Weekend
With these five scenarios, a rich weekend can be spent for about 90–130 CHF per person (including meals and minor transport costs). For comparison: a classic tourist weekend can easily cost three times as much.
Tip: The Zurich Card is only worth it if you visit several paid museums. For a budget weekend, it is not necessary.
Zurich shows: Budget travel is possible – with a little planning and local insider tips.