Zurich has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, with clever planning, you can spend a diverse weekend there 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.
On Wednesday afternoons, the Kunsthaus Zurich is free – a highlight featuring works by Monet, Picasso, and Chagall. The Museum für Gestaltung opens for free to all visitors every Thursday from 5:00 PM.
Budget for this scenario: 0 CHF.
Scenario 2: Hiking and Lakefronts
The Lake Zurich Promenade is one of the most beautiful free activities. The path from Bellevue to Zurichhorn offers views of the lake and the Alps and takes about 2–3 hours.
Alternatively: The Uetliberg Trail starts directly in the city and offers panoramic views over Zurich and the surrounding landscape. Accessible 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 Swimming Areas
Zurich's river baths are completely free. The Flussbad Oberer Letten and Untere Letten offer free showers, toilets, and sunbathing lawns. Ideal for refreshment and relaxation in summer.
The Chinese Garden on Lake Zurich (Bellerivestrasse 138) is a beautiful, free excursion destination with pavilions, bridges, and ponds – a gift from the partner city Kunming.
Budget: 0 CHF.
Scenario 4: Eating Cheap in Zurich
A pro tip for affordable food: The canteens (Mensen) of the University of Zurich or ETH offer not only relatively cheap and good meals but also a beautiful view over the city. Meals cost between 10–15 CHF.
Other budget options:
- Rheinfelder Bierhalle in Niederdorf: Traditional Swiss cuisine with charm
- Kebab stands: Found all over the city, starting from 8–12 CHF
- Buffets at Coop and Migros: Cheaper than restaurants and very diverse
Budget: 10–20 CHF per meal.
Scenario 5: Free Activities and Bicycles
Züri rollt offers free bicycle rentals at Europaplatz – ideal for exploring the city. 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 are free to visit. The churches can be admired from the outside.
The Palm House of the City Garden Center (Stadtgärtnerei) is free and houses over 50 tropical plants – perfect for a tropical vibe in the middle of Zurich.
Budget: 0 CHF.
Total Budget for a Weekend
With these five scenarios, a rich weekend can be spent for about 80–120 CHF per person (including affordable meals and short-haul train tickets). For comparison: A restaurant-focused weekend easily costs three times as much.
Tip: The Zurich Card is only worth it if you plan to visit several paid museums. For a budget weekend, it is not necessary.
Zurich shows: Traveling cheaply is possible – with a little planning and local insider tips.