Holiday Inn Zürich Messe, an IHG Hotel

The best time to visit Zurich is from June to August, when temperatures are warmest at around 25°C and rain is less frequent than in May. September is also pleasant, with mild days around 20°C. The rainiest stretch is May, with 19 rain days, while October and November are damp and humid. Winter months are cold and grey, with highs near 5°C.

Stay in the old town, Rathaus-Hochschulen-Lindenhof-City, for easy access to sights like Grossmünster and Lindenhof, with hotels like Storchen and Baur au Lac. For a quieter, upscale stay, Enge near the lake suits those wanting a relaxed base, with Alden Suite nearby. West Zurich around Escher Wyss is convenient for modern hotels like Novotel and Renaissance, close to the river and tram links. Choose the old town for first-time visitors, Enge for calm, and West for a contemporary feel.

Start with Grossmünster, the city's iconic twin-towered church, and Lindenhof, a hilltop square with views over the old town. The Swiss National Museum traces Swiss history in a castle-like building. Zoo Zürich is a large, well-regarded zoo with natural habitats. For a panorama, climb the Uetliberg tower, and MFO-Park offers a modern, vertical garden park.

Day trips from Zurich head to the Bernese Oberland, including Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen, with their alpine scenery and waterfalls. The Jungfraujoch tour reaches the high-altitude saddle with views of the Aletsch Glacier. Lucerne and Mount Titlis or Mount Pilatus combine a lakeside city with cable-car rides to snowy peaks. These tours cover the highlights in a single day.

Plan 2 to 3 days in Zurich. In two days, you can see the Old Town highlights like Grossmünster and Lindenhof, visit the Swiss National Museum, and enjoy the views from Uetliberg. Add a third day for Zoo Zürich or MFO-Park. If you want to take a day trip to the Alps or Lucerne, plan an extra day.