Zurich wasn’t always the polished, global city it is today. It started out as a swamp by the Limmat, its name probably coming from the Celtic word Turus (meaning “river”). Now it’s one of the most international cities in Switzerland, loved and hated by the Swiss for its typical Züri-people stereotypes: cold, rich, reserved. But stick around long enough, and you’ll discover a much warmer, more surprising side.
My life in Züri
I’ve been in Zurich for three years now, and while I wouldn’t call myself an “expert,” I’ve definitely learned my way around. For me, it’s one of the best cities to live in: small enough to walk or bike everywhere, big enough to have culture and nightlife, and green enough to escape into nature in minutes.
Around 30% of Zurich’s residents are international: so while Swiss German (Züritüütsch) is the local tongue, everyone speaks English. Don’t let the language scare you off.
This guide is for anyone coming here for the first time. Yes, I’ll cover the postcard-perfect highlights, but also the little stories and tricks I wish I’d known as a visitor.
Before you visit
- Transport: Get a Saver Day Pass (as low as CHF 29 if booked early). One ticket covers trains, trams, buses, boats, and even ferries.
- Water: Don’t buy bottles. Zurich has 1,200 fountains, all safe to drink from.
- Sundays: Shops close. Do what locals do: hike, swim, ski, or linger in cafés. (Train station supermarkets stay open).
- Trams: They have priority. Always.
- Roaming & Money: Switzerland isn’t in EU roaming. Grab an eSIM (Airalo/Holafly) and use Revolut or Wise for payments. Cash is optional.
Zurich’s Kreis
Zurich is split into 12 districts, called Kreis. Together they form “Zone 110” in the transport map. Each has its own flavor, quirks, and stereotypes.
I’ve highlighted with a ⭐️ all the must-see places.
Kreis 1 (old town & city center)
This is Zurich’s city center. On one side you’ve got Paradeplatz, home to bankers in suits and Sprüngli’s famous Luxemburgerli macarons. On the other, the winding alleys of Niederdörfli ⭐️, where history, bars, and backpackers all mix together. Walk down Bahnhofstrasse ⭐️, one of the world’s priciest shopping streets, then get lost in Niederdorf’s cobbled lanes that feel centuries older. In winter, this whole district turns into a fairy tale: Christmas lights at the train station, mulled wine at Sechseläutenplatz. And for a culture fix, the National Museum (Landersmuseum) and Kunsthaus Zürich keep your brain as full as your stomach.
👉🏻 Grossmünster: The iconic church with twin towers that dominate Zurich’s skyline.
👉🏻 Fraumünster: Famous for its Chagall stained-glass windows.
👉🏻 Lindenhof ⭐️: A Roman fort turned medieval battleground. According to legend, the women of Zurich armed themselves to protect the city from invaders. Today, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the river. From here you can also see the famous spot registered in korean series drama: Crash Landing On You.
Kreis 2 (Enge & Wollishofen): the chill lakeside
Just south of the city center, District 2 stretches along the left shore of Lake Zurich. Once seen as the “less glamorous” side compared to the Gold Coast across the water (Kreis 8), it’s now a favorite for anyone who loves a lakeside picnic.
Kreis 3 (Wiedikon & Uetliberg)
Wiedikon, at the foot of Uetliberg, has a very distinct soul. It’s the heart of Zurich’s Jewish community. Walk its streets and you’ll feel a step back in time.
But Wiedikon is also where locals come for balance: grab a coffee at a cozy corner café, browse vintage boutiques, then head towards Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain.
👉🏻 Stop for a scoop at Gelateria Rosso Arancio (all ice creams are gluten free!!).
Kreis 4 (Langstrasse): the red district
If District 3 feels like stepping back in time, District 4 is the total opposite. Once Zurich’s red-light district, now the city’s nightlife hub. Head to Langstrasse ⭐️ for clubs, dive bars, late-night kebabs: it’s loud, chaotic, and legendary. Recover the next day in Bäckeranlage park with a strong coffee.
👉🏻 Best restaurants hide here. Try The Bite for a burger (gluten-free friendly, don’t take the fries!).
Kreis 5 (Zürich-West): industrial cool
Industrial turned trendy. id. Once filled with factories and machines clattering away, it’s now all about creativity, nightlife, and design. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the Freitag Tower ⭐️: 17 shipping containers stacked high, selling the city’s most famous upcycled bags. Under the Viadukt arches, you’ll find indie shops, art galleries, and a bustling food market. By night, this area shifts gears: clubs, concerts, and rooftop drinks. And when summer hits, everyone flocks to the Letten river baths to swim, sunbathe, and float the day away.
👉🏻 Frau Gerolds Garten for drinks in a hipster garden.
Kreis 6 (Unterstrass & Oberstrass): university quarter
Home to ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. By day, it’s full of students rushing to lectures. Ride the Polybahn up (straight out of Harry Potter vibes) and pretend to be a student while enjoying the best free view in town (Polyterrasse ⭐️). It’s not all books and exams, though.
👉🏻 The area is dotted with leafy Jugendstil villas.
Kreis 7 (Zürichberg): zoo
Perched on the hillside above the city, District 7 is where nature, luxury, and family outings all collide. It’s home to Zurich Zoo, where you can wander through the steamy Masoala rainforest hall (yes, in the middle of Switzerland!).
At the top of the hill sits the Dolder Grand, Zurich’s most glamorous hotel. In winter, the hotel’s huge ice rink turns into a fairy-tale scene with twinkling lights and a giant Christmas tree.
For something more down-to-earth, head into the Adlisberg forest for hearty Swiss food in rustic taverns where hikers, locals, and families mingle.
Kreis 8 (Seefeld): right shore, aka “gold coast”
District 8 is Zurich’s polished side: stylish apartments, lakeside promenades, and a golden glow when the sun sets (hence the nickname “Gold Coast”). It’s where people jog by the lake in the morning, sip rosé on terraces in the afternoon, and dive into the water from historic wooden bathhouses like Seebad Utoquai.
👉🏻 Opera House: Fun fact: it was once a potato field.
👉🏻 Pavilion Le Corbusier: A must for architecture lovers.
👉🏻 Chinese Garden ⭐️: A peaceful escape gifted by Kunming, Zurich’s twin city.
Kreis 9 (Altstetten & Albisrieden): stadiums & offices
District 9 is where Zurich gets loud. The Letzigrund Stadium hosts everything from FC Zurich and Grasshoppers matches to massive concerts.
Kreis 10 (Wipkingen & Höngg): coffee & hilltop views
In Wipkingen, weekends start with brunch at cozy spots like Café des Amis or Kafischnaps, where everyone seems to know everyone. Walk a bit further and you’re by the Limmat, with locals stretched out on the grass or dipping into the river on hot days.
Kreis 11 (Oerlikon): Zürich nord
District 11 feels almost like a city of its own. Here is where locals head for big nights out at the Hallenstadion, Zurich’s indoor arena that hosts everything from ice hockey to concerts. Right next door, the Theater 11 pulls in musicals and comedy shows.
👉🏻 Best gluten-free cordon bleu in town: Restaurant Waidhof.
Kreis 12 (Schwamendingen): village vibes in the city
Tucked away in the northeast, Schwamendingen feels more like a village than a city district. It only became part of Zurich in 1934, and it has kept that small-town charm: quiet streets, playgrounds, and plenty of green space.
Locals love heading up Käferberg for forest walks, jogging trails, and sweeping views back over the city.
Even if you stay in the center, it’s worth hopping on a tram to explore at least Kreis 4, 5, and 8. They show very different faces of Zurich.
