Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It is Switzerland’s financial center. It has not only a beautiful old town but also the Limmat River and Lake Zurich. There are many reasons to visit Zurich. It has a myriad of coffee houses, museums, parks, gardens, and shops reachable on foot from the city center. You can ride a boat, a ship, a bus, a funicular, or a tram.
Some popular Zurich attractions near the train station include the Grossmünster, the Landesmuseum, Uhrenmuseum Beyer, and the Polybahn. Below is a more comprehensive list of 14 popular attractions near the Zurich train station. It is easy to reach them on foot, but we have included the address and tram stop as well. Most attractions near the Zurich train station are less than 15 minutes away on foot.
Without further ado, here are 14 popular attractions near the Zurich Train Station:
1. Grossmünster Church (Great Minister Church)
Grossmünster is only 950 meters or 12 minutes by foot from the train station.
The Grossmünster Church (Great Minister) is a beautiful church in a breathtaking location. It has slender and striking towers. The Romanesque-style Church is likely the most recognized landmark of Zurich. It is the cradle of the Zwingli Reformation.
When the priest Ulrich Zwingli took up his duties in 1519, the house had already been standing. The Church was built between 1100 and 1250. The end of the 15th century saw the towers added. During the reformation, the richly decorated interior was reduced to the essentials. Even today, the interior of the church is simple compared to its impressive exterior. There are also 3 windows by Augusto Giacometti from 1933 which show the Christmas Story.
If you would like to read more about Grossmünster Church, you can check out our article Grossmünster Church: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell.
The secret highlight of the Church is the Karlsturm – the right of the two towers. It requires 187 steps going up until you arrive at an incomparable view of the city, the lake, and the river.
Address: Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zürich. Tram: 4 or 15 – Helmhaus.
2. Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum)
Landesmuseum Zurich is directly in front of the train station. It is only 1 minute by foot.
Landesmuseum Zurich (Swiss National Museum) is the most-visited museum in all of Switzerland. It is located next to the Zurich Train Station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof). The museum has exhibitions dating from prehistoric times until the present.
Gustav Gull designed this palace-looking museum which opened in 1898. It is impressive with a total area of over 6,000 square meters.
Landesmuseum contains over 820,000 objects. It has the largest collection of all cultural history and handicrafts in the country. The permanent exhibitions cover prehistory and early history. The museum has weapons, art, jewelry, clothing, and everyday objects from various eras. It also has temporary exhibitions, sometimes with subjects appealing to children as well.
If you would like to read more about Landesmuseum Zurich, you can check out our article Landesmuseum Zurich: The Most Popular Swiss National Museum
TIP: From Landesmuseum, there are boats in July and August which leave every 30 minutes the whole day. The boats cruise on the Limmat River. In May, June, and September, the boats cruise only during the afternoon. It is a beautiful ride with panorama windows.
Address: Museumstrasse 2, 8021 Zürich. Tram: 4, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17 or Bus 46 -Bahnhofquai/HB.
3. Der Lindenhof
Lindenhof is only 600 meters or 8 minutes by foot from the train station.
Lindenhof might be not as known as Grossmünster. But it is definitely something not to miss. From Lindenhof, you can view the old town, the Limmat River, the Grossmünster, and the town hall. It is 20 meters higher on top of a little hill. It has a calming, relaxing charm.
Lindenhof was also featured in the opening credits of the Korean show Crash Landing Into You.
If you would like to read more about Lindenhof, you can check out our article Lindenhof: The Best View of Zurich’s Old Town.
Address: Lindenhofstrasse, Pfalzgasse, Fortunagasse, 8001 Zurich. Tram: 6, 7, 11, 13 – Rennweg. Tram: 4, 15 – Rudolf-Brun-Brücke
4. Limmat River
The Limmat River is directly in front of the train station. It is only 1 minute by foot.
The Limmat River is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Zurich, and taking a river cruise is an excellent and relaxing way to explore the city. The river flows from the southeast to the northwest direction, through the heart of Zurich. Looking up from the boat’s transparent roofing during the river cruise offers stunning views of the city’s historic landmarks.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a seasoned traveler, or a local, the Limmat River Cruise is a relaxing and enjoyable way to see Zurich. You may also decide to swim in the river if you wish. Frauenbadi is a popular bathing spot near the train station.
For those who are interested in riding the Limmat River Cruise, I suggest starting from the Landesmuseum stop and riding the ship until Bellevue.
If you would like to read more about cruising on the Limmat River, you can check out Limmat River Cruise: The Most Relaxing Way to Discover Zurich
Address: Limmat River. Boat: Limmat River Cruise starts at Landesmuseum.
5. UBS Polybahn
UBS Polybahn is only 400 meters or 5 minutes by foot from the train station.
The Polybahn funicular brings visitors from Zurich-Central 176 Meters above to the city. The train has been running since January 1889. It brings its passengers to the 41-Meter higher terrace called Polyterrasse.
Interest in it waned over the years. It could have been bankrupt were it not for some groups who helped it survive. These include Verein pro Polybahn from ETH University and the Schweizer Bankgesellschaft (now known as UBS). Nowadays, it is known as UBS Polybahn.
Address of UBS Polybahn: Central, 8001 Zurich/Leonhardstrasse. Tram: 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 15 – Central. Bus: 31, 46 – Central.
6. Polyterrasse
Polyterrasse is only 650 meters or 10 minutes by foot from the train station.
Polyterrasse has one of the nicest viewpoints in Zurich. To reach it, you can go by the Polybahn from Zurich Central. Another option is to take the tram until ETH/Universitätsspital.
From the Polyterrasse, you can see the roofs of the city and the alpine peaks far away. The Polyterrasse comes from the name of the previous name of the university near it, ETH. It used to be Eidgenössisches Polytechnikum in the past.
Gustav Gull expanded between 1915 and 1924 the building was started by Gottfried Semper. He added the Polyterrasse. Between 1965 and 1978, Charles-Edouard Geisendorf added a multi-purpose hall. Sports and recreational rooms were also added. The terrace was complete.
Address: Leonhardstrasse between Tannenstrasse and Karl-Schmid-Strasse. Tram: 6, 9, 19 – ETH/Universitätsspital or Polybahn from Central.
7. Schanzengraben
Schanzengraben is only 950 meters or 12 minutes by foot from the train station.
Zurich City converted a third of its military installations into a place to relax in 1984. The Schanzengraben feels like a parallel world. You are still in the bustling city. Go down a small staircase two meters below, and it’s peaceful and relaxing. It is in the middle of the city but feels peaceful.
It used to be smelly on the Limmat River due to industrialization. In the 1950s, discussions started about improving it. The citizens discussed building a pedestrian promenade along the small inner-city canal. Another 25 years passed before the project was actually tackled. In 1984, the new Schanzengraben finally opened.
Address: Schanzengraben-Promenade, 8001 Zurich. Tram: 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 – Paradeplatz.
8. Fraumünster Church
Frauenmünster Church is only 900 meters or 11 minutes by foot from the train station.
Frauenmünster is the smallest of the 34 Evangelical Reformed churches in the city. Even so, it is very beautiful. The grandson of Charlemagne built this church back in 853. City regents used it originally as an office. Nowadays, the church stands with its basilica and cloister.
Frauenmünster also contains the works of world-famous Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. The installation of the windows by Giacometti was done in September 1945. The delay was due to the Second World War. It is the last of Giacometti’s over 20 glass paintings. This masterpiece is 9 meters high and twice as large as Chagall’s Christ Window.
In 1970, Marc Chagall added the five-part choir windows of the church, as well as the rose window in the south transept.
Address: Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zurich. Tram: 6, 7, 11, 13 – Rennweg. Tram: 4, 15 – Helmhaus.
9. Niederdorf
Niederdorf is only 450 meters or 6 minutes by foot from the train station.
Niederdorf is the old town between Central and Grossmünster, Limmatquai, and Seilergraben. With cobblestones, quaint little shops, and restaurants, visitors, and locals enjoy strolling here. It’s the popular promenade in Zurich a stone’s throw away from the train station.
Address: Niederdorfstrasse, 8001 Zurich. Tram: 6, 7, 11, 13 – Rennweg. Tram: 4, 15 – Helmhaus.
10. Uhrenmuseum Beyer
Uhrenmuseum Beyer is only 750 meters or 9 minutes by foot from the train station.
The Beyer Watch Museum is the oldest watch shop in one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. They sell world-known watches: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Breitling, IWC, and many more.
The Beyer family has been leading its business in Zurich since 1760. The museum shows 1,200 exhibits, 300 technical wonders, and supplementary temporary presentations. Timepieces that are on display range from antique shadow rods, and sundials, to spectacular automatic clocks.
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 31, 8001 Zurich. Tram: 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 17 – Paradeplatz
11. Kunsthaus Zürich
Kunsthaus Zürich is 1,100 meters or 14 minutes by foot from the train station.
Kunsthaus Zürich is my personal number-one recommendation for art lovers. After the opening of the Chipperfield extension, the museum has become the largest art museum in Switzerland covering 11,500m2. In my opinion, it is also the best one in the country.
The art museum houses a vast collection of artwork from various periods and regions, including classic, impressionist, and modern art. The collection is an art lover’s paradise, with its three colossal paintings by Claude Monet and an extensive selection of other art forms. From Segantini’s majestic landscapes to Italian masters’ timeless pieces and Warhol’s iconic colorful art, visitors can discover a variety of styles and perspectives.
There are also a variety of works from Swiss artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Giovanni Giacometti, Albert Anker, Arnold Böcklin, Ferdinand Hodler, Ernst Koller, Paul Klee, and Marianne von Werefkin.
If you would like to learn more about Kunsthaus Zurich, you can check out Kunsthaus Zurich – Is It Worth Visiting?
Address: Heimpl. 1/5, 8001 Zürich. Tram: 3, 5, 8, 9 – Kunsthaus. Bus: 31, 33 – Kunsthaus.
12. Urania-Sternwarte
Paradeplatz is 300 meters or 4 minutes by foot from the train station.
Urania is the right place for observing the sky above Zurich. You can also turn your fascination into scientific curiosity. In the middle of the city, opposite the Lindenhof, is the Urania-Sternwarte. It is the first Swiss observatory to offer a view of the universe.
Zeiss-Werke in the East German town of Jena built the telescope in 1908. It is in the 51-Meter-high tower. This allows the twelve-ton telescope possible to magnify the moon up to 600 times.
Not only is the view of the stars beautiful in Urania. You can also see the old town and Zurich city.
Address: Uraniastrasse 9, 8001. Tram: 6, 7, 11, 13 – Rennweg
13. Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is directly in front of the train station on the other side of the Landesmuseum. It is only 1 minute on foot.
On this 1.4-kilometer-long street, we find luxury labels such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Prada, Burberry, and more. We also have popular high-street brands such as H&M and Mango. The shops range from jewelers to luxury watches, clothes, and more.
During the Christmas season, Bahnhofstrasse is also lined up with pretty night lights.
Most shops are open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, each shop has its own opening hours. It is best to check directly with the store regarding its opening hours.
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 8001 Zurich. Tram: 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17 – Bahnhofstrasse.
14. WOW Museum – Room for Illusions
The WOW Museum is 290 meters or 14 minutes by foot from the train station.
The WOW Museum Zurich is a fascinating museum dedicated to illusions located in the heart of Zurich. With its optical illusions and fun rooms, the WOW Museum Zurich will be a hit with people of all ages. Though it has many interesting rooms, especially those worth sharing on social media, it is relatively small.
If you would like to read more about whether WOW Museum is worth visiting or not, you can check out our article WOW Museum Zurich – Is It Worth Visiting?
Each room in WOW Museum Zurich has fun, sensory illusions that challenge your perception. In the upstairs room, you’ll find some hands-on activities, books, and smaller visual illusions.
Address: Werdmühlestrasse 10, 8001 Zürich.
Related Posts: Attractions Near Zurich Train Station
- Grossmünster Church: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell
- Landesmuseum Zurich: The Most Popular Swiss National Museum
- Limmat River Cruise: The Most Relaxing Way to Discover Zurich
- Kunsthaus Zurich – Is It Worth Visiting?
- WOW Museum Zurich – Is It Worth Visiting?
- Lindenhof: The Best View of Zurich’s Old Town
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. She is based in the Lake Zurich region in Switzerland and has a second home in Grisons. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.