What to Do for Free in Zurich: A Comprehensive Guide

Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most expensive. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the city on a budget. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best free activities and attractions in Zurich.

Explore Old Town

Zurich’s Old Town is a great place to explore for free. From the cobblestone streets to the centuries-old buildings, Old Town is full of charm and history. There are plenty of free things to do here, such as checking out the Grand Council House, the Fraumünster Church, the Zunfthaus zur Meisen, and the Lindenhof Hill.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can take a self-guided walking tour of Old Town. You can also explore the many galleries, museums, and shops in Old Town. It’s a great way to get a feel for the city and its culture without spending any money.

If you’re in the mood for some entertainment, you can visit the free open-air theater at the Sechseläutenplatz for some music and theater performances.

Hit the Streets for Street Art

Zurich is full of amazing street art, and it’s free to explore. Head to the hip neighborhoods of Zurich West, Seefeld, and Kreis 5 for the best street art. Here you’ll find everything from graffiti to murals to sculptures. This is a great way to explore the city and get an insight into the local art scene.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot some live art performances. These are usually hosted by art galleries or cultural centers, and they’re free to attend.

If you’re looking for something a bit more organized, you can always join a street art tour. These are usually hosted by local guides and they’ll take you to the best spots in the city.

Relax in the Parks

Zurich is home to some of the most beautiful parks in Europe. The city is full of green spaces where you can relax, take a stroll, and enjoy the scenery. Some of the most popular parks in Zurich include the Zurichhorn Park, the Mythenquai Park, the Uetliberg Park, and the Chinese Garden.

If you’re looking for something a bit more active, you can also join a guided walking tour of the parks. This is a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture, as well as get some exercise.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you can also take a dip in one of the city’s many outdoor swimming pools. These are usually free to use, and they’re a great way to cool off and get some exercise.

Visit a Museum

Zurich has some of the best museums in Europe, and many of them are free. The National Museum is a great place to start – it’s full of art, history, and culture. The Swiss National Museum is another great option, as it has plenty of exhibits on the country’s history.

The Museum of Art is also worth a visit. This museum has an impressive collection of art from all over the world. There are also some great smaller museums in town, such as the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, the Zurich Natural History Museum, and the Swiss Watch Museum.

If you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, you can always join a free guided tour of one of the museums. This is a great way to learn more about the city and its culture.

Take a Free Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a great way to explore the city, why not join a free walking tour? These are usually hosted by local guides and they take you around the city’s most iconic attractions. It’s a great way to learn more about the city and its history.

You can also join a free walking tour of Zurich’s lakefront. This is a great way to explore the city’s natural beauty, as well as learn more about the local culture.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can always join a free hiking tour. These are usually hosted by experienced guides and they take you to some of the city’s best hiking trails.

Visit the Markets

Zurich has some great markets, and they’re a great place to explore for free. The city’s most famous market is the Niederdorf Market, which is full of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It’s a great place to explore and get a feel for the city’s culture.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, you can always visit the Wochenmarkt. This is a weekly market where you can find everything from local produce to handcrafted goods.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, you can visit the vintage market in Zurich West. This is a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind items.

Experience the Nightlife

Zurich has a great nightlife scene, and there are plenty of free things to do. The city is full of bars, clubs, and pubs, and many of them are free to enter. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, you can always head to one of the city’s many outdoor bars. Here you can enjoy a drink and some live music without spending a dime.

If you’re in the mood for some entertainment, you can always join a free pub crawl. These are usually hosted by local guides and they take you to the best bars in the city.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, you can always join a free club night. These are usually hosted by local DJs and they take you to some of the city’s best clubs.

Go on a Free Bike Tour

If you’re looking for a great way to explore the city, why not join a free bike tour? These are usually hosted by local guides and they take you around the city’s best attractions. It’s a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can always join a free mountain biking tour. These are usually hosted by experienced guides and they take you to some of the city’s best trails.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, you can always take a leisurely bike ride along Lake Zurich. This is a great way to explore the city’s natural beauty without spending any money.

Visit the Zoo

Zurich is home to one of the best zoos in Europe, and it’s free to enter! This is a great place to explore for free, as it has everything from lions to giraffes to monkeys. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing animals.

If you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, you can always join a free animal feeding tour. These are usually hosted by experienced guides and they take you around the zoo’s best attractions.

Finally, if you’re visiting in the summer, you can also take a dip in one of the zoo’s outdoor swimming pools. These are usually free to use, and they’re a great way to cool off and get some exercise.

Be wowed by the Street Performers

Zurich is full of amazing street performers, and it’s free to watch them. From magicians to musicians to acrobats, there’s something for everyone. You’ll usually find them in the city’s main squares and parks, so keep an eye out for them.

If you’re looking for something a bit more organized, you can always join a free street performance tour. These are usually hosted by local guides and they’ll take you to the best spots in the city.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for some live music, you can always head to one of the city’s many free concerts. These are usually hosted by local musicians and they’re a great way to experience the city’s vibrant music scene.

Explore the Lakeside

One of Zurich’s best attractions is its stunning lakeside. This is a great place to explore for free, as it’s full of stunning views and plenty of things to do. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can always join a free kayaking tour. These are usually hosted by local guides and they take you to some of the city’s best spots.

If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, you can always take a leisurely stroll along the lake. This is a great way to explore the city’s natural beauty without spending any money.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for some entertainment, you can always join a free boat tour. These are usually hosted by local guides and they take you around the lake’s best attractions.

Summary

Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it on a budget. From exploring Old Town to hitting the streets for street art to visiting a museum, there are plenty of free things to do in Zurich. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your backpack and get ready to explore the city – for free!