Introduction to Zurich Tour

Your essential primer on Zurich

The Finer Details
Explore Zurich during our 3-hour introductory tour with a local historian or expert guide. Designed to provide a deeper understanding of Zurich for first timers or reorient returning travelers, our route will take us through the city center as we note various sites important to the city’s varied past, including the Lindenhof, the Grossmunster, and the Old Town, amongst many others.  Explore the city's medieval roots and modern evolution, and take some time for a break to sample some local Swiss flavors.

Disclaimer: As of summer 2023, there is an extensive renovation plan underway at the Grossmünster Church and parts of the interior may not be accessible to the public. Your expert will speak to the importance of the church, but please be aware that some parts of the building may not be visible due to scaffolding or other renovation materials. 

Sites Visited 

  • Lindenhof 
  • Old Town neighborhood
  • St. Peter's Church (interior and exterior) 
  • Guild houses (exterior)
Your tour may also include the following stops, depending on your interests: 
  • Fraumünster Church (interior and exterior - interior visit not possible on Sunday morning tour) 
  • Grossmünster Church (interior and exterior - interior visit not possible on Sunday morning tour)

Route Detail

We’ll start our story with a visit to the Lindenhof, the former site of a Roman castle and a fitting point to begin our introduction. We’ll discuss the role of the Romans and the Frankish kings as we settle into the Old Town. We’ll move to explore the religious strand of Zurich’s history with a visit to the Protestant St. Peter's church and the enchanted cloister of the Fraumünster Church, adorned with murals of Zurich’s mystical legends. Other locations might include the ancient crypt and delicate windows of the Grossmünster church, or guild houses in the medieval center. We’ll talk about architecture as we soak up the 17th-century Rathaus or the Belle Epoque district, hearing tales of happiness and woes of past city inhabitants. We’ll take some time discussing the rise of this economic metropolis, addressing questions there might be about taxes and finances within Swiss society. 

We will leave one another with a better understanding of this charming Swiss city. We’ll have crossed the city, immersing ourselves in Roman history, varied architecture, and local customs and traditions with our expert guide. We’ll leave one another with a more contextualized understanding of Zurich. 

FAQ 

Where do we meet? Where does the tour end?
We usually meet and end near the Rathaus. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

Are entrances included in the tour price?
Entrance to the Fraumünster Church and the Grossmünster Tower is optional; therefore, if your group would like to enter, you will pay for those entrances onsite. All other tour expenses are included in the tour price.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes. Although this tour is not specifically designed for kids, we can adapt the route to the interests of travelers in your party. 

Is this suitable for travelers with mobility issues? 
Yes. The tour can be adapted to accommodate mobility issues
Book a Tour
Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • St. Peter's Church
  • Lindenhof Zürich
  • Fraumünster Church
  • Grossmünster Church
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Map of Introduction to Zurich Tour general meeting point area

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

Don’t just take our word for it

40 Reviews

Hi Maria, Thank you for a fabulous walking tour. We learned so much and enjoyed seeing all the old city. We did go back to several of the shops we stopped in or that you pointed out.

Iulia was a fantastic guide. I have been to Zurich before but she showed us so many other areas that we did not know about and gave us a lot of the history of the city. Thank you so much for a great morning in Zurich!

Photo Shared by Brett with their review

Julia was a delightful and knowledgeable guide. She gave us a comprehensive overview of the history of Zurich as we walked the old town, as well as insights into life in Zurich today. Her experience living in other parts of Europe were super helpful in linking historical periods across the continent, and understanding the role Switzerland played more broadly. She also had good suggestions for what to do in Zurich and Lucerne.

Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.

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