Looking for some budget-friendly activities for your trip to Zurich? Why not walk around the pedestrian-friendly streets of Old Town and be amazed by the well-preserved medieval structures? Last July 2024, I walked around this charming area in Zurich, and here's a detailed account of my Old Town tour.
At A Glance
Old Town in Zurich, Switzerland
Located at the city's heart, Old Town Zurich has historic streets, landmarks, and picturesque landscapes. It is nestled along both Limmat (River) banks, stretching up to Lake Zurich. It is an accessible area whether you are traveling on foot, by tram, or by bus, making it a central hub for locals and tourists.
A Quick History
Also known as "Alstadt", Old Town Zurich dates back to Roman times when it was called "Turicum". The city flourished during the 12th to 17th centuries, and many Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings were built, many of which still stand today. Nowadays, Old Town is a cultural hub that retains its medieval character in a lively urban space.
A Walk Around Old Town of Zurich, Switzerland
I stayed around Opfikon, so I took the metro and alighted at Zurich HB station. From there, I started my 'medieval walk'.
Bahnhofstrasse
I headed to Bahnhofstrasse, a street listed as one of the world's most exclusive and expensive shopping avenues. Its name translates to "Railway Station Street". It is Zurich's main downtown street and one of the top attractions in Zurich. Of course, since we're on a budget, I just took some photos and immediately turned to Renwegg Street.
St. Peter's Church
From Renwegg, St. Peter's Church's bell tower clock can already be seen so I headed towards the church. St. Peterskirche or St. Peter's Church is the oldest in Zurich. It was built in 900 BC and has undergone some alterations and renovations since then. Even from a distance, its striking bell tower clock can't possibly be missed.
It is temporarily closed until October 2025 due to renovation work. The church will be open for services in November and December 2024 (https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/attractions/st-peter).
Lindenhof
I walked uphill in Pflatgasse and took the stairs leading to Lindenhof. The weather was perfect so I didn't mind a bit of cardio workout.
With a bit of an uphill walk towards the viewpoint, I was greeted with the glorious panoramic view of the Old Town. Lindenhof is a public square atop Lindenhof Hill, a historical site of a Roman Castle, which later became Carolingian Kaiserpfalz (remnants of the foundation of Charlemagne's palace). Nowadays, it serves as a relaxation hub while enjoying the view of the city. From the viewpoint, the Grossmunster, the tram, the Limmat, and some parts of the New Town can be seen. I stayed in this square for a couple of minutes to marvel at the beauty and went on my way.
Augustinergasse
Augustinergasse is a narrow pedestrian street with shops and cafes in medieval structures. It is known as the medieval lane that transports you back to the Middle Ages. Going straight, I returned to Bahnhofstrasse.
Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster Church is a Protestant church located on the west bank of the Limmat (river). It is a distinct structure with a green steeple and stained glass window. It was built in the 800s. Nowadays, it is one of Zurich's four main churches, along with St. Peter's, Grossmünster, and Predigerkirche.
Münsterhof Square and Münsterhof Brunnen
Right outside Fraumünster Church is Münsterhof Square, the largest town square in Zurich. There were some cozy tables and chairs with cafe umbrellas. At the center of the town square is the Münsterhof Brunnen (fountain) which looks like a big basin being filled with water. I find the design minimalist and quite interesting.
It's almost sunset, time to get going.
Münsterbrucke
Heading to Grossmunster, I had to cross Münsterbrucke, a bridge over Limmat (river). The statue of Hans Waldmann, a Swiss Military leader and a former mayor of Zurich (1483–1489), will lead you towards the bridge.
Grossmunster
With its two distinctive towers, Grossmunster is a prominent feature of the Zurich skyline and an iconic landmark. It is a Protestant church dating back to the 12th century.
Kopf Hoch Viewpoint
I "headed up" and reached Kopf Hoch Viewpoint, which translates to "Head Up". It is a great spot to relax and take a panoramic view of the city. This viewpoint gives a glimpse of the Swiss Alps and the magnificent clear waters of Lake Zurich. It is stunning especially during sunset.
Kleiner Hafner
While admiring the view, I overheard some guitars and percussions playing from somewhere. I looked around and saw an ongoing street show at Kleiner Hafner. There was a live band performing surrounded by a small crowd. Naturally, I had to snoop in and stay a bit since they sang English songs. Coupled with the great view and the sunset, the performance was enjoyable.
When the band ended their set, I decided to head back to the train station. On my way back, I witnessed the glorious sunset facade of the city. The warm city lights were lit up, giving it a sepia effect, making the Old Town more dramatically... old. The Limmat River adds an enchanting reflection of the city lights and the beautiful sunset hues. Here are some of the photos.
Best Time to Visit
I like visiting Switzerland during the summer. Since the days are longer, with the sun rising at 6 AM and setting at 9 PM, I have more time to roam around! Plus, summer days are mild, without excessive heat, cold, or humidity. My shirt and pants are perfect for the weather and there's no need to bring a coat. However, for budget purposes, the shoulder months of February to April tend to have cheaper rates and fewer tourists.
For more tips on how to maximize your travel budget in Zurich, please see my 24 Hours in Zurich, Switzerland: A Budget-Friendly Tour blog.
See you on my next blog!
Opmerkingen