Tour operator
Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft (ZSG) Lake Cruises
The Lake Zurich boat company, founded in 1890, running round trips from Bürkliplatz from one hour to four and a half hours, plus paddle steamers and…
Zürich Tourism Old Town Walking Tour
Zürich Tourism's two-hour guided walk through the Old Town, from the main station via Bahnhofstrasse and the Lindenhof to the Grossmünster.
At a glance
- Type
- Guided walking tour
- Area
- Hauptbahnhof (meeting point), Zurich, Switzerland
- Official site
- zuerich.com
Good to know
- Small groups (max. 20)
- English
- German and Spanish
- Private tours in many languages
- Zürich Card discount
Why we recommend it
The official Old Town walking tour run by Zürich Tourism is the classic introduction to the city, and Zürich Tourism calls it its most popular city tour. In two hours a local guide leads a small group from the main station through the historic centre, covering around three kilometres at an easy pace with plenty of stops. It is a good first activity on day one, as it helps you get your bearings before exploring on your own.
The route takes in the main station and Bahnhofstrasse, the Lindenhof hill with its view over the Limmat, and the Grossmünster, as well as hidden lanes and courtyards that most visitors would walk past. Along the way the guide tells stories about Alfred Escher, the Romans in Zurich and the Reformation, which together explain a great deal about how the city became what it is today.
Public tours run in English, German and, in summer, Spanish, with a maximum of 20 people per group. The schedule changes with the seasons. From April to October there are daily German tours and English tours on most days, while the winter schedule from November to March is lighter, with English tours on a few days a week, mostly in the late morning. Check the current dates and times on the Zürich Tourism website and book online, as places are limited.
Adults pay a moderate fee, children aged 6 to 15 pay half, and Zürich Card holders also get half price. Private tours for your own group can be booked in a wide range of languages, including Chinese, French, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese and Russian, and can be extended for an extra fee. Groups meet at the Visitor Information office inside Zurich main station, which is also where you can buy tickets and ask questions.
The tour suits first-time visitors, families with older children and anyone who prefers a guide to a guidebook. Wear comfortable shoes, as the route climbs to the Lindenhof. Afterwards, return to the places you liked most: the Fraumünster and its Chagall windows, the Grossmünster tower or the lanes of the Niederdorf. Zürich Tourism also runs themed walks on topics such as the guilds, the Reformation and Zurich West if you want to go deeper.
Zürich Tourism Old Town Walking Tour FAQs
How long is the Old Town walking tour?
Two hours, covering about three kilometres.
Where does the tour start?
At the Visitor Information office in Zurich main station.
Which languages are available?
Public tours are in English, German and, in summer, Spanish. Private tours are available in many more languages.
How big are the groups?
A maximum of 20 people.
Is there a discount with the Zürich Card?
Yes, Zürich Card holders pay half price, and children aged 6 to 15 also pay half.
Which sights does the tour cover?
The main station, Bahnhofstrasse, the Lindenhof and the Grossmünster, plus hidden lanes and courtyards.
Do tours run in winter?
Yes, but less often. From November to March there are fewer English departures, so check the schedule.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes, private tours can be booked through Zürich Tourism and extended for an extra fee.