Explore like a local: Things to do in Zurich City.

Zurich might be Switzerland's financial hub, but don't let the pinstripes fool you. Scratch beneath the surface and you'll find leafy promenades, vibrant art quarters, and independent boutiques tucked inside historic buildings. From world-class galleries to floating river bars, Zurich does high style with an easy pace. 

But where do you start? The options can feel endless - that's why we're here to save the day! Discover our dream itinerary and top picks for food, activities and truly unforgettable experiences. 

And with Locke am Platz Zurich as your launchpad, it’s all within reach.

Zurich in a day: our itinerary.

Only got 24 hours? Zurich is compact and well-connected, making it ideal for a stylish fly-by visit. Here's how to spend one perfect day.

Start your morning slow.

Kick things off at MAME Coffee, a micro-roastery beloved by caffeine nerds. Sip a slow pour-over and watch the city come to life. 

Then wander lakeside towards Seefeld - the Alps often show off on clear days. 

Next, head to Kunsthaus Zürich, home to an outstanding collection from Giacometti to Rist.

Pause for lunch.

Reserve ahead at Marktküche, Zurich’s best plant-based restaurant. Every dish is art on a plate - think edible flowers, local roots, and layered flavours - all served in sleek, minimal interiors.

Explore more.

Climb to Lindenhof, a green hilltop with panoramic views over the Old Town. 

Then, take a tram to Zurich West. Browse concept shops in Viadukt or sip a spritz in a repurposed shipping container bar at Frau Gerolds Garten.

Evening - wind down right.

Wrap things up with a casual outdoor spot with fairy lights, art installations and local brews. 

For dinner, stroll to Maison Manesse. It’s fine dining done differently - candlelit, creative, and anything but formal.

This one-day itinerary blends art, design, food and local flair. If you only have 24 hours, make them count. 

And If you’re lucky enough to have 72 hours in Zurich (or more!) then keep reading to uncover further hidden gems in this wonderful city, 

Where to eat in Zurich – Locke’s top picks.

Zurich’s food scene is stylish, seasonal, and rooted in a love of good ingredients. From heritage brasseries to plant-forward plates, here’s where to book a table.

1. Maison Manesse - bold and brilliant.

Don’t let the Michelin star intimidate you - Maison Manesse is playful, warm, and seriously inventive. Menus change with the seasons, but expect flavour bombs, wild herbs and a natural wine list worth exploring.

2. Marktküche - veg with edge.

Tucked away in District 4, Marktküche is a modern vegan spot that elevates vegetables to high art. It’s unfussy but refined, with a seasonal menu built on Swiss produce and global inspiration.

3. Kronenhalle - art and old-school charm.

If you’re after tradition, Kronenhalle delivers it in style. This old-school institution is famed for classic Swiss cuisine - and for the Chagall and Picasso paintings hanging on its walls. Think veal in cream sauce, polished service and timeless charm.

4. LaSalle - drama on a plate.

In a dramatic glass cube inside a shipbuilding hall, LaSalle is all sleek lines and seasonal flavours. Go for the fish, stay for the atmosphere. It’s perfect for a long, late dinner with a view.

5. Choupette – Paris meets Platz.

Tucked inside Locke am Platz Zurich, Choupette serves French classics with a twist of fire and flair. Think tartare, negronis, and low-lit charm. Go for the flavours, stay for the vibe.

Whether you're after high-end elegance or offbeat charm, Zurich's dining scene caters to every taste - and every itinerary.

Easy day trips & escapes from Zurich.

Got a little more time? Zurich makes a great base for exploring nearby towns, trails and showstopping natural wonders. Here’s where to go when you want to roam.

1. Rapperswil - the rose town.

Known as the “town of roses,” Rapperswil is just 45 minutes by train. Explore its cobbled lanes, lakeside promenade, and the hilltop castle that looks like it leapt from a storybook.

2. Uetliberg Mountain - big views, close by.

Zurich’s own mini-mountain, Uetliberg is perfect for hiking, cycling, or just catching a killer sunset. Trains run regularly, or you can walk all the way to the top. In winter, it’s a snowy wonderland.

3. Rhine Falls - go for the roar.

Europe’s largest waterfall lies about 90 minutes away. Take a train to Schaffhausen and follow the signs - soon you’ll hear the roar. Boat rides get you up close to the spray, while viewing platforms offer all the drama without getting wet.

4. Lucerne - postcard perfect.

For a postcard-perfect day out, hop an hour south to Lucerne. Wooden bridges, crystal-clear lakes, and baroque churches await. It’s a calm counterpoint to Zurich’s urban edge - ideal for a culture fix or lakeside lunch.

5. Zurich Botanical Garden – nature, curated.

A lush escape in the middle of the city, the Botanical Garden is all glass domes, rare blooms, and quiet paths. Wander through tropical jungles and alpine meadows, or just sit by the lily pond and breathe. It’s nature, curated.

These easy day trips offer a taste of everything that makes Switzerland special - all within striking distance of your Locke apartment.

Stay your way with Locke - your base in Zurich.

Zurich is a city of contrast - refined yet relaxed, traditional yet trailblazing. Whether you're here to unwind, plug in, or dig into design culture, it's a place that rewards curiosity. And there’s no better base than Locke am Platz.

Located in leafy Enge, just minutes from the lake, train station and Bahnhofstrasse, Locke am Platz pairs Swiss Riviera charm with modernist flair. Expect elegant interiors, a warm welcome, and 80 design-led apartments - many with balconies for that morning coffee or golden hour glass of wine.

Stylish, central and surprisingly laidback, Locke lets you live like a local - whether you're in town for a few days or settling in for a longer stay.