Types of Girls about the Globe – Arty & Museum GatG, City GatG, Shopping GatG
Although I wasn’t solo for this event, I have spent time here solo in the past and recommend this Swiss city for women travelling alone. Follow my solo travel in Zurich guide below on where to eat, drink, sleep and sightsee and also where to meet others in this vibrant city. Just don’t forget to take your credit card as the city isn’t cheap!
Solo Travel in Zurich
Stay for – 2/3 nights
Safety in Zurich – Zurich is a really safe city but just be careful of pickpockets. You may find tourist touts at the main station so be firm if you don't want to interact with them. Anywhere there are crowds keep an eye on your bag and purse, especially in Langstrasse, the Red Light District and near the train station and lakefront at night.
Did you know? Zurich is the wealthiest European city.
About Zurich
Zurich is on the shores of Lake Zurich and is just one of the Swiss cities with a lake. If you do spend time in Zurich, this city is ideal for a shopping spree. Head to Bahnhofstrasse for the famous shopping mile. Known as a banking and finance hub, the city also offers river cruises which are a different way to see the city. You can even jump on an old steam ship.
Bikes here are free so grab yourself one and cycle around the city for some sightseeing and exercise rolled into one, or join the free walking tour to meet others. Summer is a great time to visit here with open-air bars and restaurants.
Stroll along the lake promenades and feed the swans or just enjoy the harmony of the old blended with the new. When it’s hot and sunny you’ll find people hanging out by the water so take your bikini and sarong to join them. If you prefer the solitude, head to the east side of the lake to lose yourself in a picturesque garden of roses.
As you’ll find all over Switzerland, this city has beautiful scenery, and it perfect for hiking. We think it has everything that a city needs and more. 
Zurich Attractions: Top Must-Sees For Solos
Things To See in Zurich
Escape the crowds
Zurich Markets
Zurich has many markets. Whether you are into flea markets or fresh fruit and veg, there are enough markets in Zurich to keep you busy.
- Wednesday mornings – Head to the Fruit and Veg Market Oerlikon – The biggest fruit and veg market. Stop for a coffee at Marktplatz Square to people-watch.
- Wednesdays (most) – Find organic produce at Bahnofmarkt, a farmers market.
- Thursdays & Saturdays – Head to Rosenhofmarkt in the Niederdorf area for handcrafted jewellery and trinkets. This hippie-style market also offers different cuisine.
- Visit Zurich at Christmas time for the Christmas markets.
What To Do in Zurich (for all Girls about the Globe)
- Stroll along the lake promenades or go for a run on the jogging trail in Irchelpark.
- If you want some company for your run – join a running tour around the city.
- Pick up a tourist map and follow the green trail around the city.
- Rent a rowing boat and see Zurich from the lake. Rent boats from the Enge side of the lake, and at the river side of the Quaibrucke at Bellevue.
- Rent a bike from one of the locations around the city (you’ll need yourpassport and a deposit)
- Cycle around the city with company on a 2 hour bicycle tour.
- Go cruising – Head out on a lake cruise or hop aboard a paddle steamer for a nostalgic ride on Lake Zurich. You can opt for different cruises from 90 minutes to 4 hours.
Solo’s Tip – “Take a day trip to Stein am Rhein – this small town on the shores of the Rhine is such a picturesque spot.”
Arty & Museum GatG
If you love art and museums, there are over 50 museums in Zurich to choose from. Not to mention the 100 art galleries. Here are our favourites:
- Sammlung Oskar Reinhard Am Römerholz – Has one of the finest art collections in Switzerland with art from as far back as the 16th Century.
- Don’t miss Kunsthaus Zurich with 19th century sculptures and paintings.
- Catch a Van Gogh, or Rembrandt at the Museum of Fine Art.
- Stiftung Sammlung E.G. Buhrle – Lose yourself in a Monet amongst others (only open on the 1st Sunday of the month.
- The Rietberg Museum was a former villa now turned museum. With a collection of paintings and sculptures from other parts of the world.
- Visit the Swiss National Museum, one of the most important art museums of cultural history, which is inside a castle.
Budget GatG
- Enjoy free admission at some of the city’s museums.
- Stroll around the old town and window shop through the lanes.
- Watch open air movies, concerts and other activities at the MFO Park • Listen to a street musician on the lake promenades.
- Grab a free bike and cycle around the city.
Chocolate GatG
Head to Sprüngli chocolatiers. or one of the Läderach’s chocolate shops. Being a land of chocolate makers you won’t just find ordinary Lindt chocolate at Wollishofen-Enge; where you can indulge in a champagne truffle or two. Combine your chocolate tasting with an hour cruise and a Zurich city tour, or zip around the city on a chocolate tasting tuk-tuk tour.
Cultural GatG
- Landesmuseum – discover the history and culture of the Swiss people and see ancient artefacts.
- Swiss Traditions Tour – Experience the Swiss traditions. Visit a cheese dairy, and learn about the traditions and culture at Appenzell before heading to the heritage museum.
- Zurich Food Tours – Experience the eating and drinking culture of Zurich (great if you want some company for dining).
History GatG
Discover the fascinating history of Zurich on a historical walking tour.
Nature GatG
There are so many gorgeous nature spots from Zurich. Allow a whole day each to experience these stunning spots:
- Head out of the city to see Europe’s largest waterfall, Rhine Falls. You can see the falls from both sides of the river.
- Combine amazing views with a trip on a steam train. Take a train to the alpine summit of Bringer Rothorn for a view of the Berne Alps and Lake Brienz.
Shopping in Zurich – Shopping GatGDon’t have much time? Take the tram around the city to see all the sights then go back to visit the ones that you really want to see.
Where to Meet Others
- One of the parks in Zurich Nord – an industrial area where you won’t find that many tourists.
- Learn about Zurich’s culture and life and meet expats to gain insider tips into Zurich on a free walk. Meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7pm at Paradeplatz for a two hour tour.
- In the residential area of Wiedikon. Pop into the Falcone on a Thursday night for the open jam sessions.
- Take your bikini and sarong and head down to the lake in the summer or do as the locals do and float down the river.
- On one of the free walking tours.
- Join others and experience the nightlife on a bar tour.
- On a riverboat dinner cruise.
Local’s Tip – “In Summer you can find parties at people's rooftops, just bring something to grill and drink, and enjoy people, music and view from the top. 
Zurich Day Tours
Free walking tours are a great way of getting your bearings when you first arrive in Zurich. You don’t need to book any of the following tours, just turn up and give a donation at the end depending on how much you enjoyed the tour.
- Zurich Downtown tours everyday at 11am Paradeplatz – Check the website for more information.
- Explore the trendy areas of Zurich west every day at 3pm at Prime Tower, the highest building in Switzerland on a walking tour.
- If you are here on a weekend, find out more about the history of Zurich at 11am both Saturdays and Sundays.
- If you prefer not to be in a group, Zurich day tours also arrange private paid tours such as the War, Terror and Revolution Tour, Jewish Tour, and The Reformation in Zurich.
- On a lake cruise – Enjoy Zurich from the lake whether for just a short cruise or half a day You can even see the mountains in the east on a clear day.Have a tourist moment – Hire a pedalo and pedal yourself around the lake, or take a classic trolly tour around the city.
Things to do in Zurich at Night
- Meet expats to gain insider tips into Zurich nightlife and learn some of the local lingo. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7pm at Paradeplatz for a two hour free tour (just pay your donation at the end).
- Explore Zurich’s red light district on an educating one hour tour. Meeting every second Saturday of the month at Helvetiaplatz at 8pm. The tour is free, just make a donation afterwards.
- Watch an opera, ballet or classical concert at Opernhaus Zurich, a small but beautiful venue. Pre-book a ticket online beforehand.
- Head for some shopping and dinner in the Kalkbreite area before watching a movie at the cinema here.
- Explore the beauty of the old town at night and walk around on foot.
Party GatG
Zurich has a buzzing nightlife with clubs closing between 2-4am. If you feel confident and ready to party with the locals, you’ll find the party animals at bars and nightclubs at Im Viadukt. Head to Jules Verne Panorama Bar for great city views, then onto Club Indochina or Rohstofflager to meet some locals to party with for the evening.
If you are visiting Zurich on a weekend you’ll find arranged pub crawls which are great for solos. Not only are they a way of experiencing the nightlife of a place without the awkward feeling of walking into a bar by yourself but they are also ideal to meet others to sightsee with the day after.
Join Zurich Pub Crawl – Held every Friday and Saturday nights at 9pm. Pay CHF 20 for welcome shots, one shot in every pub and entrance into the club. Go to Zurich Pub Crawl for more details.
Local Girl’s Tip – Some nightclubs have entry fees but one which has free entrance is PurPur. Just don’t forget to take ID. (It’s also a coffee-bar and lounge during the day).
Where To Stay in Zurich
Zurich is a beautiful and vibrant city with many great areas to stay in, each with its unique charm and attractions. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Zurich:
Altstadt (Old Town) – This is the historic centre of Zurich and is known for its beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming cafes. It's a great place to stay if you want to be close to the city's main attractions, such as the Fraumünster Church and the Swiss National Museum.
Kreis 4 and 5 – These are trendy neighbourhoods located to the west of the city centre, known for their hip cafes, bars, and restaurants. It's a good place to stay if you're looking for a more lively atmosphere and want to be close to the city's nightlife.
Niederdorf – This is a lively neighbourhood located in the heart of the city, known for its shops, bars, and restaurants. It's a great place to stay if you want to be in the centre of the action and don't mind a bit of noise.
Seefeld – If you’re looking for somewhere quieter and more residential, consider Seefeld, an upscale residential area located to the east of the city centre, known for its beautiful parks, lakeside promenades, and high-end restaurants. It's an ideal area to stay if you're looking for a more luxurious experience and want to be close to the water.
Enge – Or there is Enge, a quiet neighbourhood located to the south of the city centre, known for its beautiful architecture, green spaces, and upscale shops. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for a more residential and peaceful experience.
Synergy Village
Offers a magical oasis at Lake Zurich in traditional Swiss houses amongst a waterfall, ponds and streams. Experience an intercultural exchange, learn new skills and be part of a vibrant international community. Choose a dorm room, or upgrade to a studio, single or double room.
- Prices from £21 per night for a bed in a mixed dorm
- To book, check prices or availability for Synergy Village
Youth Hostel Zurich
In a quiet location near the lake, Youth Hostel Zurich offers female-only dorms and a buffet breakfast. There’s an inner courtyard for getting to know others, a 24 hour reception so there is always someone there at night and friendly staff. Rooms vary from a 4/6 bed dorm or single/double rooms.
- Prices start from £38 per night for a 4 bed dorm
- To book, check prices or availability for Youth Hostel Zurich
The Flag Zurich, Zurich
With an arty concept in each room, you’ll also find art exhibitions in the reception area. If you are planning to shop in Zurich this is close to luxury brand shopping so you can shop til you drop. Perfect for arty, shopaholic solos.
- Prices start from £89 per night
- To book, check prices or availability for The Flag Zurich
Where to Eat & Drink
Restaurants For Typical Cuisine
Vegetarian Restaurants in Zurich
Enjoy a Coffee and a Cake
Confiserie Sprungli – There’s a reason that this is one of the best dessert places in the city because it literally is. Locals even frequent this place as it’s that good. Choose from an afternoon cake and hot chocolate or a scrumptious breakfast. Find at Bahnhofstrasse 21. Street Food – If you can’t find any local food stands, pop into a bakery and order a Wurstweggen. If you fancy cooking your own meals or taking a picnic down to the lake, you’ll find fresh ingredients in a Migros or Coop. 
Where to Drink
Bars in Zurich Barflyz – Sophistication with friendly staff and a very-welcoming cocktail list. You can also grab a cheap bite to eat early evening. Find at Gotthardstrasse 21.
Widder Bar – A welcoming bar where you can enjoy one of the 250 malt whiskies (or a cocktail) whilst listening to the sounds of jazz or piano music. Find at Widdergasse 6.
Old Crow – A cosy bar with a relaxed vibe and friendly bar staff. Tucked away in a small alley away from the busy bars. Find at Schwanengasse 4.
Getting Around Zurich
Switzerland is known for its efficient transport system but with Zurich not being that big, it is easy to walk around and navigate on foot.
Trams – Trams run all day, starting in the early hours (from 5am until 1am) and cover more of the city than the trains. If you are planning to do more than one return trip, purchase a day pass instead from one of the tram stops.
Buses – If you don’t fancy the tram, take the bus instead. These run from 5am until midnight. Just buy your ticket at the bus stop beforehand. Taking a 2 hour sightseeing bus tour is also a good way to see the sites.
Budget GatG – If you are staying in Zurich for 24 to 72 hours, it’s worth looking at a Zurich card. This offers unlimited 2nd class travel and free or reduced admission to many of Zurich’s museums. 
From Zurich Airport
The best way to get from Zurich Kloten Airport to the city is with the train. Trains run frequently and only take 15 minutes, costing CHF 7. These are near check in.Taxis costs CHF 70 and are available from Terminals 1 and 2. 
Travelling Onwards
The train system in Switzerland is fantastic. Zurich is one of the biggest hubs with trains to the rest of Switzerland as well as its European neighbours. Head to Hauptbahnhof in the city centre where the trains and trams interconnect. Buy your ticket for your onward journey out of Zurich at one of the self-service machines.
TIP – If you are planning on seeing more of Switzerland, consider a Swiss Pass from 3 days to 15 days. As well as access to rail, bus, boat and some trams, it also includes 50% on most cable cars and entrance into hundreds of museums.
