Zurich Old Town Walking Tour
Overview
The most popular tour through Zurich´s historic old town offers fascinating insights into the city´s colorful history.
What do Einstein, James Joyce and Wagner have in common? All three were residents of Zurich. But it´s not only great minds who are captivated by this lakeside city with its well-preserved old town – people from all over the world have always flocked to the thriving metropolis.
On a two-hour walk through the old town, we go searching for clues to the city´s past in its hidden alleyways and picturesque squares. Together, we uncover the secrets of Bahnhofstrasse, find out what a "procession axis" is, and visit a church with a minute-hand that jumps a record-breaking half meter every minute.
This popular tour is filled with numerous astonishing and amusing anecdotes and has plenty to offer both visitors and locals alike.
What do Einstein, James Joyce and Wagner have in common? All three were residents of Zurich. But it´s not only great minds who are captivated by this lakeside city with its well-preserved old town – people from all over the world have always flocked to the thriving metropolis.
On a two-hour walk through the old town, we go searching for clues to the city´s past in its hidden alleyways and picturesque squares. Together, we uncover the secrets of Bahnhofstrasse, find out what a "procession axis" is, and visit a church with a minute-hand that jumps a record-breaking half meter every minute.
This popular tour is filled with numerous astonishing and amusing anecdotes and has plenty to offer both visitors and locals alike.
Inclusions
- Sightseeing in Zurich´s impressive old town
- Explore quaint alleyways and discover hidden gems
- Tour guide with extensive knowledge
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Zürich Tourist Information, Hauptbahnhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Anyone who has questions about Zurich, requires information about city tours and excursions, or would like some insider tips is at the right address at the Tourist Information in the main concourse of Zurich Main Station.
Pass By: Bahnhofstrasse, Runs North-South West of Limmat River, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
You can find everything that your heart desires in Bahnhofstrasse: fashion, art and Zurich specialties attract local residents as well as visitors.
Stop At: Lindenhof Hill, Lindenhof 4, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
Lindenhof is an oasis at the heart of the city that looks back on a moving history.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Fraumunster Church, Munsterhof 2, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
Fraumünster – a Church in the Old Town With Windows by Chagall and Giacometti
Stop At: Niederdorf, Right bank of Limmat river, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
Niederdorf is part of Zurich's old town – and the locals fondly refer to it as "Dörfli", meaning the entire Niederdorf and Oberdorf area that extends as far as Bellevue. Niederdorf is a pedestrian zone the same as Limmatquai, which runs parallel. During the day, the pedestrian zone and many stores, which are almost hidden in alleyways, entice you to shop. In the evening, Niederdorf changes into a nightlife district for a very varied public with its bars and street artists.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Grossmunsterplatz, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
The Grossmünster church is a landmark of Zurich. Legend has it that the church was built on the graves of the city's patron saints, Felix and Regula.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Zürich Tourist Information, Hauptbahnhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Anyone who has questions about Zurich, requires information about city tours and excursions, or would like some insider tips is at the right address at the Tourist Information in the main concourse of Zurich Main Station.
Pass By: Bahnhofstrasse, Runs North-South West of Limmat River, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
You can find everything that your heart desires in Bahnhofstrasse: fashion, art and Zurich specialties attract local residents as well as visitors.
Stop At: Lindenhof Hill, Lindenhof 4, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
Lindenhof is an oasis at the heart of the city that looks back on a moving history.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Fraumunster Church, Munsterhof 2, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
Fraumünster – a Church in the Old Town With Windows by Chagall and Giacometti
Stop At: Niederdorf, Right bank of Limmat river, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
Niederdorf is part of Zurich's old town – and the locals fondly refer to it as "Dörfli", meaning the entire Niederdorf and Oberdorf area that extends as far as Bellevue. Niederdorf is a pedestrian zone the same as Limmatquai, which runs parallel. During the day, the pedestrian zone and many stores, which are almost hidden in alleyways, entice you to shop. In the evening, Niederdorf changes into a nightlife district for a very varied public with its bars and street artists.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Grossmunsterplatz, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
The Grossmünster church is a landmark of Zurich. Legend has it that the church was built on the graves of the city's patron saints, Felix and Regula.
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide (German & English)
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Precautionary Measures: On our tours, guests must wear face masks. The recommended safety distance between guests and the tour guide must be maintained. Customer data, such as telephone number and e-mail address, are required when booking a tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
loveexploring123
July 2022
Misleading info. The tour said there was English and German Tour. I chose English. I ASSUMED it was English ONLY. But we were utterly surprised to understand the tour was in BOTH English AND German. Everyone else was surprised also! Can you imagine in July heat waiting for the tour guide...
Misleading info. The tour said there was English and German Tour. I chose English. I ASSUMED it was English ONLY. But we were utterly surprised to understand the tour was in BOTH English AND German. Everyone else was surprised also! Can you imagine in July heat waiting for the tour guide to begin with your chosen language. This in not the guide's fault. She did her job. We fault Viator for misleading the customer! We have done 50 PLUS Tours in Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America. NEVER have we had duo languages on a tour!A2310GSclaired
July 2022
This was a great walking tour to orient us with Zurich and more specifically the "Old Town". We were only in town for 1 day and we felt like we had learned quite a bit by the end of the tour. Our tour guide was excellent. My only recommendation would be to select a tour that is spoken only in ...
This was a great walking tour to orient us with Zurich and more specifically the "Old Town". We were only in town for 1 day and we felt like we had learned quite a bit by the end of the tour. Our tour guide was excellent. My only recommendation would be to select a tour that is spoken only in your language. Ours did say that it was in German and English when we signed up and I was unsure how that would work. Our tour guide spoke in both languages which was very impressive but also was a little distracting.Maria Julia C
June 2022
Tour was amazing! We were amazed to get to know so much about the history of Zurich (and Switzerland!) in this tour. It goes way beyond just seeing the main city landmarks. We’ve also ended up visiting places we wouldn’t go by ourselves. Our guide was great, very thoughtful and kind as well. You...
Tour was amazing! We were amazed to get to know so much about the history of Zurich (and Switzerland!) in this tour. It goes way beyond just seeing the main city landmarks. We’ve also ended up visiting places we wouldn’t go by ourselves. Our guide was great, very thoughtful and kind as well. You could see how passionate she is about history and her country. Also, it was really hot that day so she told us she would try to go through the shadow and walk slower, which she did and everyone could follow it. Tour was in German/English.Bud_D
May 2022
Remains of old Roman bath; legend of Felix and Raphaela(?); side streets with restaurants; learning that water from fountains is potable.
Remains of old Roman bath; legend of Felix and Raphaela(?); side streets with restaurants; learning that water from fountains is potable.profirar2020
May 2022
Luciola was our guide during the tour. Very nice connection with her, a lot to learn and to find out about this beautiful city and its citizens, joyful and, at the same time, professional presentation. Thank you :-)
Luciola was our guide during the tour. Very nice connection with her, a lot to learn and to find out about this beautiful city and its citizens, joyful and, at the same time, professional presentation. Thank you :-)pthomson395
August 2023
A great way to get to know Zurich, friendly and knowledgeable guide. Group size perfect. Wonderful way to learn a little about the history of Zurich.
A great way to get to know Zurich, friendly and knowledgeable guide. Group size perfect. Wonderful way to learn a little about the history of Zurich.