We got in from Zurich on the train around 11:30am, stored our luggage at the station, following signs for Gepäckaufbewahrung, and set off to explore Zurich’s Old Town, the Altstadt.

Exploring Old Town

We walked Bahnhofstrasse, the famous shopping street that starts right at the main train station, then wandered through Limmatquai and the Old Town alleys, stopping to stroll along the river. We grabbed coffee and chocolate at Confiserie Sprüngli, and stopped by Grossmünster Church, Fraumünster Church, and Bürkliplatz. If you have extra time, the Rathaus and Münsterhof are worth a look too, though we treated those as optional.

We had lunch in Old Town, then had the choice to either take a boat ride or ride tram line 4 or 6 down to the lake, Zürichsee, to walk the promenade.

Old Town restaurant options:

Classic Swiss and local favorites:

• Zeughauskeller – A historic Swiss beer hall with hearty dishes like sausages, rösti, and schnitzel, casual and easy with kids
• Haus Hiltl – A world-famous vegetarian restaurant with a buffet and kids’ options, relaxed and fun
• Trattoria Sempre Zürich – Italian classics, pasta and pizza, easy for picky eaters
• Spaghetti Factory – Another solid Italian option with pasta kids tend to love
• Restaurant Brasserie Johanniter – A casual Swiss brasserie on Niederdorfstrasse with a relaxed vibe

More options nearby:

• Zum Königstuhl – Schweizer Restaurant in Zürich Niederdorf – A lovely Swiss spot tucked into a historic corner
• Restaurant Enja – A great all-around menu with friendly service
• Swiss Chuchi Restaurant – Classic Swiss meals, including fondue if you want to try it again
• Raclette Factory – Cheese-focused menu, a comforting meal kids generally love

The Victorinox Flagship Store

One stop worth calling out on its own: we visited the Victorinox flagship store in Zurich, where you can customize your own Swiss Army knife. Victorinox has been making these since 1884, when founder Karl Elsener opened a small cutler’s workshop, and the company is still family-run today. My son and husband both loved picking out and personalizing their own, and we brought home a few as gifts.

Where We Stayed Before Flying Home

We took the train back to the airport and stayed at Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle, which was incredibly convenient. There’s a direct walkway from the hotel straight to the airport the morning of your flight, so I’d genuinely recommend staying at The Circle before any early flight out of Zurich. There are a few hotel options there, so I’m sure there is one that fits your needs.

We flew home on Swiss, this time in economy, still booked on miles.

How We Booked It

All of our hotels on this trip were booked through my travel agency rather than directly, and it ended up being significantly cheaper doing it that way.

For general tips on getting around Switzerland, currency, language, and a few other practical things, check out the tips section in our Lucerne and Weggis post.

Before You Go

I put together a free Hotel Upgrade Guide with the exact strategies I use to get room upgrades, resort credits, and better rates. Grab it below.

Want Help Planning Your Trip?

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland or anywhere else in Europe and want help with accommodations, activities, or building out the perfect itinerary, I do this for families all the time and it costs you nothing.

Shoot me an email at madison@thefamilytakeoff.com and tell me where you’re headed.

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