Begin your tour at Zurich Main Station and walk along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s best-known shopping streets. Learn about Swiss watches, international brands and the nearby Victorinox flagship store before turning into Rennweg.
Continue past Rennweg 35 and 37 and discover Zurich’s historic spring-water system. Fresh spring water from Albisrieden has supplied fountains around Rennweg since the 15th century. Taste Zurich’s excellent public drinking water or refill your reusable bottle at one of the fountains.
Pass the historic fountain near Fortunagasse and the Amazon Fountain, which was already in use during the 15th century and is regarded as an early example of public art in Zurich.
Walk through Strehlgasse and pass the medieval House zum Kleinen Kindli before climbing the steps to Lindenhof. Here, learn how Zurich developed from Roman Turicum into a medieval city. Enjoy panoramic views over the River Limmat, Niederdorf, Grossmünster, Predigerkirche, the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich.
At the Lindenhof Fountain, hear the legend of Hedwig ab Burghalden and the courageous women of Zurich, who are said to have defended the city in 1292 by appearing in military dress. The fountain’s armoured female figure commemorates this famous local legend.
Descend through Pfalzgasse and see a reproduction of the Roman gravestone whose inscription provides important evidence for Zurich’s ancient name, Turicum.
Continue to St. Peter’s Church, famous for its enormous clock face. Walk through Schlüsselgasse and discover Max Chocolatier, a recommended address for handmade Swiss chocolate. Pass the historic Veltlinerkeller in the House zum Goldenen Schlüssel, a medieval building used as a restaurant since the late 15th century.
Continue to Münsterhof and see the Fraumünster. Learn about its former abbey, its influential abbesses and its famous stained-glass windows. Admission to the Fraumünster is not included in the standard tour. An interior visit may be possible on request, depending on opening hours, available time and payment of the admission fee.
Cross Münster Bridge and enjoy views of the Fraumünster, Wasserkirche, River Limmat and Grossmünster. A brief visit inside the Grossmünster may be included when the church is open and no service, event or access restriction is taking place.
Continue through Niederdorf to Spiegelgasse. Learn about the birth of the Dada movement at Cabaret Voltaire in 1916 and see the nearby house where Vladimir Lenin lived during his exile in Zurich.
Continue towards Neumarkt. When open and when time allows, the tour may include a brief visit to the historical model of Zurich around 1800 at Haus zum Rech.
Finish by walking through the atmospheric Froschaugasse and Brunngasse to Rosenhof. At the end of the tour, receive personal recommendations for restaurants, cafés, Swiss chocolate, shopping and other places to visit in Zurich.
