Zurich On A Budget – Affordable Things To Do
When people think about visiting Switzerland, one of the first things that come to mind is the cost. Switzerland in general is known to be expensive, and Zürich has previously been listed as one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. But don’t let that keep you away from visiting, you can absolutely enjoy Zurich on a budget!
As much as I wanted to have a good time on my trip, I did not want to get on my flight back home with empty pockets. This led me to discover various activities without a hefty price tag. So, in this blog I’ll share affordable things to do in Zurich that’ll still make the trip worth it. A couple of these are short day trips to surrounding areas, but that’s all part of the fun!
Affordable Things To Do In Zurich
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you.
A trip to the Lindt Home of Chocolate might give you a lifetime of sweet tooth satisfaction, but it’s not just about the limitless amount of chocolate you can have. Here, you will also learn about the history of Swiss chocolate, witness the chocolate-making process, and indulge in all the tastings you can possibly dream of. They also have chocolate making courses and I absolutely had to sign up. I mean, it’s not often that you come across the opportunity to make your own chocolate bar at one of the few country’s with a chocolate legacy! And I have to say, this activity was one of the more unique experiences I have done on a trip. If you want to do this, I would definitely recommend booking ahead of time because the classes are usually high in demand.
Cost: The entry ticket costs $20USD per person. This gives you access to the entire museum, where you can also be part of interactive experiences. If you’d like to take it one step further, you can also take one of their chocolate courses, which costs $38 for the Masterpiece Chocolate Bars course and $48 for the Chocolate Figures and Lollipops course.
Tip: For a good deal, you can book this activity as a package with other activities for a more comprehensive experience.
Lake Zürich (Zürichsee)
The picturesque heart of Zürich! While you’re in the city, you can’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the calmness of Lake Zürich. You can stroll along the scenic deck and if you’re visiting during the summer months, you can go for a swim or take a leisurely boat ride.
Cost: Free! Unless you’re taking a boat ride/cruise, which would most likely be covered by your Swiss Pass.
Polybahn Ride
For a unique view of Zürich, take a ride on the funicular Polybahn. This short but scenic ride gives you a panoramic view of the city, and it takes you to the summit of Old Town Zürich.
Cost: About $6 USD for a round trip.
Old Town Zürich (Altstadt)
One of my favourite ways to explore Zurich on a budget was to stroll around freely, which led me to exploring the Old Town and learning about Zurich’s history. If I could describe Old Town Zurich using one word, I’d say it’s enchanting because it makes you feel like you’re in a story book. Here, you’ll find yourself walking down narrow alleys with cobblestones, admiring historical churches like Grossmünster and Fraumünster, and stopping at charming local shops and cafes.
Cost: Free! But of course, this depends on if you choose to simply take a stroll through the town, or go shopping and dine as well.
Swiss National Museum
Learn about Switzerland’s heritage at the Swiss National Museum. Its exhibitions feature a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and interactive displays, providing insights into the country’s culture and history.
Cost: About $12 USD for an adult entry ticket.
Rapperswil
The name of this town already tells you that it’s a charming place to visit – or is it just me? It’s located along the shores of Lake Zürich, and it’s just a short train ride away from the city. You can also take a ferry to get there if you’re like me and you prefer a scenic journey. Whether you opt for a train ride or a ferry, your Swiss transport fare will most likely cover travel, depending on which fare/pass you purchase.
While you’re in Rapperswil, walk through the historic old town, visit the Rapperswil Castle, and take a walk on the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland, all for free.
Travel by Ferry: If you’re taking the ferry from Zurich, it’ll take about 1.5-2 hours to get to Zurich. The ferry has a small restaurant/cafe where you can order drinks and a meal to enjoy during your trip.
Travel by Train: If you’re taking the train from Zurich, it’ll take about 40 minutes to get to Rapperswil.
Cost: Free!
Rhine Falls (Rheinfall)
Who doesn’t love the aesthetic appeal of a powerful waterfall? Especially when it’s the largest waterfall in Europe! Located a short train ride from Zurich, Rhine Falls are a natural wonder worth experiencing up close. Here, you can take a walk along the waterfall, take boat rides that can take you right to the falls, or hike up to the highest viewing point for a stunning view.
Cost: An adult entry ticket costs about $6 USD. This can be purchased when you arrive. If you’d like to take a boat tour, the tickets depend on the length of time you sign up for, and the type of tour you’ll be participating in. The boat tour tickets range from about $7 USD – $26 USD.
Book Rhine Falls 30 Mins Boat Tour
Lucerne
Take a day trip to Lucerne, a picturesque city against Lake Lucerne that’s surrounded by mountains. Here, you can explore the medieval Old Town, walk across the famous Chapel Bridge, and enjoy boat trips on the lake or a ride on the cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi.
Tip: Visit both Mount Rigi and Lucerne on the same day, because it’s convenient to go from one place to the other. Here are the two common routes that you can take:
Route 1: Zürich to Mount Rigi to Lucerne via Arth-Goldau (This is the route that I took)
- Zürich to Arth-Goldau (By Train):
- Take a train from Zürich HB to Arth-Goldau. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Arth-Goldau to Vitznau (By Train or Boat):
- From Arth-Goldau, take a short train ride to Vitznau, located on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Alternatively, you can opt for a boat ride across Lake Lucerne from Arth-Goldau to Vitznau for a unique experience.
- Vitznau to Mount Rigi (By Cogwheel Railway):
- In Vitznau, board the cogwheel railway that takes you to the summit of Mount Rigi. The journey is an attraction in itself, as the railway provides breathtaking vistas of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps.
- Spend time exploring Mount Rigi’s hiking trails, taking in the panoramic views, and enjoying a meal at one of the mountain restaurants.
- Mount Rigi to Lucerne (By Boat and Train):
- Descend from Mount Rigi to Vitznau and take a boat ride across Lake Lucerne to Lucerne. The boat journey allows you to relax and appreciate the serene beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
- Arrive in Lucerne and continue your day of exploration.
- Lucerne to Zürich
- From Lucerne, you can take a direct train back to Zürich HB.
Route 2: Zürich to Mount Rigi to Lucerne via Weggis
- Zürich to Weggis (By Train and Bus):
- Start your journey by taking a train from Zürich HB to Lucerne, which takes about 45 minutes. From Lucerne, take a short train ride to Hergiswil.
- In Hergiswil, transfer to a bus that will take you to Weggis, a lovely lakeside town on Lake Lucerne. The bus ride offers scenic views of the lake and mountains and takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Weggis to Mount Rigi (By Cable Car and Cogwheel Railway):
- In Weggis, board the cable car that will transport you to Rigi Kaltbad, a mid-mountain station on Mount Rigi.
- From Rigi Kaltbad, transfer to the cogwheel railway that will take you to the summit of Mount Rigi.
- Mount Rigi to Lucerne (By Train):
- Descend from Mount Rigi and return to Weggis using the cogwheel railway and cable car.
- From Weggis, take the bus back to Hergiswil and then the train from Hergiswil to Lucerne.
Cost: A boat ride to Lucerne is covered by your Swiss Pass. All other additional costs depend on what you do while you’re in Lucerne.
Mount Rigi
I’ll admit, some might not think this counts as experiencing Zurich on a budget because it requires a bit more spending compared to the other activities/experiences. However I was willing to overlook it, seeing as it was the only “pricey” activity on my itinerary.
The “Queen of the Mountains,” Mount Rigi, is also often referred to as the “Mountain of Water.” It’s an easily accessible day trip from Zürich, and it includes adventurous hiking trails, panoramic views, and the opportunity to take Europe’s oldest mountain cogwheel railway. The views going up to Mount Rigi cannot be matched, which makes this a highly recommended activity. I unfortunately can’t brag about what it looks like when you get to the top of the mountain because when I got there, it was foggy and we couldn’t see anything – how unlucky. However, I was grateful to have been able to see the beautiful scenery before the landscape disappeared in the thick fog.
Cost: About $93 for a day ticket.
Affordable Place to Stay
A big financial decision when visiting anywhere is where you’ll be staying. Zurich on a budget is entirely possible when you can find an affordable accommodation. One standout option is Josephine’s Guesthouse, a budget-friendly spot that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or location for price. With clean, cozy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll get exceptional value compared to Zurich’s notoriously expensive hotel scene. For travelers seeking to experience Switzerland’s largest city without breaking the bank, Josephine’s Guesthouse is the perfect home base to explore.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Zurich on a Budget
Zurich may have a reputation for being expensive, but it’s possible to experience the city without draining your savings. From free strolls to affordable day trips there’s no shortage of budget-friendly ways to enjoy Switzerland’s largest city. The key is to prioritize experiences over luxury, take advantage of the Swiss Pass for transportation, and seek out hidden gems with great value. With a bit of planning and the right accommodation like Josephine’s Guesthouse as your base, you’ll discover that Zurich on a budget isn’t just doable – it can also be unforgettable.
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