39 exciting things to do in Zurich with teenagers

When you purchase through links on our site we may earn a commission, Learn More >>

Zurich with teenagers is a fantastic destination for families with older chiledren. The city offers plenty of attractions and activities that will appeal to both male and female teens. In the summer, there are endless outdoor activities to enjoy, including boat tours, hiking, and swimming.

The city also boasts a number of museums and galleries that are perfect for a rainy day. Overall, Zurich is an exciting and dynamic city that will provide lasting memories for the whole family.

Table Of Contents
  1. Know before you go. Our top Zurich travel tips
  2. Things to do in Zurich with teens
  3. Free things to do in Zurich with teens
  4. Where to eat with teens in Zurich
  5. Day trips from Zurich with kids
  6. Where to stay in Zurich with family
  7. Frequently asked questions about Zurich

Know before you go. Our top Zurich travel tips

Travelling to Switzerland’s largest city can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. There are so many things to do in Zurich and having the best place to stay and wander is extremely important. Here we’ve got some information to get you planning your trip to Zurich to make it completely hassle-free.

There are so many things to do in Zurich with teenagers
A lot of Zurich activities are done by the water

Where to stay in Zurich with teenagers

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Zurich. In Zurich, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Trip Advisor and Hotellook to find the best prices in Zurich.

  • Luxury: Located on the waterfront in the city centre is the Storchen Zurich – Lifestyle Boutique. This amazing hotel features rooms and suites for a luxurious family vacation in Zurich.
  • Mid-Range: Located in the city centre is the Leoneck Swiss Hotel. Family rooms with balcony, onsite car parking and an amazing restaurant serving the best of local produce.
  • Budget: Featuring family suites with cooking facilities the EMA House Hotel Suites is a great choice for families. Located 500 meters from the central railway station with free Wi-Fi and airport transfers available.
  • Hostel: Zurich Youth Hostel features family rooms sleeping up to 4 people with a private ensuite. The hostel features a bar, restaurant and communal area’s. The hostel has a tour desk for all your Zurich sightseeing

Zurich apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation when on your Switzerland trip with teenagers in Zurich, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation. There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options in Zurich as well. You can search VRBO or if you’re looking for a luxury apartment then Plum Guide will help you find the perfect apartment in Zurich for teens on your Switzerland trip with family.

How to get to Zurich Switzerland

  • Zurich is the largest international airport in Switzerland and the home airport of Swiss International Air Lines. The airport lies 13 kilometres north of the city centre. Search your flights to Zurich with Cheap-O-air
  • High-speed trains service Zurich from Paris in a little over 3 hours via Basel. International trains run from all surrounding countries such as Germany, Italy, Austria and more. You can book your trains to Zurich with Omio
  • Flix Bus has buses running daily to Zurich from destinations inside Switzerland and International destinations. Search for your bus tickets to Zurich
  • Switzerland has some great Highways for driving, All Highways in Switzerland are levied with tolls. You can hire a car at any international airport in Switzerland and Europe. Search your Rental Car today!

How to get around Zurich

  • Zurich has an extensive public transport network. You can travel by trams, buses and local trains (S-Bahn). Public transport in Zurich is free with a Swiss Travel Pass. Alternatively, you can purchase a Zurich Card that allows free public transport throughout the city as well.
  • Taxis and UBER are available in the city.

Weather in Zurich

The weather in Zurich varies throughout the year, with four distinct seasons.

Spring (March to May) is mild and temperate with average temperatures ranging from 7 to 16 degrees Celsius (45 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer (June to August) is warm and pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 17 to 24 degrees Celsius (63 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). July is typically the warmest month.

Autumn (September to November) is cool and crisp with average temperatures ranging from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius (46 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter (December to February) is cold with average temperatures ranging from 0 to 7 degrees Celsius (32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). January is typically the coldest month.

Zurich does experience some snowfall during the winter months, although it is not as common as in other parts of Switzerland. The best time to visit Zurich is subjective, as it depends on personal preferences and interests.

However, the summer months are generally considered the most popular time to visit due to the warm weather and outdoor activities. Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit, with the changing colours of the leaves providing a picturesque backdrop for the city.

Seasonal essentials for travel to Zurich

Zurich for international visitors

International travel to Zurich requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance for sure in Switzerland. Medical care is not cheap and if you want good quality care it will cost you a fortune, if you don’t have travel insurance.

The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an internation rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about,

  • For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
  • Do you need a visa to visit Zurich? The country of Switzerland or the European Union may require you to have a visa or an ETA (Electronic travel authorisation) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
  • Load a Revolut Travel Money card with Swiss Francs dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees
  • Make phone calls with an international sim card  that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
  • A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet or computer.

Where can I go if my teenage becomes ill in Zurich?

For non-emergency illnesses, a visit to a local clinic or doctor’s office is usually sufficient. Some popular clinics include Swiss Medical Center. For more serious illnesses or injuries, it’s recommended to visit a hospital. The University Hospital Zurich (USZ) is one of the largest and most well-equipped hospitals in Switzerland

Travel accessories for teenagers

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account in order to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

Things to do in Zurich with teens

If you are planning to visit the great city of Zurich, then you have to know the best locations that you have to visit in the city. Here are some of the top places in Zurich to visit with your teenagers.

Boat riding on Lake Zurich with teenagers

The best way that you can enjoy your time with the family in Zurich is by taking one of the many boat cruises on the lake. It is ideal for parents travelling with teenagers because they can get to know the area well. If you are brave enough you can go for a swim in the icy waters of Lake Geneva.

picturesque city of Zurich
Zurich’s Enchanting Charm
Zurich Zoo as a wonderland of Wildlife Adventures in Zurich

How much is a boat ride on Lake Zurich?

A boat trip will last for one and a half hours, and you can choose to dine on the board as well. The charges will range from 9.40 CHF to 15 CHF. The time and cost will depend on how you chose to see Lake Zurich. A boat ride is one of the best Zurich family activities.


Zurich for kids – Visit the Zoo

A zoo is the right place for anyone, no matter how old you are. The zoo Zurich hosts over 380 species of animals and you can spend your time with your family as you explore the animal kingdom as well as check out some of the endangered species.

The Zurich zoo is open throughout the year, and you can visit with your family whenever you want. Do not miss the apes, seals, and penguins.

If you are travelling with teenagers and smaller kids who are below six years, they can enter the zoo for free. Ticket prices for teenagers range from 15-25 CHF while adults are charged 28CHF. If you have teenagers up to 15 years old, a family ticket will save you money. You can get a 10% discount with the Zurich Card.

Zurich family activities – Go-Karting on Rumlang Track

Rumlang track is located right by the Zurich airport, and you can visit the location with your family at any time of the day. Whether you want to make it the last spot as you leave Zurich or as you enter Zurich. You can choose a destination that is perfect for your family and visit the go-karting with the kids. You can allow the kids to race against each other and other drivers as they are guided.

Where is Rumlang Track?

Oberglatterstrasse 13, Rumlang 8153 Switzerland.

How do we get to Rumlang Track to go-kart?

You can catch the S9 or S15 train from Zurich HB main station. The train leaves every 15 minutes from the station and takes 22 minutes to arrive at Rumlang station.

How much is go-karting at Rumlang Track?

The ticket prices range from 20 USD to 25 USD.

Is go-karting at Rumlang Track suitable for all ages?

The maximum speed that the karts can attain is 55 kilometres per hour. Mini karts are available for younger children ages seven to eleven. However, if you have kids that are younger than seven years old, do not fret. They can use the Rocky Kart track. Gloves and helmets are provided for safety.

See Zurich on a bike

In a city as expensive as Zurich, how does a free bike rental sound? In the city of Zurich, city bikes, e-bikes and children’s bikes can be hired for free. As they say, the early bird catches the worm, and a free bike is the same. You must be up and ready to get your bike every morning between 8an and 9.30 am.

Just head to the bike station at the Zurich train station with a valid ID (for foreigners I would suggest a passport) and a 20 CHF deposit. Alternatively, You will find bike tours are the best way to go if you want to get an up-close and personal experience of the city.

You will either have a guide to point out all the important attractions or a map to follow. Make sure you ride through the city centre, take photos from the bridges that span the Limmat River and ride along the lake promenade and see the Zurich Opera House.

Explore Zurich on a city e-bike tour

Lindt Home of Chocolate

Teenagers worldwide love chocolate, Swiss Chocolate is some of the best in the world. Lindt is a popular brand known worldwide for its amazing taste and silky texture. In September 2020 the newest attraction in Zurich will open, Lindt Home of Chocolate. Lindt’s Home of Chocolate will boost a multimedia and interactive exhibition.

Lindt chocolate experience is popular in Zurich with teenagers
Visiting Lindt is one of the top things to do in Zurich in Winter.

You will be able to see the chocolate being produced and of course, taste the chocolate, and have a hot chocolate at a Lindt café. You can even spend some time learning how to make chocolates at the Lindt Chocolateria. This is one of the top things to do in Zurich for people of all ages. Book a tour of the Lindt factory today.

Explore Zurich Toy Museum

Zurich offers a myriad of opportunities for anyone visiting the destination. You can embrace a nostalgic journey by visiting the toy museum. These toys date back to over 300 years ago. The museum is a perfect attraction for kids who will get to know the history of the toy museum.

Swiss Splendor amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland
Captivating Zurich with picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene that teenagers will love
Effortless Urban Elegance with the iconic tram gliding through the heart of Zurich with teenagers

Visitors will be able to see over 1200 toys at the museum from antiques to wagons, dollhouses, and spinning tops, among others. Children who are from 6 to 16 years do not have to pay any entrance fees.

Family Adventure in Zurich at Jucker Farm

Producing its own vegetables and fruits, the Jucker farm is one of the best destinations. It is a popular spot for people who want to experience agriculture and farming, in general. It will give teenagers who live in cities a chance to experience what it is like to live in the country. Your children will love the farm as they will get to meet animals and get play with them.

A maze made up of over 6000 apple trees will both challenge and entertain the teenagers visiting Zurich. The Jucker farm is surrounded by spectacular views of Lake Zurich and the mountains, which makes it really lovely to enjoy outdoor activities.



Zurich Switzerland things to do -Explore Alpamare

One of the things that psychologists say is that splashing in the water can change your moods from bad to good. Did you know that Alpamare is the largest indoor park in Europe? Is it a big enough reason for visiting? The kids and teenagers will enjoy all kinds of water sports. Whether it is in the summer or winter, you are sure to find something interesting to do at the park.

Slide into adventure with teenagers in Zurich is the best
Fun things to do in Zurich
Diving into an aquatic wonderland at Alpamare create unforgettable water adventures in Zurich with teenagers
Indoor pools in Zurich in winter

There are two steam baths, six saunas, ten slides and four pools in addition to a saltwater thermal pool and a wave pool. All the facilities in the location allow you to enjoy all kinds of activities with your family.

There are smaller slides available for the kids to play with as well. The Alphmare Zurich with teenagers is an amazing attraction all year round. A 15% discount is available if you have a Zurich card.

Enjoy outdoor sports and fitness

If you are an active family in Switzerland on holiday then there are plenty of opportunities for adventure sports such as skateboarding, mountain biking, and trail exercise right in the city. The Felsenegg recreation area just out of the city is highly popular for its hike trails. For those that enjoy running and exercise Zurich is just the place.

The Felsenegg recreation area provides a great view of the city after a short walk through the forest
Zurich tourist attractions include the nature surrounding the city

There are fitness para courses that have 15 stations at regular intervals featuring different strength, endurance and flexibility exercises. The courses are between a few hundred meters and several kilometres long

The bike park in the city is the first one in Europe. Five courses with three difficulty ratings offer something for everyone, from small children to biking professionals. There are courses such as Urban-BMX, Jump Track and Pumptrack. You to enjoy biking in the city park or on the yellow-marked bike routes that traverse the city and the lake.

On the banks of the river is the Lindenhof, once the location of a castle over 1000 years ago. Today this outdoor area in Zurich is good for taking a break during a busy day of sightseeing.

Uetliberg Mountain offers some of the best views of the city, Alps and Lake Zurich. Once at the top of the Uetliberg, you have options for hiking, biking and sledding adventures.

Enjoy sightseeing activities in the canton of Zurich

A tour is a great way that you can enjoy sightseeing in Zurich with your family. You can enjoy seeing different places in Zurich with a 4-Hour City Tour by Ferry, Cable Car and Coach.

The tour comes with live commentary as you travel the city learning about the history culture and sights of Zurich. One fascinating legend involves Charlemagne founding the magnificent Grossmunster church which is located atop the graves of the city’s patron saints Felix and Regula.

With numerous stops on the journey, there are plenty of opportunities to get off the bus and take pictures. After seeing the city sites you will cross Lake Zurich on a boat and head to the top of Felsenegg by cable car. Take the time to have a coffee with some of the best views of Zurich.

We recommend the 4 Hour Zurich and surrounds tour by The Best of Switzerland Tour

Our top travel in Zurich with teens tip:

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. If you want to reduce costs, you can get a Zurich card, which gives you a great opportunity to save money on entries, attraction and restaurants.

The Zurich card offers Unlimited 2nd class travel by tram, bus, train, boat and cableway in the city of Zurich and the surrounding region. Free or reduced admission to 43 museums, half-price tours and boat trips on the lake just to name a few.

We know because we go! Have you considered staying in a hostel with your teens when you travel? Read why we love staying in hostels with our teens

Visit the FIFA Museum

The canton of Zurich is the home of world football. World football governing body FIFA has its headquarters located in the heart of Zurich. The FIFA World Football Museum tells the story of how football has developed globally and made it the number-one sport in the world, for participation and fan following.

The showcase of the museum is the FIFA World Cup Gallery. This gallery is dedicated to the history of football’s signature event which is held every 4 years. The highlight of the exhibition is the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The museum has a multitude of interactive and audiovisual experiences.

The museum has a dedicated app that doubles as an audio guide. The FIFA World Football Museum mobile app is a free companion app designed to complement your visit. Free headphones and WIFI are complimentary at this tourist attraction.

standing by the water in Zurich is a teenager with his bike
A young adult in Zurich enjoying the sights by the River Limmat

Go to a football match in Zurich

Zurich has two football clubs that play in the top tier of Swiss Football, The Super League. The two teams are FC Zürich and the Grasshopper Club. Both teams play at the Letzigrund stadium which regularly attracts between 15,000 and 25,000 per game.

Both clubs have a long tradition and have won the championships as well as the cup many times. The European football season runs from late August through to the start of April.

Family fun adventures in Zurich – Segway Tour

There is nothing more fun than zipping around a city on a Segway and for teens, this has to be one of the best things to do in Zurich. A Zurich Segway tour is a great opportunity to have fun and learn about the city.

Segway tours are for the whole family, you will be given instructions and a short amount of practise time before you set off on your adventures in Zurich with teenagers.

Adventures in Zurich – Paragliding Taster Course

Paragliding is the most accessible, yet equally exhilarating sport around. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you are up for it, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.

The Swiss Alps are home to some of the best paragliding spots in the world. This taster course is perfect for teenagers interested in paragliding and outdoor adventure activities.

The taster course will help you to master take-off, control, and manipulation in the air, and finally how to safely and precisely land. The minimum age for this activity is 14. Book your Paragliding experience in Zurich.

See some art in Zurich Old Town

The Kunsthaus Zürich is not one of the most well known art galleries in Europe, it is not the Louvre or the Rijks Museum. Along with a large collection of Swiss art, the museum is also home to works by Monet, Munch, Picasso, Lipchitz, Van Gough, Marc Chagall and Matisse. This museum packs a punch by showcasing the works of the masters for all to see.

If you are looking for things to do in Zurich in December then each year, the famous Zurich Christmas market opens. The largest Zurich Christmas Market is ‘Wienachtsdorf’, the area is turned into an urban Christmas Village, on the Lake Zurich shoreline. You will find smaller markets scattered around the city centre.

Swimming in Zurich in the summer for teenagers

Lake Zurich is one of the largest lakes in Switzerland and lends itself to a nice cooling down swim in the Zurich summer. One of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Lake Zurich is simply swimming in its refreshing waters.

You will find designated swimming and recreation areas called “Badis” along the shores of Lake Zürich. Some of the best Badis areas for kids in Zurich include Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen and Strandbad Mythenquai.

Zurich Christmas Markets

At the Christmas markets in Zurich, teenagers can find a festive and lively atmosphere filled with holiday cheer. There are numerous stalls selling traditional Swiss gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious food and drinks. Teens can also enjoy the sparkling lights, colourful decorations, and live music performances.

Some markets also have amusement rides and games, offering even more entertainment options. Additionally, they can take part in festive activities such as ice-skating and gingerbread-decorating workshops. Overall, the Zurich Christmas markets provide a fun and festive experience for teenagers.

Eating Swiss Cheese Fondue

Swiss cheese fondue is a traditional Swiss dish that consists of melted cheese mixed with wine and seasonings, served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bread into the mixture.

In Zurich, there are many restaurants that serve cheese fondue, both traditional and contemporary variations. Some popular places to try cheese fondue in Zurich’s city centre include the Swiss Chuchi restaurant, Raclette Stube, and Old Swiss House. Additionally, many mountain-style restaurants and taverns in the Zurich area also offer cheese fondue on their menus, offering a chance to enjoy the dish in a cozy and rustic setting.

Overall, cheese fondue is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Zurich and looking for a taste of Swiss cuisine.

The most Instagrammable places in Zurich Switzerland

With Instagram and social media playing an important part in the lives of teenagers, we have some great places for Instagram photos in Zurich. We recommend visiting Lake Zurich, Zurich’s old town, Gerold Cuchi Umbrellas and Augstinergrasse for the best Instagram shots in Zurich.

Professional photoshoot with family in Zurich

As our kids get older, we spend less and less time with them making family memories. One excellent way to capture some of these important Europe family vacation moments is to hire a professional photographer for a few hours to make some lifelong memories for you.

The photographer will supply everything, your family just needs to provide the smiles for your Zurich photoshoot. Book your memory-making shoot today.

Zurich Tiktok inspiration

If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further than TikTok. TikTok is today’s app of choice for teens around the globe. This app is full of creative content and talented people from Zurich.

From fashion to beauty to DIY, there’s something for everyone on TikTok. Here are just a few of our favourite Zurich TikTok accounts to help inspire you and plan for your vacation.

Annual events in Zurich that teens will love

Zurich is a city with a rich culture and history. There are many annual events that take place in the city that can be enjoyed by families and teens visiting Zurich, Some of these events include:

  • Zurich Festival: This is an annual arts and culture festival that features a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and concerts, including classical music, theatre, dance, and more.
  • Street Parade: This is the largest techno and electronic dance music festival in Switzerland, taking place annually in August and attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
  • Zurich Film Festival: This is an annual film festival that showcases the best of international and Swiss cinema, including world premieres, new discoveries, and more.
  • Zurich Open Air: This is an annual music festival that takes place in the heart of Zurich and features a wide range of international and local artists, including rock, pop, and electronic music.
  • Zurich Christmas Market: This is an annual holiday market that takes place in the heart of Zurich, featuring festive stalls selling traditional Swiss products, food, and drink, as well as entertainment and attractions.

These teenage holiday activities in Zurich help to make it a vibrant and exciting city to visit on your next family travel vacation.

Things to do in Zurich – take a cooking class

Some teens cook some teens get served, why not take a cooking class on your family vacation? Food plays a huge part in the local culture in the places you visit. Is there one meal that you just love? maybe this is a way to learn how to cook it yourself.

Why not kickstart your kid’s cooking skills with a cooking class? Most places these days have a mix of traditional cooking and fusion meals available for you to learn during a cooking experience. Search and book your Zurich cooking experience

Escape rooms in Zurich for older kids

A Zurich Switzerland teenager on her phone
A teen in Zurich hanging out using her phone

For those new to Escape rooms, this is a quick run down.

Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room, or span multiple rooms. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. If your teen likes this stuff it is definitely one of the top things to do in Zurich with teenagers.

Axe Throwing in Zurich for young adults

Axe Throwing is a new phenomenon that is sweeping around the world. Axtra is home to Zurich, No experience is required, as the staff at Axtra will run you through the safety percussions before giving tips and hints on how best to throw an axe.

If you are looking for unique experiences for teenagers in Zurich then axe throwing could be it. Axe Throwing is one of the awesome things to do in Zurich on your family vacation. For more information click through to Axtra website

10 pin bowling in Zurich

If you’re looking for a bit of fun, friendly family competition in Zurich then 10 pin bowling might be just the activity for you and your teenagers. You can go 10 pin bowling in Zurich at a number of different locations in the city centre.

holding a bowling ball
Top things to do in Zurich at night with kids includes 10 Pin Bowling
  • Bowling West – With the 14 lanes in the front area and the additional 2 lanes in the separate area, we are a popular destination for families
  • OZ Bowling in Zurich – Experience 18 bowling lanes in an exciting environment of pure entertainment with an Australian atmosphere. At OZ Bowling we have a saying, “No Worries Mate!”
  • FUN BOWL – Come along and experience a unique adventure with bowling, pit-pat, billiards, darts and more

Cinemas in Zurich with kids

Watching a movie is popular with teenagers anywhere in the world. Going to the cinema in Zurich with teenagers is a great evening activity. You will find the state of the art screens and sound for you to watch the latest blockbusters in Zurich cinemas.

  • Arena Cinemas – 18-screen cinema complex showing new movies, plus 2-person boxes with armchairs & refrigerator.
  • Kitag Cinemas Abaton – 12 screens, seating 47 to 482, showing current international movies, using digital sound & image.

Search here for all the very best travel products for your family vacation to Zurich and beyond!

Shopping in Zurich

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. This being the case it is also the shopping capital of Switzerland with department stores and boutiques lining the streets. The main shopping area for locals is around the Bahnhofstrasse, which runs from the main station, Hauptbahnhof towards Lake Zurich.

Bahnhofstrasse is considered one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues. It rivals other places such as Rodeo Drive and the Champs Elysees. Bahnhofstrasse is the downtown street that runs towards the financial district. You will find shops like Mango and Zara mixing it with Dior, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

Shopville is located at Zurich’s main train station. Shopville is full of the type of outlet type of shops. There is a great variety of places to eat. All in all, you will find over 187 shops at Shopville selling everything from fashion, sporting goods, jewellery and books.

The Sihlcity shopping centre lies on what was once an industrial site. The shopping centre incorporates part of the former site including a 65-meter (213ft) tall brick chimney into its design to preserve the city’s past.

Sihlcity will look familiar to teenagers in Zurich as it resembles a Western mall you will find all around the world. The complex features shopping, several movie theatres, a fitness centre, restaurants, bars, and a concert hall.

Shopping with teenagers is always a great option in Zurich.

Going to the gym with teenagers in Zurich

Fitness is very important to a lot of teenagers these days. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Just because one is travelling it does not mean you need to stop working out.

In Zurich, you can get a Zurich fitness pass that gives you access to more than 20 gyms across the city. The pass can be bought for single or multiple gym sessions on your family holiday to Zurich. Book your Zurich fitness pass today.

Zurich offers numerous opportunities that you can enjoy your vacation and you should not be left behind, visit this remarkable destination. Have you ever been to Zurich with your family? What’s your favourite family activity in this beautiful city?

Free things to do in Zurich with teens

Zurich offers, some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free city of Zurich activities are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money. There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free family activities in the canton of Zurich are as follows.

  • Rechberg Park
  • Bürkliplatz flea market
  • Take pictures of the Zurich Opera House
A tram making its way through Zurich Old Town city centre
Zurich, Switzerland things to do are easily reached by tram

Where to eat with teens in Zurich

Food plays an important part in any family holiday in Zurich, you will find some of our best recommendations for eating in Zurich

Babus Bakery & Coffee House

Babus Bakery & Coffee House is a cafe and bakery that provides an assortment of goods for customers. They offer a variety of traditional pastries, fresh bread, rolls, pies, cookies, brownies, muffins, cakes, tarts and savoury offerings. Babus Bakery offers a large selection of coffees including organic coffee beans imported from all around the world. Babas is a great option for breakfast and lunches in Zurich with kids.

Zeughauskeller

This is Zurich’s version of a German-style beer situated in a 500-year-old building. If you want traditional home-style Swiss-German food, you’ve come to the right place. The restaurant serves all types of amazing food from meat and cheese platters to Schnitzels, Cordon Bleu and world-famous Swiss specialities.

For a more budget-friendly Zurich option, you will find plenty of food options located at Zurich Central Train Station.

Street food in Zurich

Street food is a popular way to eat in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get some delicious local food without having to go to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.

Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries. Street food in Zurich often has its origins in the cultural history of people who have immigrated to Switzerland in the past.

Some of the most popular Zurich street foods include:

  1. Rosti: A Swiss dish made from grated potatoes that are fried into a golden brown cake and typically served with cheese, ham, or other toppings.
  2. Bratwurst: A traditional German sausage made from beef or pork and usually grilled to perfection.
  3. Raclette: A Swiss dish made from melted cheese that is scraped onto boiled potatoes, served with pickles and crusty bread.
  4. Fondue: A traditional Swiss dish made from melted cheese mixed with wine and seasonings, served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bread into the mixture.
  5. Rösti mit Spiegelei: Another version of Rosti that is topped with a fried egg and typically served as a quick and filling meal.

Day trips from Zurich with kids

There are so many amazing day trips from Zurich that you can take with your teenagers.

Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is a ridge between 2 peaks in the Swiss Alps. It has two, four-thousand-foot high peaks Jungfrau and Mönch, at an elevation of 3,466. Jungfraujoch has been accessible to tourists by the Jungfrau line, a railway from Interlaken and Kleine Scheidegg. The Jungfraujoch railway station, at an elevation of 3,454 metres (11,332 ft) is the highest in Europe. The top of Europe building houses restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure

A thrill-seekers day out,  located at the mountain resort of Grindelwald. Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure is accessed by a breathtaking ride on the gondola. Once you disembark the fun begins. Waiting for you is two different Flying Fox rides. The two different flying foxes travel up to 80 km per hour. Other activities include mountain biking, carting, hang gliding, hiking, walks and playgrounds.

Basel

Basel is a town of Museums and bridges. You will find over 40 museums in the city and 6 bridges that span the Danube River.  Some of the best museums include topics like history, The Basel Jews, toys and contemporary art. Basel is one of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland. The Basel old town features cobblestones and historic landmarks such as the large market square with its one of a kind decorated red sandstone town hall and the late Romanesque-Gothic cathedral.

Where to stay in Zurich with family

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices please find below an interactive map from Booking.com for you to find your perfect stay in Zurich with family.

Booking.com

Are you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance and more? Are you just not sure what companies you can trust to book your travel online? We have a resource page that is full of companies that we personally use and book through for all trips from a weekend away to long term travel around the world. Click here to search our travel resources page.

Frequently asked questions about Zurich

Zurich is one of the best family city breaks in Europe and one of the best places to vacation with teenagers. There are so many things to consider when you are planning your family vacation to Switzerland. Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about the city to help you make your family vacation to Zurich easy and hassle-free.

  • What is the legal drinking age in Switzerland?

    The legal drinking age in Switzerland is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for spirits

  • What type of power sockets are used in Switzerland?

    Switzerland uses Type C and Type J electric plugs with a voltage of 230V/50 Hz.

    Buy your C Type plug today

  • How do I call the police in Switzerland?

    You can call the Police by dialling 117

  • Do people speak English in Zurich?

    It is very common to speak English in Zürich. If you are worried about being able to understand buy a Langogo translator

  • Can you drink tap water in Zurich?

    Tap water is perfectly safe to drink everywhere in Switzerland. Buy your travelling water bottle with filter today

  • Is tipping required in Switzerland?

    Tipping is not required and is included on the bill

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Zurich with teenagers. There are so many things to do in Zurich with teenagers that will have you entertained for your family’s whole stay in Zurich.

Family travel with teenagers and tweens. Traveling with young adults has just as many issues as traveling with younger children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations can be time-consuming. Use our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides from all over the world for your next family vacation inspiration to make your family vacations with teens epic.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Switzerland click through to our Switzerland Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.


More travel inspiration for your trip to Switzerland