Wondering what to do with just 3 days in Zurich? Our trip combined experiences and tourism in Zurich and nearby cities. Join me as I share how we packed 3 days in Switzerland with must-do activities and reveal a few lessons learned along the way, including some helpful tips.

You can also check our Switzerland hacks to avoid our Mishaps from our previous blog Lessons Learned from our Switzerland Trip.

3 days itinerary in and near Zurich

Day 1: Tour Mount Titlis and Lucerne

Mount Titlis

Part of the Alps, Mt Titlis is Central Switzerland’s tallest mountain at 3238 meters above sea level; Known for the world’s first revolving cable car and Europe’s highest suspension bridge, Mt Titlis offers breathtaking views attracting adventure seekers and skiers alike.

How to get to Mount Titlis?

Wherever you’re staying in Switzerland, you can check SBB app for train schedule and routes to Engelberg.

Since we were staying in Zurich, we took the train from Zurich HB to Engelberg. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with one transfer in Lucerne. Then walk around 10 minutes from Engelberg train station to Engelberg Titlis valley station or take the bus.

You can buy your Mount Titlis ticket online or from Titlis valley station. If you have purchased a Swiss transportation ticket that includes discounts for mountain excursions, be sure to present it at the ticket office. We got 50% off Titlis tickets when presenting our Swiss Travel Pass (check our Switzerland Hacks blog for more info).

You’ll reach the top with a combination of funicular or cable car and revolving cableway.

What to do on top of Titlis?

You can enjoy a variety of activities on top of Titlis:

• Ski on the slopes (perfect for winter sports enthusiasts).
• Visit the fascinating Ice Grotto – be careful while walking on the slippery ice.
• Experience the thrilling Ice Flyer, a chairlift offering stunning panoramic views
• Titlis Cliff walk: Cross Europe’s highest suspension bridge – there’s a strategically located camera there, to capture a photo of you whilst on the bridge with the beautiful Alps in the background– a perfect souvenir of your Titlis adventure! You can choose the best photo to purchase later.
• Warm up with hot chocolate or cool down with ice cream at the cafes and restaurants at the top, all while enjoying the breathtaking views.

Mount Titlis Tips

Dress appropriately for the mountain climate. Pack warm layers, including ski clothes (if planning to ski), gloves, a hat, and sunglasses.

Check the weather forecast before your visit as some facilities may be closed due to bad weather conditions. Aim for a clear, sunny day to maximize your enjoyment of the panoramic views and outdoor activities.

Lucerne

Taking the bus back from Engelberg to Zurich, we stopped over to explore Lucerne in the afternoon.

What we did in Lucerne?

Our visit coincided with the Lucerne light festival in January. We followed the light installations map to explore some of Lucerne’s landmarks:

• Lucerne gate

• Lucerne lake
• Chapel bridge and the water tower

• Rathaussteg bridge
• Jesuitenkirche Jesuit Church

• Lion Monument

What we ate?

We tried some local dishes in at one of the restaurants near Lucerne lake:

• Fondue
• Bergsteiger Cordon bleu
• Pasta Alpler Maggronen

Day 2: Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen and Zurich

Rhine Falls

Heading to Europe’s most powerful waterfall, we took the 50-minute train from Zurich to Neuhausen Rheinfall. Arriving in Neuhausen, we admired the Rhine Falls from the northern bank, spending about an hour capturing the scene and taking photos.

We then wandered with the locals to the southern bank for a different perspective of the falls. Here, the entrance fee of 5 euros grants access to platforms offering beautiful views of the Rhine falls. However, be aware that during winter, the lower platforms may be closed (you’ll only access the higher platform).

Schaffhausen

After the falls visit, we stopped to explore the charming little town of Schaffhausen. We wandered along the streets, admiring the colorful buildings and refreshing fountains before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Ice-skating in Zurich

To cap off the day, we ventured to Dolder Sports for an unforgettable evening of ice skating under the stars (and rain!). The open-air rink offered a magical atmosphere, with the Christmas lights reflecting on ice. The entrance fee was €8, and skate rentals were an additional €8.

Day 3: Exploring Zurich

Lindt Chocolate tour

Landing in Zurich, a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate was a must-do experience. The journey from Zurich takes about half an hour by public transport. Simply hop on a train to Rüschlikon, followed by a quick ride on bus 165 that takes you right to the doorstep of Lindt & Sprüngli.

The self-guided tour, which takes around 90 minutes to complete, uses informative audio guides to explain the fascinating history of chocolate and the chocolate-making process.

But the real highlight is the chance to tantalize your taste buds throughout the tour! They have several tasting stations offering a variety of Lindt chocolates, and you even get a free chocolate treat at the end. This interactive experience is sure to delight chocolate lovers of all ages.

Zurich old town

Afterwards, we wandered through Zurich’s charming Old Town, where cobbled streets wind past colorful guild houses and the iconic twin towers of Grossmünster cathedral peek over the rooftops.

Immerse yourself in history as you explore hidden squares, admire ancient churches adorned with stained glass, and browse unique shops tucked away in charming alleys.

Swiss National Museum

We ended our Swiss exploration delving into Switzerland history at Swiss National Museum. We entered for free using our Swiss travel pass (check Lessons Learned from our Switzerland Trip for more info).

The Swiss National Museum, houses over 870,000 objects that tell the story of the nation’s art, culture, and craftsmanship from prehistoric times to the present day. Explore captivating exhibits showcasing everything from fashion, medieval armor and weaponry to delicate timepieces and contemporary art.

Day 4: Visiting 2 new countries

In Zurich, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit not just one, but two countries in one day! Check our blog to learn more about our adventures in Liechtenstein and Austria: Liechtenstein & Austria: A cross-border adventure in a day.

How we booked?

Finding an affordable hotel in Zurich can be a challenge, but we aimed to find a budget-friendly hotel. Luckily, we discovered a gem through https://booking.com. The hotel was a great option conveniently located near a tram station that gets us to Zurich old town in only 10 minutes. This saved us both money and travel time, and allowed us to spend more on exploring Switzerland.

If you book through this link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Zurich awaits! Have a fantastic time!