July 28, 2025, 3:04 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Zurich has ranked among the most expensive cities in the world for years. Only Hong Kong or Singapore can compete with its high prices. TRAVELBOOK author Frank Lehmann offers tips on how to enjoy a budget-friendly vacation in Zurich.
The Swiss franc has grown stronger in recent years, and the purchasing power of our euro in Switzerland continues to decline. Can the wonderful metropolis of Zurich still be visited by the average earner? In cafes, an espresso can cost the equivalent of 6 euros, double rooms are rarely available for less than 250 euros, and a movie ticket averages 21 euros. As a result, more and more tourists are bypassing this beautiful city. However, there are ways to vacation in Zurich affordably.
Getting Around with the Zurich Card
The first tip for getting around Zurich affordably is the Zurich Card. At 56 francs for three days, it’s not exactly cheap, but you get a lot for your money. All buses and trams in the city and surrounding areas can be used for free. This not only allows you to travel cheaply through the city but also offers a tram tour of the entire city. On the “Zurich by Tram” website, you can see where it’s worth getting off and where there are many attractions.
With the Zurich Card, you can save not only on transportation but also at numerous museums. The card grants free entry to many museums in Zurich, including the following:
- the famous Kunsthaus at Heimplatz
- the Swiss National Museum
- the Pavilion Le Corbusier
- the Rietberg Museum
- Fraumünster, including the stained glass windows by Marc Chagall
- Grossmünster – be sure to climb the Karlsturm for the best view over Zurich
A boat trip on Lake Zurich is also a must and is free with the card. If the valley feels too stuffy, head up to the local mountains. The Uetliberg can be reached for free, as can the Zurichberg with the Rigiblick cable car. From Rigiblick, a delightful one-hour walk along the forest edge leads to the zoo.
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Free River Baths in the Limmat
The lifeline of the city is the Limmat River. Two free river baths are available here – Unterer and Oberer Letten. I recommend the Unterer Letten bath, as it has a designated swimming area with fresh water flowing through. The bath dates back to 1909 and is fully preserved with its wooden houses. Time flies by, and admission is free.
If you get thirsty during your explorations, you’ll quickly find a drinking fountain in the “fountain city.” Twelve hundred public fountains provide a constant supply of fresh drinking water.
And if the city feels a bit stuffy in the summer, it’s worth taking the tram to the city’s most beautiful park, Zurichhorn. There are playgrounds, you can jump into the lake, there are lawns for lounging, and a Chinese garden with charming pagodas, plus the view of Lake Zurich – all free of charge.
Borrow Bicycles for Free
Driving in Zurich isn’t ideal, and parking garages are unaffordable. Why not borrow a bike? At the Velostation Europaplatz, you can get free rental bikes. A deposit and an ID are all you need to start cycling. This is made possible by the “Züri rollt” program.
Zurich also has a small but exquisite botanical garden. The tropical houses are a must-see! What’s the admission fee here? Nothing!
If you’re still not satisfied and have a hole in your wallet, you can find inspiration on the “Zürich unbezahlbar” website. It lists numerous events you can attend for free.
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Eating Cheaply in Zurich
Yes, restaurants in Zurich are expensive. But the cafeteria at the renowned ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) is also open to the public. You pay a bit more than the students, but the prices are very fair. And the view of the city from the Polyterrasse is fantastic.
And while you’re there, it’s worth visiting the ETH’s “Focus Terra” science museum. A modern, multi-story geography museum with geological exhibits and an earthquake simulator in a venerable old building. Admission here is also free!
Strolling and Exploring the City
Strolling through the city is free anyway. Window shopping on the famous Bahnhofstrasse with its luxury boutiques is simply fun. Just like walking through the Niederdorf on the right bank of the Limmat. Narrow alleys, beautiful courtyards, and countless old houses with bay windows and gables await discovery. Afterward, sit on Sechseläutenplatz, admire the architecture of the opera house, and watch the children play in the fountain. Life in Zurich can be so simple, and also so affordable.