24 hours in Zurich: arts and culture you must see in Zurich

With a reputation as a financial hub, Zurich is often overlooked as a ‘cool’ travel destination, however, it is a vibrant city oozing culture and home to an extensive collection of cultural centres, museums and galleries, from the Kunsthaus Zurich to the Zurich Opera House. Zurich has enough arts and cultural establishments to fulfil all interests. Here is our guide to some of the best arts and culture on offer in Zurich if you have 24 hours to spare.

Swiss National Museum

The Swiss National Museum is located opposite Zurich HB main station. It is a castle-like structure that can’t be missed. The Museum focuses on the history of Switzerland, exploring early migration, settlement religious and political history and the countries economic development. The museum also has impressive archaeological collections displaying several artefacts discovered in Switzerland.

#FLOFavourite: The gallery also has a very interesting interactive game you can use to trek the Alps. You will find your self completely hooked on it. There are several areas within the museum we love including the staircase that captures brutalist architecture at its finest and the courtyard which is a perfect location for a picnic in the summertime.

 Price:  CHF 10 (free admission with a ZurichCARD)

Kunsthaus

The Kunsthaus is Zurich’s answer to Tate Modern. The gallery is Zurich’s largest gallery and one of the most dynamic galleries we have been to, each of the rooms presenting a differing genre or collection. The gallery features a collection of classic modernism, impressionism and contemporary art including works of Monet, Picasso, Delacroix, and Van Gogh. The gallery is soon to feature Emil George Buhler’s impressive collection of European Art upon completion of the epic extension works currently on-going. With over 4000 works of art, you would need a few hours to enjoy the visit!

#FLOFavourite: The gallery to some degree merges art and architecture in its unique layout, the works of architect Karl Moser every exhibition room offers a different feeling.

 Price:  

CHF26 (discounted admission with the ZurichCARD) 

Free admission on Wednesdays. 

  

Zurich Opera House ( Operahaus Zurich)

The Zurich Opera House dates back to the 1890s and is an important element of Zurich’s culture. The opera house is one of the most revered cultural venues in Zurich hosting several concerts, the ballet and of course the opera. The Opera has a packed program throughout the year offering both evening and matinee shows. The Operahaus offer guided tours which last about 90mins, where you’ll get to go on stage and see what happens backstage. Be sure to check you book a tour in a language you understand!

#FLOFavourite:  The opera has an adjoining restaurant, Restaurant Opera Zurich, where you can fine dine on gourmet dishes before the Opera. Perfect for a post-show dinner.

  Price:

Guided tours - 10 EUR

Opera tickets starting from 16 EUR

Whilst the majority of galleries and museums throughout the city have charged admission, several galleries offer free admission on certain days of the week. Check the website of the gallery or museum of your choice to see which days they offer free admission.