Zürich: City Highlights Tour by Coach, Cable Car, and Ferry - Practical Details and Tips

Zurich’s 13 Best Tours

Discover the best tours in Zurich, from scenic boat cruises to chocolate tastings. Find practical tips and options for every interest and schedule.

Zurich isn’t just Switzerland’s financial powerhouse; it’s also a city packed with surprises for visitors eager to explore its sights, flavors, and history. Its well-connected transportation system, compact Old Town, and stunning lakeside setting make it ideal for a variety of tours. Whether you want to cruise Lake Zurich, visit a world-famous chocolate factory, or walk the historic streets, Zurich offers an impressive lineup of experiences. We particularly love the Zürich: City Tour, Cruise, and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit because it combines sightseeing, a boat ride, and a visit to the Lindt chocolate home—perfect for those who want a little bit of everything in one day. Plus, the reviews emphasize how smoothly it runs and how much fun everyone has.

If you’re short on time, the Zurich Old Town Walking Tour (2 hours) offers a quick but thorough introduction to the city’s medieval streets and landmarks. For a more scenic adventure, the From Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour takes you through the countryside with stunning mountain vistas and a boat ride. And for those wanting something unique, the Zurich: Lindt Home of Chocolate Guided Tour & Entry Ticket is a chocolate lover’s dream. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you pick the best experiences for your interests and schedule.

1. Zürich: City Tour, Cruise, and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit

Zürich: City Tour, Cruise, and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit

This 5.5-hour tour blends a bus tour of Zurich’s key sights, a scenic lake cruise, and a visit to the famous Lindt chocolate home. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want to see the city from multiple angles without fuss. You’ll start with a comfortable bus ride, then venture into Zurichberg for panoramic views. A guided stroll through the Old Town introduces you to winding alleys and historic landmarks. The highlight for many is the Lake Zurich cruise, which offers a chance to relax and see the city from the water. The visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate includes tastings and a behind-the-scenes look at how Swiss chocolate is made—delighting sweet tooths and curious minds alike.

Guests consistently praise the seamless flow and knowledge of the guide, with many mentioning the Lindt visit as a personal favorite. For about $98, you get a diverse experience that appeals to first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. Bottom line: this tour offers excellent value for a full-day introduction to Zurich’s sights, flavors, and lakeside beauty.

2. Zürich: City Highlights Tour by Coach, Cable Car, and Ferry

Zürich: City Highlights Tour by Coach, Cable Car, and Ferry

For around $78, this 4.5-hour tour explores Zurich’s main sights and beyond. It begins with a scenic coach ride through the city and into its lush surroundings. The tour includes a memorable ferry crossing on Lake Zurich—perfect for capturing beautiful photos—and an aerial cable car ride to Felsenegg, offering sweeping views of the lake and the Alps. During the cable car trip, visitors get a rare chance to see Zurich from above, with many reviews noting how breathtaking the scenery is.

The tour also takes you through Zurich’s Old Town, where your guide shares insights about the city’s history. Guests appreciate the combination of transportation modes and the opportunity to see both urban and natural landscapes in just a few hours. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge get consistent praise, making this a well-rounded option for adventure and scenery lovers. Bottom line: a compact, scenic tour ideal for those who want a quick yet comprehensive taste of Zurich and its surroundings.

3. From Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour

From Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour

This 9.5-hour tour delivers an all-in-one mountain and lakeside experience, perfect for travelers who want a full day out. Starting from Zurich, you’ll enjoy a scenic bus ride to Lucerne, with a brief stop in the city to stretch your legs. Then, the highlight is the cable car up Mount Pilatus, offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. You’ll also descend on the funicular to Alpnachstad and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise back across Lake Lucerne.

Guests rave about the breathtaking vistas and the seamless combination of transportation modes. The mountain ride on the cable car and the boat cruise are often highlighted as memorable moments. Many note that the guide Sofia shared fascinating insights, and the trip to Mount Pilatus is described as “awesome” and “impressive.” The tour costs $214 per person, which reflects both the convenience and the unforgettable scenery. Bottom line: this is a perfect option for those wanting to combine mountain adventures with lakeside relaxation in a single day.

4. From Zurich: Rhine Falls Coach Tour

From Zurich: Rhine Falls Coach Tour

At just 3.5 hours and $54, this easy half-day trip takes you to Europe’s largest waterfall. The Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen is a must-see natural spectacle, especially during the summer when boat rides are available to get close to the roaring water. The comfortable coach ride offers beautiful scenery along the way, and the visit provides enough free time to walk around and snap photos. Reviewers mention the friendly guide and the “great views” as highlights.

This tour suits travelers who want a quick escape from the city and an up-close experience with one of Europe’s most dramatic waterfalls. It’s also a good choice for families or those with limited time. Be mindful that the free time may feel a bit rushed, but overall it’s a dependable, straightforward outing. Bottom line: a convenient way to see the Rhine Falls with minimal fuss.

5. Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours

For just $15, this short but sweet tour offers a deep dive into Zurich’s medieval core. Over two hours, your guide will take you through landmarks like Bahnhofstrasse, St. Peter’s Church, the Fraumünster, and the Niederdorf district. You’ll explore winding alleys and learn stories behind the city’s buildings, such as the Chagall windows in Fraumünster.

Guests rave about the guide Babba’s storytelling and the insider insights into Zurich’s history. It’s an ideal tour for first-timers or those with limited time who want to get a feel for the city’s character. The small group size ensures a personal experience. Bottom line: perfect for a quick but informative overview of Zurich’s historic streets.

6. Zurich: Lindt Home of Chocolate Guided Tour & Entry Ticket

Zurich: Lindt Home of Chocolate Guided Tour & Entry Ticket

With a 1.5-hour itinerary, this tour is a dream for chocolate fans. The Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich is a state-of-the-art museum where you’ll learn about the origins of cocoa, see the towering chocolate fountain, and taste samples at several tasting stations. The guide explains the chocolate-making process and the history of Lindt.

Rated 4.8/5 by visitors, this tour is praised for its engaging guide and delicious tastings. It’s suitable for all ages, especially those eager to learn how their favorite treat is made. Note that some visitors suggest that self-guided options could be better for kids, but the guided experience adds depth. Bottom line: a must-do for chocoholics who want an immersive, fun experience in Zurich.

7. From Zurich: Engelberg, Titlis, and Lucerne Day Tour

From Zurich: Engelberg, Titlis, and Lucerne Day Tour

This 11-hour tour is a full day of Swiss mountain magic, perfect for travelers who want to see snow-capped peaks and icy glaciers. Starting from Zurich, you’ll visit Engelberg and take the Rotair cable car to Titlis, enjoying 360-degree views. You’ll cross the Titlis Cliff Walk, a narrow suspended bridge that offers a real adrenaline rush. After exploring, you’ll head to Lucerne for a free visit to the Chapel Bridge and other sights.

Guests mention the natural beauty and excellent guide Thanasis, who helps navigate the busy day. The mountain scenery and ice caves are unforgettable highlights. The trip costs $200, making it a long but comprehensive day trip. Bottom line: ideal for those wanting to experience Swiss Alps’ grandeur with a mix of mountain and city stops.

8. 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour – Cruise on the Lake – Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg

3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg

At 6 hours for $113.22, this multi-experience package combines walking, boat, and mountain views. You’ll explore Zurich’s Old Town, take a scenic lake cruise, then ascend by cable car to Felsenegg for panoramic vistas. The tour’s strength is its personalized guide insights and the coordinated itinerary that covers city streets, water, and mountains.

Reviewers appreciate the value and the chance to see many sides of Zurich without multiple bookings. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive day packed with varied activities. The route includes highlights like Bahnhofstrasse and the Chagall windows. Bottom line: a well-rounded, fun tour for those who want diversity in one day.

9. Zurich eTukTuk Private Tour – with Cheese Fondue and Wine

Zurich eTukTuk Private Tour - with Cheese Fondue and Wine

This 1 hour 30-minute private tour costs about $170.47 per person but offers a truly unique experience. Riding in an electric tuk tuk through Zurich’s streets, you’ll visit landmarks like Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and the shopping street Bahnhofstrasse. The highlight is sharing a Swiss cheese fondue and a bottle of white wine while enjoying the city sights.

Guests love the personalized service and the fun, relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples, families, or groups wanting a cozy, private experience with great food. The tuk tuk ride offers a different perspective of Zurich’s lively neighborhoods. Bottom line: a deliciously different way to see the city, especially for food lovers.

10. Zurich Private Customizable Guided Walking Tour

Zurich Private Customizable Guided Walking Tour

This 2-hour private tour costs $391.98 per group (up to 15 people) and lets you tailor your visit. Your guide will cover Zurich’s highlights based on your interests, including Paradeplatz, the Münster, and Lindenhof. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a flexible, personalized experience and prefer exploring at their own pace.

Reviewers mention the expert local guide and customized itinerary as key benefits. It’s a more intimate way to learn about Zurich’s cultural and financial districts. If you’re arriving with a group or want to focus on specific sights, this tour delivers. Bottom line: best for travelers who want a tailored experience with dedicated attention.

11. City tour Zurich with the city whispers from CHF 21.00

City tour Zurich with the city whispers from CHF 21.00

At about $87.10 per person, this unusual city tour takes you underground and behind-the-scenes, mixing history, stories, and local secrets. You’ll visit places like the ShopVille railway, Bahnhofstrasse, and the Wasserkirche, with stops for fascinating tales about Zurich’s past.

Guests praise the engaging storytelling and the unique perspective on Zurich’s streets and underground sites. It’s a perfect fit for curious travelers who want more than just surface-level sights. The tour’s small group size allows for an intimate, story-rich experience. Bottom line: ideal for history buffs and those wanting to hear the city’s best-kept stories.

12. Zürich Historic District Tour

Zürich Historic District Tour

This 2-hour walk costs just over $41 and covers Zurich’s historic streets and alleys. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit landmarks like Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Lindenhof, with insights into Zurich’s medieval past. The tour includes some underground visits and secret spots you won’t find on your own.

Reviews highlight the engaging guide Maria and the in-depth stories that make the city’s history come alive. It’s a perfect starter tour for first-time visitors or those with limited time. The focus on hidden corners and stories makes it more than just a walk. Bottom line: a solid, value-packed way to understand Zurich’s roots.

13. Zurich: City Bus Tour with Audio Guide and Lake Cruise

Zurich: City Bus Tour with Audio Guide and Lake Cruise

Rounding out the list, this 3.5-hour tour offers a full city overview for $54. You’ll ride an air-conditioned bus while listening to a detailed audio guide available in 11 languages. Highlights include Grossmünster and panoramic stops. The lake cruise adds a relaxing water perspective, with views of villas and mountains.

Reviewers mention the comfortable ride and interesting facts, making it suitable for travelers wanting a quick, informative overview. It’s less active but offers a great introduction if you prefer to see Zurich from a bus and boat. Bottom line: perfect for a relaxed, all-in-one city orientation.

How to Choose The Best Zurich Tour for You

When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a comprehensive experience with sightseeing, water, and chocolate, Zürich: City Tour, Cruise, and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit offers a balanced mix. If history and city streets are your focus, the Old Town walking tour is quick, affordable, and informative.

For scenic mountain views, the Mount Pilatus trip is hard to beat, while chocolate lovers should not miss the Lindt chocolate tour. Budget travelers might prefer the Historic District Tour, offering rich stories at a great price. For a personalized experience, the Private Customizable Tour lets you craft your perfect day.

Final Thoughts

Zurich offers a wide range of tours that cater to every interest—from scenic lake cruises and mountain adventures to cultural walks and chocolate tastings. For travelers seeking a full, varied day, the City Tour, Cruise, and Lindt Visit stands out. Those wanting to focus on history or local secrets will appreciate the underground stories tour or the historic district walk. For food lovers, the Tuk Tuk with fondue combines sightseeing and Swiss cuisine in a fun package.

Booking early can help secure spots, especially during peak seasons. No matter your preference, these tours give you a practical way to experience Zurich’s many charms in a short time. Choose what excites you most, and enjoy exploring this wonderfully efficient Swiss city.