How to spend 72 hours in Zurich

Day 2

Ease into your first morning at Locke am Platz:lie in, take a long shower, then saunter down for a slow breakfast and good coffee at the in-house café. Grab another to go, then take a gentle stroll past medieval guild houses and church spires, through the winding cobblestone lanes and hidden courtyards of Zurich’s storybook old town.

Drag yourself away and stroll up the narrow, cobbled street to Lindenhof Lookout Point for pause-worthy panoramic views of the Old Town, Grossmünster Church, City Hall, the Limmat river, and the university. Then it’s about time for a coffee (or cocktail, if you’re in holiday mode)  don’t you think? Head to Cafe Henrici, where you can also grab a bite to eat – from brunch to salads and delectable tarte flambée. If you’re all about the caffeine, Grande Cafe & Bar is the place for a satisfyingly strong flat white overlooking the Limmat.

Now you’re fuelled up, it’s culture time at Kunsthaus Zürich, Switzerland's largest art museum. Its vast collection showcases everything from Monet to Pollock, Van Gogh to Warhol – even the building is something of a masterpiece. Honestly, you could be here all day… But pace yourself: there’s more to see.

Next, see the city from a different angle with a boat cruise on Lake Zurich. On a clear day, you’ll have stunning views of the Glarus Alps as the boat crosses between Erlenbach on the Gold Coast and Thalwil on the Silver Coast. Chocoholics will want to hop off at Kilchberg to visit the Lindt Museum, while pop culture fiends should keep an eye out for Tina Turner's one-time home, Chateau Algonquin.

All that exploring must have your tummy rumbling. Satisfy your appetite at Brera, a charming Italian eatery known for its top-notch service and friendly atmosphere (Special shout out to the zucchini flowers with ricotta, burrata pizza, and fluffy tiramisu – to die for.) Wrap up a suc-Swiss-ful day (sorry) with a pleasingly soundtracked glass of natural wine or Negroni at Bar Sacchi, one of Leandra Nef’s top bars in Zurich. 

(Loving the tunes? Music-heads will love these other Zurich recommendations from Zurich local Nico Schintzig.)

Day 3

Start your last morning right with brunch at Miro, a utilitarian-style coffee roaster, café and shop that happens to be one of Locke’s fave spots to pass the time on a rainy day in Zurich. Or head to Collective Bakery to sample their flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of crispy croissants (arrive early to beat the queue).

(Early riser? If you want more of a leg stretch, check out our ultimate guide to nature walks in Zurich.)

Spend the rest of your morning browsing Viadukt Markthalle, where boutique shopping meets industrial cool. Tucked beneath old railway arches, this spot is packed with independent labels, artisan goods, and design-forward finds—perfect for picking up something unique (or just treating yourself).

Power through with a climb up Uetliberg mountain. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire city and lake of Zurich – well worth the effort. Then it’s back down for a final coffee stop and ambience check at the elegant Le Raymond Bar, before checking out of Locke am Platz and saying so long to Zurich. Until next time.

Where to stay in Zurich

Minutes from the train station and FIFA Museum, with Bahnhofstrasse and Lindenhof within easy reach, Locke am Platz is the ideal base when you’ve got three days in Zurich. With all the style and convenience of a hotel, plus the independence of a serviced apartment, what’s not to like?