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Zurich New Year: 4-Day Itinerary

29 December – 1 January: the city, the Rigi and Lucerne by panoramic train, New Year’s Eve and a farewell day. Pick one of two paces: relaxed or balanced–packed.

Plan with your own dates

Enter your arrival and departure; the route adapts to your flights and that day’s markets and opening hours.

Relaxed pace — Christmas markets, chocolate and the lakefront

Markets, chocolate and the lakefront: 1–2 main stops a day is plenty; the rest is for long meals, café breaks and an afternoon rest.

Day 1 · Tuesday 29 December10:30–19:30

The Kunsthaus and the Lakeshore

The markets have closed. Two main stops: Monet and Giacometti at the Kunsthaus at midday and the Opera and the lakeshore in the late afternoon. Lunch in the Niederdorf and a rest at the hotel in between.

  1. 10:30

    Late Breakfast 60 min

    No rush: a long breakfast in a café, with Bircher muesli or a croissant and coffee.

  2. 11:30

    Walk · 15 min

  3. 11:45

    Kunsthaus Zürich 120 min

    One of Switzerland’s largest art museums: Monet, Van Gogh, Munch, Chagall and the world’s largest Giacometti collection, plus the new Chipperfield building.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead

    Some places close on holidays; check your ticket date against the opening days.

  4. 13:45

    Walk · 10 min

  5. 13:55

    Lunch, the Niederdorf 75 min

    Zürich-style veal (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) with rösti; book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  6. 15:10

    Walk · 15 min

    Back to the hotel.

  7. 15:25

    Rest at the Hotel 60 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  8. 16:25

    Walk · 15 min

    Along the Limmatquai to Bellevue.

  9. 16:40

    The Opera and the Utoquai 20 min

    From the neo-Baroque Opera House to the Utoquai on the lakeshore: the evening lights reflect on the water, with the Uetliberg across.

  10. 17:00

    Walk · 5 min

  11. 17:05

    Café Break 45 min

    Hot chocolate and a slice of cake; warm up and rest.

  12. 17:50

    Walk · 10 min

  13. 18:00

    Dinner, Seefeld 90 min

    Cheese fondue or raclette with a glass of Swiss wine. Book ahead for December evenings; prices are high, so budget CHF 50–70 a head.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Wednesday 30 December09:12–20:46

Rigi and Lucerne by Panoramic Train

A day trip with two main stops: the 360° Alpine view and lunch at Rigi Kulm by cog railway, then down on the Voralpen-Express to Lucerne for the Chapel Bridge and a café. Dinner back in Zürich.

  1. 09:12

    Tram · 21 min

    To the main station, with a few minutes for tickets and the platform.

  2. 09:33

    Train · 43 min

    The 09:33 EuroCity, arriving in Arth-Goldau at 10:16 (43 minutes). Sit on the right for the shore of Lake Zug. Times are from the 2026 timetable; the annual timetable changes on 13 December, so check the SBB app before you set off. One ticket covers the day: buy “Rigi Kulm” from SBB; the Rigi is free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

  3. 10:16

    Walk · 39 min

    The Rigi Bahnen platform is on the station’s upper level. The cog railway leaves at 55 minutes past the hour; yours is at 10:55. Grab a coffee at the station in between.

  4. 10:55

    Rigi Cog Railway · 39 min

    The 10:55 cog train, arriving at Rigi Kulm at 11:34. Through the big windows: forests and the lakes of Zug and Lauerz, with the Alps opening up as you climb.

  5. 11:34

    Rigi Kulm 60 min

    The “Queen of the Mountains”, 1,797 m: a 360° view from the top, with hundreds of Alpine peaks and 13 lakes on a clear day. In winter it’s often above the sea of fog. The summit is a 5-minute climb; it can be slippery, so wear good shoes.

  6. 12:34

    Lunch, Rigi Kulm 70 min

    Lunch with a view at the historic hotel just below the summit: rösti, fondue or soup.

  7. 13:44

    Walk · 4 min

    To Rigi Kulm station.

  8. 13:48

    Rigi Cog Railway · 47 min

    The 13:48 cog train down to Arth-Goldau, arriving at 14:35. It leaves at 48 minutes past the hour; miss it and the next is an hour later.

  9. 14:35

    Walk · 14 min

    To the Voralpen-Express platform.

  10. 14:49

    Train · 35 min

    The 14:49 Voralpen-Express to Lucerne (about 35 minutes): wide windows, with views of the lakes and the Rigi.

  11. 15:24

    Walk · 10 min

    From the station along the Reuss to the Chapel Bridge.

  12. 15:34

    The Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower 30 min

    Lucerne’s landmark: the covered 14th-century wooden bridge, the paintings under its roof and the octagonal Water Tower, with Mount Pilatus beyond.

  13. 16:04

    Walk · 5 min

  14. 16:09

    Café Break 50 min

    Hot chocolate at a café on the Reuss.

  15. 16:59

    Walk · 10 min

    To the station.

  16. 17:09

    Train · 42 min

    The 17:09 InterRegio, arriving at Zürich main station at 17:51 (41 minutes). Trains leave Lucerne at 9 and 35 minutes past the hour.

  17. 17:51

    Tram · 15 min

    From the main station to your hotel.

  18. 18:06

    Rest at the Hotel 60 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  19. 19:06

    Walk · 10 min

  20. 19:16

    Dinner, the old town 90 min

    Cheese fondue or raclette with a glass of Swiss wine. Book ahead for December evenings; prices are high, so budget CHF 50–70 a head.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Thursday 31 December10:30–01:10

New Year’s Eve: Silvesterzauber and Midnight on the Lake

One main stop: the Silvesterzauber festival, which opens on the lakefront at 2 pm. A late breakfast, Lindenhof (optional) and a long lunch first, then a long rest. Somewhere warm after dinner, then the countdown on the lakefront and fireworks over the lake at 12:20 am.

Optional stops: Lindenhof. Add them if you have the energy, skip them if you’re tired; the day still works.

  1. 10:30

    Late Breakfast 60 min

    No rush: a long breakfast in a café, with Bircher muesli or a croissant and coffee.

  2. 11:30

    Walk · 10 min

  3. 11:40

    Lindenhof 20 min Optional

    The lime-tree hill on top of a Roman fort: the Limmat, the Niederdorf, the Grossmünster and the university in one view. Chess players and the calmest view in the city.

  4. 12:00

    Walk · 10 min

  5. 12:10

    Lunch, the old town 90 min

    Zürich-style veal (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) with rösti; book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  6. 13:40

    Walk · 20 min

    Over the Münsterbrücke and along the Limmatquai to the lake.

  7. 14:00

    Silvesterzauber: An Afternoon on the Lakefront 60 min

    The New Year festival opens on the lakefront at 2 pm: street food, bars and a children’s area, with music and dancing from 8 pm. Free entry.

  8. 15:00

    Walk · 15 min

    Back to the hotel.

  9. 15:15

    Rest at the Hotel 190 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  10. 18:25

    Walk · 10 min

  11. 18:35

    Aperitif 45 min

    A glass of Swiss wine or Glühwein before dinner. Options: the wine bars of the Niederdorf.

  12. 19:20

    Walk · 10 min

  13. 19:30

    New Year’s Eve Dinner 150 min

    Within walking distance of the lake: around the Niederdorf or Bellevue. Most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up early, so book in October or November.

  14. 22:00

    Somewhere Warm Until Midnight 85 min

    Stay on at the restaurant after dinner or move to a nearby café or bar. Rather than waiting long in the cold, head to the lakefront in the last hour.

  15. 23:25

    Walk · 10 min

    Walk to the lakefront; the centre is closed to traffic.

  16. 23:35

    Midnight: the Lakefront (Utoquai) 70 min Our pick

    Count down on the lakefront from Bellevue to the Utoquai, with the church bells. The real show comes after midnight: the city lights go out at 12:19 am and a 15–20-minute fireworks display over the lake starts at 12:20. Private fireworks are banned on the festival grounds. It’s very crowded, so arrive around 11:30 pm and keep your bag in front of you.

    Other options

    The Quaibrücke and Bürkliplatz: The lake right in front and the fireworks overhead, but it’s the most crowded spot. Come early.

    Lindenhof: The church bells over the old town and the fireworks in the distance; calmer, but the lake is out of sight and some fireworks may be hidden behind buildings.

    New Year’s Eve boat on the lake: Midnight and the fireworks on the water; some boats include dinner. Find tickets

    Some places close on holidays; check your ticket date against the opening days.

  17. 00:45

    Tram · 25 min

    Back to your hotel: on New Year’s Eve trams and buses run at least every 15 minutes until about 4 am, and the S-Bahn every 30 minutes. Buy a day ticket so you don’t queue for one on the way back.

Open the route on the map

Day 4 · Friday 1 January11:00–15:10

New Year’s Day: the National Museum

A late breakfast; the National Museum at midday, open on the holiday (10 am–5 pm), and a coffee.

  1. 11:00

    Late Breakfast 75 min

    No rush: the first breakfast of the year. Shops are closed today and most cafés open towards midday.

  2. 12:15

    Walk · 15 min

  3. 12:30

    The Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) 90 min

    The fairy-tale castle behind the station: Swiss history, medieval chapels, guild rooms and the permanent “History of Switzerland” exhibition.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead

    Some places close on holidays; check your ticket date against the opening days.

  4. 14:00

    Walk · 10 min

  5. 14:10

    Café Break 60 min

    Hot chocolate and a slice of cake; warm up and rest.

Open the route on the map

Balanced–packed pace — Both banks of Zurich, the markets and a panoramic train to the Rigi

Explore the city and see the markets: nearby stops come in one flow (the National Museum, Lindenhof and the Fraumünster; the Kunsthaus, the Grossmünster and the Polyterrasse; Lindt and the Uetliberg; the Rigi and Lucerne by panoramic train). You can skip anything marked “Optional” and the day still works.

Day 1 · Tuesday 29 December10:00–19:40

The National Museum, Lindenhof and the Fraumünster

The west bank of the Limmat: Lindenhof, St. Peter’s giant clock and the Fraumünster’s Chagall windows; hot chocolate at Sprüngli, then the guild houses along the Limmat and the Rathausbrücke at dusk. The markets have closed; the National Museum in the morning.

Running late? Skip these first: Shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 10:00

    The Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) 90 min

    The fairy-tale castle behind the station: Swiss history, medieval chapels, guild rooms and the permanent “History of Switzerland” exhibition.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead

    Some places close on holidays; check your ticket date against the opening days.

  2. 11:30

    Walk · 10 min

    Along the Bahnhofstrasse to Rennweg, then up the steps to Lindenhof.

  3. 11:40

    Lindenhof 20 min

    The lime-tree hill on top of a Roman fort: the Limmat, the Niederdorf, the Grossmünster and the university in one view. Chess players and the calmest view in the city.

  4. 12:00

    Walk · 5 min

  5. 12:05

    St. Peter’s Church 15 min

    Europe’s largest church clock face (8.7 metres). The church is small and plain; entry is free.

  6. 12:20

    Walk · 5 min

  7. 12:25

    Lunch, the old town 60 min

    Zürich-style veal (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) with rösti; book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  8. 13:25

    Walk · 5 min

  9. 13:30

    The Fraumünster and its Chagall Windows 30 min

    Marc Chagall’s five stained-glass windows (1970) bathe the choir in blue, green and red; there’s a Giacometti window too. Entry CHF 5. No photos inside.

    Estimated hours · Winter hours are official; holiday hours aren’t published, and there are no visits during services.

  10. 14:00

    Walk · 5 min

  11. 14:05

    Paradeplatz and Sprüngli 30 min

    The banks’ square; hot chocolate and Luxemburgerli macarons at the corner Confiserie Sprüngli (1836).

  12. 14:35

    Shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse 45 min Optional

    Shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse: Luxemburgerli at Sprüngli, watchmakers and Swiss army knives. Shops are closed on Sundays.

    Estimated hours · General shop hours; they vary from shop to shop.

  13. 15:20

    Free Time: Rest or Stroll 70 min Optional

    Drop by the hotel to rest, or take a stroll nearby: shop windows and Christmas lights.

  14. 16:30

    Walk · 10 min

  15. 16:40

    The Limmatquai and the Rathausbrücke 30 min

    Guild houses along the Limmat, the 17th-century Rathaus and the towers of both banks from the bridge; in the evening the lights reflect on the water.

  16. 17:10

    Walk · 10 min

  17. 17:20

    Aperitif 45 min

    A glass of Swiss wine or Glühwein before dinner. Options: the bars of Rennweg and Augustinergasse.

  18. 18:05

    Walk · 5 min

  19. 18:10

    Dinner, the old town 90 min

    Cheese fondue or raclette with a glass of Swiss wine. Book ahead for December evenings; prices are high, so budget CHF 50–70 a head.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Wednesday 30 December08:12–20:21

Rigi and Lucerne by Panoramic Train

A day trip: by train along Lake Zug to Arth-Goldau, then the big-windowed cog railway up to Rigi Kulm at 1,797 m for a 360° Alpine view and lunch at the top. Down to Lucerne on the Voralpen-Express: the Chapel Bridge and the old town; dinner back in Zürich. A guided tour is optional.

  1. 08:12

    Tram · 21 min

    To the main station, with a few minutes for tickets and the platform.

  2. 08:33

    Train · 43 min

    The 08:33 EuroCity, arriving in Arth-Goldau at 09:16 (43 minutes). Sit on the right for the shore of Lake Zug. Times are from the 2026 timetable; the annual timetable changes on 13 December, so check the SBB app before you set off. One ticket covers the day: buy “Rigi Kulm” from SBB; the Rigi is free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

  3. 09:16

    Walk · 39 min

    The Rigi Bahnen platform is on the station’s upper level. The cog railway leaves at 55 minutes past the hour; yours is at 09:55. Grab a coffee at the station in between.

  4. 09:55

    Rigi Cog Railway · 39 min

    The 09:55 cog train, arriving at Rigi Kulm at 10:34. Through the big windows: forests and the lakes of Zug and Lauerz, with the Alps opening up as you climb.

  5. 10:34

    Rigi Kulm 70 min

    The “Queen of the Mountains”, 1,797 m: a 360° view from the top, with hundreds of Alpine peaks and 13 lakes on a clear day. In winter it’s often above the sea of fog. The summit is a 5-minute climb; it can be slippery, so wear good shoes.

    A guided Rigi and Lucerne tour: trains, the cog railway and a guide in one package.

    Some places close on holidays; check your ticket date against the opening days.

  6. 11:44

    Lunch, Rigi Kulm 60 min

    Lunch with a view at the historic hotel just below the summit: rösti, fondue or soup.

  7. 12:44

    Walk · 4 min

    To Rigi Kulm station.

  8. 12:48

    Rigi Cog Railway · 47 min

    The 12:48 cog train down to Arth-Goldau, arriving at 13:35. It leaves at 48 minutes past the hour; miss it and the next is an hour later.

  9. 13:35

    Walk · 14 min

    To the Voralpen-Express platform.

  10. 13:49

    Train · 35 min

    The 13:49 Voralpen-Express to Lucerne (about 35 minutes): wide windows, with views of the lakes and the Rigi.

  11. 14:24

    Walk · 10 min

    From the station along the Reuss to the Chapel Bridge.

  12. 14:34

    The Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower 30 min

    Lucerne’s landmark: the covered 14th-century wooden bridge, the paintings under its roof and the octagonal Water Tower, with Mount Pilatus beyond.

  13. 15:04

    Walk · 5 min

  14. 15:09

    Lucerne’s Old Town 45 min

    The painted façades of Weinmarkt and Kornmarkt, the Rathausquai on the Reuss and the Baroque Jesuit Church. From 3 to 20 December a Christmas market sets up on Franziskanerplatz.

  15. 15:54

    Walk · 5 min

  16. 15:59

    Café Break 45 min

    Hot chocolate and Lucerne gingerbread (“Lozärner Lebkuchen”) at a café on the Reuss.

  17. 16:44

    Walk · 15 min

    Back to the station, with a few minutes before the train.

  18. 16:59

    Train · 42 min

    The 17:09 InterRegio, arriving at Zürich main station at 17:51 (41 minutes). Trains leave Lucerne at 9 and 35 minutes past the hour.

  19. 17:41

    Tram · 15 min

    From the main station to your hotel.

  20. 17:56

    Rest at the Hotel 45 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  21. 18:41

    Walk · 10 min

  22. 18:51

    Dinner, the old town 90 min

    Cheese fondue or raclette with a glass of Swiss wine. Book ahead for December evenings; prices are high, so budget CHF 50–70 a head.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Thursday 31 December10:00–01:10

New Year’s Eve: the Kunsthaus, the Grossmünster and Midnight on the Lake

The Kunsthaus in the morning (until 4 pm today), the Grossmünster and the old town from the Karlsturm; lunch in the Niederdorf; the Silvesterzauber festival, which opens on the lakefront at 2 pm, and the Polybahn up to the Polyterrasse. Somewhere warm after dinner, then the countdown on the lakefront and fireworks over the lake at 12:20 am. The Karlsturm is optional.

Running late? The first stop to drop is The Karlsturm. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 10:00

    Kunsthaus Zürich 120 min

    One of Switzerland’s largest art museums: Monet, Van Gogh, Munch, Chagall and the world’s largest Giacometti collection, plus the new Chipperfield building.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead

    Some places close on holidays; check your ticket date against the opening days.

  2. 12:00

    Walk · 10 min

    Down from Heimplatz to the Grossmünster.

  3. 12:10

    The Grossmünster 30 min

    Zürich’s twin-towered landmark: Zwingli’s Reformation began here; Giacometti’s windows and a Romanesque crypt. The outside is under scaffolding for renovation in 2026–27, but the inside is open.

    Estimated hours · Winter hours are official; holiday hours aren’t published, and there are no visits during services.

  4. 12:40

    The Karlsturm 30 min Optional

    Up 187 steps to the Grossmünster tower: the old-town roofs, the lake and, on a clear day, the Alps. Entry CHF 5.

    Estimated hours · Winter hours are official; holiday hours aren’t published, and there are no visits during services.

  5. 13:10

    Walk · 5 min

  6. 13:15

    Lunch, the Niederdorf 60 min

    Zürich-style veal (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) with rösti; book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  7. 14:15

    Walk · 15 min

    Along the Limmatquai to the lake.

  8. 14:30

    Silvesterzauber: An Afternoon on the Lakefront 60 min

    The New Year festival opens on the lakefront at 2 pm: street food, bars and a children’s area, with music and dancing from 8 pm. Free entry.

  9. 15:30

    Walk · 15 min

    Along the Limmatquai to Central.

  10. 15:45

    Polybahn · 5 min

    The red Polybahn from Central up to the Polyterrasse: a funicular from 1889, at the top in two minutes. ZVV tickets are valid.

  11. 15:50

    The Polyterrasse 20 min

    The terrace in front of the ETH: the old-town towers, the Limmat and the lake below. Free, and the city’s best free view.

  12. 16:10

    Walk · 10 min

    Down the steps to the Niederdorf.

  13. 16:20

    Free Time: Rest or Stroll 125 min Optional

    Drop by the hotel to rest, or take a stroll nearby: shop windows and Christmas lights.

  14. 18:25

    Walk · 10 min

  15. 18:35

    Aperitif 45 min

    A glass of Swiss wine or Glühwein before dinner. Options: the wine bars of the Niederdorf.

  16. 19:20

    Walk · 10 min

  17. 19:30

    New Year’s Eve Dinner 150 min

    Within walking distance of the lake: around the Niederdorf or Bellevue. Most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up early, so book in October or November.

  18. 22:00

    Somewhere Warm Until Midnight 85 min

    Stay on at the restaurant after dinner or move to a nearby café or bar. Rather than waiting long in the cold, head to the lakefront in the last hour.

  19. 23:25

    Walk · 10 min

    Walk to the lakefront; the centre is closed to traffic.

  20. 23:35

    Midnight: the Lakefront (Utoquai) 70 min Our pick

    Count down on the lakefront from Bellevue to the Utoquai, with the church bells. The real show comes after midnight: the city lights go out at 12:19 am and a 15–20-minute fireworks display over the lake starts at 12:20. Private fireworks are banned on the festival grounds. It’s very crowded, so arrive around 11:30 pm and keep your bag in front of you.

    Other options

    The Quaibrücke and Bürkliplatz: The lake right in front and the fireworks overhead, but it’s the most crowded spot. Come early.

    Lindenhof: The church bells over the old town and the fireworks in the distance; calmer, but the lake is out of sight and some fireworks may be hidden behind buildings.

    New Year’s Eve boat on the lake: Midnight and the fireworks on the water; some boats include dinner. Find tickets

    Some places close on holidays; check your ticket date against the opening days.

  21. 00:45

    Tram · 25 min

    Back to your hotel: on New Year’s Eve trams and buses run at least every 15 minutes until about 4 am, and the S-Bahn every 30 minutes. Buy a day ticket so you don’t queue for one on the way back.

Open the route on the map

Day 4 · Friday 1 January10:30–15:35

New Year’s Day: the Uetliberg

A late breakfast; in the afternoon the S10 up the Uetliberg (holiday timetable) for the first view of the year: the city, the lake and the Alps, with a hot drink at Uto Kulm.

  1. 10:30

    Late Breakfast 75 min

    No rush: the first breakfast of the year. Shops are closed today and most cafés open towards midday.

  2. 11:45

    Walk · 15 min

    To the main station.

  3. 12:00

    Train · 35 min

    The S10 to Uetliberg (about 25 minutes), then a 10-minute climb from the station to the top. Until 12 December the SZU platforms at the main station are closed, so the train leaves from Selnau.

  4. 12:35

    The Uetliberg 75 min

    Zürich’s home mountain, 871 m: the city, the lake and, on a clear day, the whole chain of the Alps. A hot drink at Uto Kulm.

  5. 13:50

    Train · 35 min

    Down to the station and the S10 back to town; the path is lit after dark but can be icy.

  6. 14:25

    Walk · 10 min

  7. 14:35

    Café Break 60 min

    Hot chocolate and a slice of cake; warm up and rest.

Open the route on the map

Tips

  • The markets open on 19 November. Bellevue Noël, the Dörfli and the Weihnachtsallee end on 23 December, and Polarzauber (in the station) and Münsterhof on 24 December. On 24 December Polarzauber closes at 4 pm.

  • On 24 and 31 December most shops close between 4 and 6 pm; they’re closed on 25–26 December and 1 January. Shops are closed on Sundays too.

  • On New Year’s Eve the Silvesterzauber festival opens on the lakefront at 2 pm; the city lights go out at 12:19 am and the fireworks over the lake start at 12:20. Trams, buses and the S-Bahn run until about 4 am.

  • For the Rigi day, buy a “Rigi Kulm” ticket from SBB; the Rigi is free with the Swiss Travel Pass. The annual timetable changes on 13 December, so check the times in the SBB app. Rigi tours

  • Entry to the Lindt Home of Chocolate is timed: buy online, as December days sell out ahead. It’s closed on 25–26 December and 1 January. Lindt tickets

  • Inside the city a ZVV day ticket is enough, and it covers the Polybahn and the Uetliberg train (S10). The Zürich Card combines transport with museum discounts.

  • On the evening of 24 December some restaurants are closed; book Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner in October or November. Prices are high, so budget CHF 50–70 a head for dinner.

  • The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Cards are accepted everywhere; some places take euros, but change comes in francs at a poor rate.

Times are for Tuesday 29 December – Friday 1 January. Some are official for 2026, some are last year’s; check before you go. The guide’s table shows which is which: New Year’s Eve in Zurich

Frequently asked questions

Is 4 days enough for Zurich New Year?

Four days fit the city, the Rigi and Lucerne by panoramic train, New Year’s Eve and a farewell day.

Which museums and landmarks can you visit inside on a 4-day New Year trip to Zurich?

Relaxed: Kunsthaus Zürich, Swiss National Museum. Balanced–packed: Swiss National Museum, Kunsthaus Zürich.

How far ahead should I book tickets?

Kunsthaus Zürich at least 1 day ahead; Swiss National Museum at least 1 day ahead. Queues are long in the holiday week.

I’m going on different dates; how does the route change?

Enter Zurich and your arrival and departure in the planner on the home page. For any date from 19 November – 1 January it builds the route around that day’s markets and opening hours: New Year’s Eve on 31 December, Christmas Eve on 24 December, and closed markets are dropped.