You know, when I was packing for my trip to Zurich, I didn't really know what to expect. I mean, everyone talks up the beautiful scenery and the fancy shopping, but I guess I thought I'd find a city that felt like a postcard from a travel magazine—you know, all perfect and untouched? Spoiler alert: I definitely found some of the best things to do in Zurich, but it wasn't all sunshine and perfection.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, I land and it's this crisp autumn day, the kind that makes the air feel heavier with all the falling leaves. I was wandering around like a lost puppy, trying to get my bearings. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much as I veered off the main streets, lured in by some old-world charm the locals seem to take for granted. That's how I ended up in a tiny, unassuming café called Café Schober in the Old Town.
When I walked in, it was as if I'd just tripped into a fairy tale. The place had this warm, inviting feel with soft lighting and eclectic pastries everywhere. I remember staring at this display of cakes like my heart had just claimed a new best friend. I mean, come on—if there's one thing I have a weakness for, it's pastries. I ordered a chocolate croissant and an espresso, sitting down at this little table that felt like it had witnessed countless stories unfold.
As soon as I took that first bite, I was hit by this combination of buttery richness and chocolatey decadence that made me forget about everything else. A small thing, just a pastry, but in that moment, it felt monumental. I found myself smiling like an idiot, thinking about how a random little café could turn a gray day into something magical.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Later that afternoon, I took a stroll along Lake Zurich, thinking I'd just soak in the views. But wow, talk about a mood boost! I had butterflies in my stomach, watching this little sailboat sway gently as people strolled by, their laughter mingling with the soft lapping of the waves. I decided to get a little adventurous and hopped onto one of those little electric boats that you can rent. Honestly, what was I thinking? I can barely command a paddleboat back home.
But you know what? I loved it. I felt like I had the lake to myself, just me and the gentle breeze rustling through my hair. Sure, I may have gone in a circle at one point—totally embarrassing—but it was all so serene. Watching the sunset transform the sky into a painting of oranges and purples made every moment worth it.
And then, in the middle of my mini lake adventure, I spotted a group of kids skipping stones on the shore. It took me back to when I was little, collected with friends and making a game out of trying to see who could make their rock bounce the longest. For a couple of moments, I forgot everything and found myself trying to skip a stone too, giggling as the flat rock plopped rather unceremoniously into the water instead of gliding over it. But hey, I tried.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Fast forward to the next morning, I thought I was being so smart, planning to visit the Bahnhofstrasse for some shopping. I'm all about seeking out hidden gems, so I thought, “How about a little detour through the narrow streets of Niederdorf?” Only, surprise, surprise, I didn't realize I was walking in circles. The signs? Completely unhelpful. I ended up stumbling upon this tiny art gallery instead. I think it was called Galerie Templon.
I don't know why I ended up there, really. I noticed a small piece in the window that caught my eye: bold colors clashing in a way that felt oddly comforting. The gallery was intimate, the kind of place where you feel the art breathe. The curator and I started chatting, and it turned into this long, unexpected conversation about the local art scene, which honestly felt like a beautiful detour from my shopping mission that I never would've planned.
By the time I left, I felt like I had been given a glimpse into the soul of Zurich. I walked out with a small print that now hangs in my living room, a little reminder of that chance encounter and how the best experiences often come when you're least expecting them.
Oh, and that meal…
Now let's talk about food, because you can't go to Zurich and not grab some proper Swiss fare. I found this little place called Hiltl, which claims to be the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. You read that right—vegetarian. I kind of rolled my eyes, thinking, “How amazing can a veggie dish be?” But let me tell you, it was life-changing.
I tried the buffet, which was a rainbow of options: everything from lentil curry to roasted veggies, to this creamy sweet potato mash. I was startled to find myself loading up my plate, thinking, “Why have I been missing out on vegetarian goodness like this for so long?” It was colorful and full of flavor, and I especially loved the bustling energy of the place—with locals mingling, families celebrating, and everyone eating happily. That meal made me rethink my own relationship with food and how, sometimes, it's the simplest things that just hit differently.
Reflecting on the whole experience
As I look back on my time in Zurich, I realize it wasn't a collection of carefully staged moments. It was messy, spontaneous, and bursting with little surprises. I mean, I almost totally missed out on a quick chat with an artist, probably would have skipped that little café if I hadn't taken a wrong turn, and had my whole idea of “going vegetarian” turned upside down.
So yeah, these are some of the best things to do in Zurich—but more than anything, I'll cherish the unexpected connections, moments of laughter, and indulgent bites that made it so much more than a typical trip. I guess that's travel in a nutshell, right? Just a messy, beautiful ball of moments stringed together. And as I finish this coffee, I can't help but smile at all the memories still swirling around in my head.
