Things to see in Zurich

At 871m (2,858 ft), Zurich’s nearest mini-mountain, the Uetliberg, is where the city’s residents go to get away from it all. Its peak is easily accessible by train from Zurich main station, on Europe’s steepest normal-gauge railway, but more energetic visitors may prefer to make the hour’s walk up to the summit. The mountain offers impressive views of the city and Lake Zurich, and there are plenty of outdoor activities available too, including mountain biking, paragliding and hiking as well as sledding in winter. In spring, the mountain blooms with wild flowers, while in autumn the summit rises above the fog that often blankets the city below. There are also several restaurants offering Swiss specialities.

Daily, year-round

No

The twin towers of this attractive cathedral have become something of a symbol for the city, while the building itself comprises a vast set of design influences, from an 11th-century crypt to a stained glass window by avant-garde artist Sigmar Polke. The cathedral played an integral role in the Protestant Reformation, and the movement's legacy accounts for the relatively unostentatious interior. Recent archaeological discoveries suggest the existence of a Roman cemetery underneath the church. There are also remains of a Romanesque cloister, 12th-century statuary and a stained glass work in the choir by Augusto Giacometti (Alberto's cousin). The Karlsturm tower has 187 steps; there is no lift.

Daily 1000-1800 (Mar-Oct); daily 1000-1700 (Nov-Feb). Tower: Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1230-1730 (Mar-Oct); Mon-Fri 1000- 1630, Sun 1230-1630 (Nov-Feb).

Yes, for the tower

The collection of the Rietberg Museum of Non-European Art is fully dedicated to non-European cultures and stands as one of the city’s most absorbing attractions. The museum is housed within two buildings dating from the 1850s, both of which are set within the centrally located Rieterpark. The Villa Wesendonck has special exhibitions in addition to its collection of Indian, Chinese and African art (the core of which is the sculpture collection donated by Baron Eduard von der Heydt), while the Park-Villa Rieter has a diverse display of paintings from China, Japan and India. The latter also holds occasional world music concerts.

Tues, Fri and Sat 1000-1700, Wed-Thurs 1000-2000, Sun 1000-1800.

Yes

Although this beautiful church dates from the ninth century (when it started life as a Benedictine abbey), it is often the five 20th-century stained-glass windows in the choir by Marc Chagall (1970) that attract visitors – the works are best seen in the morning light. The current church dates from the 13th century, although the undercroft contains the original abbey crypt. The elegant spire dates from 1732, although the rest of the church is predominantly gothic. The site was originally endowed by Charlemagne's grandson, and later became the church of the Zurich Noblewomen's Convent. The stained-glass windows in the north transept are by Alberto Giacometti's cousin, Augusto.

Daily 1000-1800 (Mar-Oct); 1000-1700 (Nov-Febr).

No

The Swiss National Museum lies on a landscaped triangle of parkland between the Hauptbahnhof and the Limmat and Sihl rivers, and has fulfilled the role of the nation's attic for over a century. The complex actually comprises of three separate museums – the National Museum Zurich, the Castle of Pragins and the Forum of Swiss History Schwyz. Exhibits cover a solid range of different subjects relating to Swiss culture, history, religion and society. It is not only paintings and sculptures but also weapons, flags, watches, clocks, tools, toys and Roman-era objects.

Tues-Wed and Fri-Sun 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-1900.

Yes

This is the city's most important fine art gallery, boasting a collection of paintings and sculptures by Swiss and international masters, covering most periods from medieval times but focusing largely on the 19th and 20th centuries. Two of Monet's ‘Water Lilies’ paintings and the largest collection of Edvard Munch's works outside of Norway can be found here, as well as expressionist pieces by Kokoschka, Beckmann and Corinth. Pieces by the Dadaists (who, of course, came into being in Zurich) and the world's most important collection of work by Alberto Giacometti are highlights. The museum also stages a succession of interesting temporary exhibitions. Tours are available in English if reserved beforehand.

Tues, Fri-Sun 1000-1800, Wed-Thu 1000-2000.

Yes