Why visit
Zurich is Switzerland's financial capital turned lifestyle destination. Bahnhofstrasse shopping, Lake Zurich swimming, Kunsthaus art museum, and the Uetliberg city-mountain.
Switzerland at a glance
Country center
47.0°, 8.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
41,284 km²
15,940 mi²
Country population
8.9 million
215/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Swiss franc (Fr.)
CHF
Dial
+41
Languages
French, Swiss German, Italian
Demonym
Swiss
Internet
.ch
UN
Member state
ISO code
CH / CHE
Where in the world
47.0° · 8.0°
Switzerland
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Switzerland has enough nuclear fallout shelters for the entire population: by law.
- The CERN Large Hadron Collider crosses the Swiss-French border underground.
- Swiss banks held an estimated $2.4 trillion in foreign assets as of 2022.
- Switzerland did not grant women the vote at the federal level until 1971.
Bordering Switzerland
Traveler notes
- Badis (lake swimming pools) in summer
- Kunsthaus extension houses Picasso, Matisse
- Chocolate tasting tour of Lindt and Sprüngli
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Zurich
What currency is used in Zurich?
Zurich uses the Swiss franc (Fr.), ISO code CHF.
What languages are spoken in Switzerland?
The primary languages are French, Swiss German and Italian.
What is the international calling code for Switzerland?
The calling code is +41.
Other Europe destinations
Ukraine
Ukraine is a destination in Europe known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
United Kingdom
The UK covers London's world-capital culture, Scottish Highlands wilderness, Welsh castles, and the Lake District. Compact but varied, easy to combine in two weeks.
Vatican City
Vatican City is a destination in Europe known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Barcelona
Barcelona pairs Gaudí's Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló with Gothic Quarter alleys, a walkable beach, and one of Europe's strongest food cities.
Seville
Seville holds the world's largest Gothic cathedral, the Alcázar's Moorish palace, flamenco peñas, and Semana Santa. The richest Holy Week in Spain.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per capita than any city on earth, a crescent of sand at La Concha, and pintxos bars that are closer to an Olympic sport than dining.