Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise

3.111 reviewsZürich1 hr – 1 hr 30 min
Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise
  • Free cancellationFor a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • Duration1 hr – 1 hr 30 min
  • Instant confirmationMobile ticket
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CHF 22per person
Date
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Overview

Discover Zurich from a unique perspective aboard our red open-top bus and explore the highlights of Switzerland’s largest city in comfort. Admire historic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and stunning views of Lake Zurich while learning more through the audio guide. From the historic old town to the modern financial district, discover the different faces of Zurich. Enhance your experience with an optional boat cruise and enjoy a memorable way to discover one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities.

What's included

  • Boat cruise on Lake Zurich (if option selected)
  • Audio guide with headphones
  • 1-hour open-top bus sightseeing tour
  • Food and drinks
  • Attraction entrance

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Zurich

    1 hr

    Your experience begins at Zurich Bus Station, where you will meet your driver before boarding our red open-top bus. Enjoy a 1-hour audio-guided sightseeing tour through Zurich and discover the city’s main highlights from a unique panoramic perspective. Sit back, relax, and admire the views as you explore Zurich’s historic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and vibrant city atmosphere.

  2. 2

    Stop 2

    Passing by

    Zurich station is the largest railway station in Switzerland. It is an important railway junction for Switzerland, but also for Italy, France, Austria and Germany. It is located in the heart of the city. It is one of the oldest stations in Switzerland. In the station is its ShopVille shopping center with its 190 shops and restaurants open 365 days a year, from early morning to late evening. Even on Sundays when the shops in town are closed. The Zürich Tourist Office is also located in the station.

  3. 3

    Landesmuseum

    Passing by

    Admire the impressive architecture of the Swiss National Museum, one of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks. Its unique design combines historic and modern influences, reflecting Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage. You can come later and explore its exhibitions to discover the history, culture, and traditions that shaped Switzerland.

  4. 4

    Urania Observatory

    Passing by

    The Urania Observatory, named after the Greek goddess of astronomy, was opened in 1907. It was the first concrete construction in the city of Zürich. In 1989 it was classified as a historical monument.

  5. 5

    Credit Suisse Global Headquarters

    Passing by

    Founded in 1856 by Alfred Escher, the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt was Switzerland’s first major bank. Created to provide credit and support economic development, it played a crucial role in financing the expansion of the Swiss railway network. The bank later became Credit Suisse, which grew into one of the world’s most recognized financial institutions.

  6. 6

    FIFA Museum

    Passing by

    Located opposite the Headquarters of Fifa, it opened its doors on February 28, 2016. With its 3000 m2 of exhibition space, it offers all facets of football. The first stone of the building was laid by Sepp Blatter in 2013 and its construction was estimated at 130 million euros.

  7. 7

    Museum Rietberg

    Passing by

    The estate once belonged to Otto Wesendonck, a wealthy German silk merchant and art patron. The Rietberg Museum, with its three historic villas and beautiful park, has a fascinating history. In the 19th century, the composer Richard Wagner lived here for several months. During his stay, he completed the original version of Tristan und Isolde, inspired by his love for Mathilde Wesendonck. The museum officially opened in 1952 and was later expanded with the addition of the modern “Emerald” building, which brings a contemporary touch to the historic site. The Wesendonck and Rieter villas house the impressive collections of Baron Eduard von der Heydt, featuring artworks from China, Japan, Africa, Oceania, the Near East, and Tibet.

  8. 8

    Belvoirpark

    Passing by

    Built in 1819 by Heinrich Escher, a Zurich politician and railway pioneer, this neoclassical mansion is surrounded by one of the city’s oldest and largest landscaped parks. The estate reflects the elegance of 19th-century Zurich and today welcomes visitors as a restaurant in a unique historic setting.

  9. 9

    Fraumunster Church

    Passing by

    The Fraumünster is a Protestant church in the old town of Zurich, where the rich Christian tradition is meant to foster. The theological diligence and artistic excellency radiate far beyond the city limits. Music and the spoken and written word shape the spiritual life of the community.

  10. 10

    Grossmunster

    Passing by

    The Grossmünster is one of Zurich’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of the city. This Romanesque Protestant church was once a monastery and is one of Zurich’s three main churches. Its distinctive twin towers make it one of the most recognizable sights in Zurich.

  11. 11

    Lake Zurich

    5 min

    Continue along the shores of Lake Zurich and admire the stunning lakeside views, with the water and surrounding landscapes creating a beautiful backdrop. For those who have selected the lake cruise option, you will get off the bus at this stop and walk to the pier to board the boat. Please do not forget to request your boat ticket from the driver before leaving the bus.

  12. 12

    Zurich

    5 min

    The sightseeing tour concludes at Zurich Bus Station.

Meeting point and pickup

Meeting point

We do not have an office at the meeting point, but you can simply show your reservation directly to the driver when boarding. The open top bus is operated by a Swiss Sightseeing red bus.

End point

Ends back at the meeting point.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • If you have selected the boat cruise option, please inform the bus driver when boarding the open-top bus. The driver will provide you with your boat cruise ticket and all the necessary information
  • Please note that the Lake Zurich cruise option is available from May to September.
  • If you have selected the boat cruise option, please inform the bus driver when boarding the open-top bus. The driver will provide you with your boat cruise ticket and all the necessary information

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews

3.1

11 reviews

  • 51
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  • 36
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  • 11
  • mark_l · Oct 2026

    It is very basic and if...

    It is very basic and if you walk around the city you will see just As much and not spend over $50 for a narrative tour where the volume is so low you can't understand what is being said

    Review via Viator

  • Jorge_D · Oct 2026

    Good

    Don't be in a hurry. Traffic in Zurich is insame. Boat ride was nice enough. Driver was very nice and friendly.

    Review via Viator

  • Relax36631507885 · Sep 2026

    Worth doing to learn about Zurich

    The directions to get to the red open top bus are incorrect! Just go to the bus station and look for a red, open top bus! The driver was considerate and funny. The audio was interesting. After what felt like a short time we left the bus for the boat trip. We found out we should queue in Lane 2. Boat was comfortable and we sat at the front outside. No commentary on what we were seeing. Sadly the boat only made one stop and was over in 50 mins. Waited for bus again (no specific location was specified) and ride completed 10 mins later.

    Review via Tripadvisor

  • Voyage54302486377 · Sep 2026

    Limited value.

    These tours are really a waste of money, but, if you want to rest your feet, or have a quick overview of the city, they are what they are. Better value in doing some Google research, buy a day pass on the trams and go for a ride. But no fault to the driver who did his job well.

    Review via Tripadvisor

  • Georgette_P · Sep 2026

    Nice but could be improved..

    If you take the cruise option, there is no return ride to the original bus pick up area- you need to return on your own! Also we were instructed to “ask around” for the correct cruise boat - no cruise boat name or tour company name given by the bus operator. Spent 5 mins running from dock ticket kiosk to kiosk asking if they accepted my ticket and which boat we were supposed to board. Made it onboard the correct boat just as it disembarked. Cruise was short but it was packed and there were no seats left. Should have stayed on the bus, honestly.

    Review via Viator

  • Relax688105 · Sep 2026

    Not recommended

    1st. The direction was wrong. The address number came after the street and no where mentioned bus station. We walk a lot to realise we are not in the right place. The Tripadvisor assistance was very helpful and send us the right address. The bus tour was boring but the cruise (bout tour) was nice and relaxing.

    Review via Tripadvisor

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