Old Town, known locally as the Altstadt, is the historic heart of Zurich, Switzerland. It is a neighborhood best explored on foot, where cobblestone streets wind between buildings that date back to the 12th century.
What to see
- Medieval churches that stand among the narrow lanes and squares, reflecting the city's long religious and civic past.
- Guild houses, once the meeting places of craft and trade associations, whose facades speak to the city's working history.
- Charming boutiques tucked into older buildings, offering a mix of local goods and small independent shops.
What kind of visit it makes
Old Town suits a slow, unhurried walk. Rather than a single sight to tick off, it is a place to wander, stopping where a doorway, a churchyard or a shop window catches your eye. Its streets are compact, so it is easy to move between its different corners in an afternoon, and it pairs well with time spent by the lake or along the river that runs through the city.
If you enjoy architecture and everyday city life, Old Town offers a clear sense of Zurich's older character, set against the modern city that surrounds it.