Zurich in Switzerland is a pretty and well-designed city, and when visiting the main area you’ll want to see is the Old Town. This area is very photogenic with beautiful architecture, the Limmat river, famous churches such as the Grossmünster, St. Peter and Fraumünster and the impressive Lake Zurich. If you are heading to the city and want to know some of the best spots for Instagram and photography then keep reading. You’ll also find the best time to get photographs, whether the location is free or not, and a link to the spot on Google Maps.
You may also like: 7 Reasons to Visit Zurich and Travelling on a Budget: How to Visit Zurich.
Here are some of the best and must-visit Instagram and photography spots in Zurich.
1. Münsterbrücke
Münsterbrücke is one of the most famous bridges in the city and where you’ll see countless photographs. Most of them are with views towards Fraumünster Church on the opposite side of the river, although you can take photographs in the other direction towards the Grossmünster church.
Best time for pics: Blue hour
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
2. Grossmünster Tower
The Grossmünster is the most iconic church in Zurich, and as well as capturing images from outside, you should climb the 187 steps to the tower viewing platform. Up here you’ll get panoramic views of the city, as well as towards Lake Zurich and the distant mountains.
Tip: During my visit, the tower closed at 5.30pm and the sun went down after 8pm, but if you are visiting when the sun goes down a lot earlier, such as near 5.30pm then I think sunset would be a great time to visit. However during the day is still a good time to visit.
Best time for pics: Day/sunset
Cost: 5 Swiss francs
Location: View on Google Maps
3. Along Wühre
On the west side of the Limmat river there is a street called Wühre, which is a good spot to capture photographs towards the Grossmünster church. This spot is great for photographs at night during the blue hour, at sunrise where you may get a sparkle of the sun, or even during the day.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
4. Augustinergasse (street)
I found this street particularly beautiful and during my visit it was lined with flags. The flags may not always be there but it’s still a beautiful location either way.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
5. Lindenhof
The Lindenhof is an elevated park that looks towards the east of the city. It’s one of the best locations to enjoy the Zurich Skyline and you will often see pictures from this spot on Instagram. I would recommend coming here around sunrise as the sun will often rise opposite.
Best time for pics: Sunset/day
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
6. Gasometerstrasse
If you are visiting around mid-April then check out Gasometerstrasse. I thought this street was beautiful with the pink blossoms and the yellow facade. This may potentially look nice during the summer and autumn too.
Best time for pics: Day/early Spring
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
7. ETH Zürich
The ETH Zürich building is part of the university and in front of it is a panoramic viewing platform that overlooks the city.
This is a great spot to come for sunset and not just to take photographs of the skyline, but also to enjoy the atmosphere. Maybe it’s not the same every evening, but during my visit there were people (presumably students), chilling outside waiting for the sun to go down.
Best time for pics: Sunset
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
8. Quaibrücke (bridge)
To capture postcard shots of the city head to Quaibrücke which is the bridge closest to Lake Zurich. This makes for a good spot to come for sunset and into the blue hour. If you have time you could capture some shots from the ETH platform mentioned above and then head down to this point (about 15 mins walk) and there might still be some colour in the sky.
Best time for pics: Sunset/blue hour
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
9. FREITAG Flagship Store
This structure is pretty cool and is the highest structure made of shipping containers in the world. The based serves as a bag shop and it’s also possible to head up to the top (for free) where you’ll get industrial style views. The views from the top aren’t that great to be honest but it’s still a cool spot to check out. Also behind the Store is a really cool and trendy Frau Gerolds Garten, which is a bit like an outdoor food market/bar type spot. This has lots of colours and objects that would be good for Instagram pictures. You’ll see a quick (non-creative) snap further below.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
10. Rudolf-Brun-Brücke (Bridge)
I found Rudolf-Brun-Brücke made a great spot for capturing pictures from across the Limmat river. If you head here in the morning you may get great reflections. You could also use an nd filter to flatten the water even more such as below.
Best time for pics: Morning
Cost: Free
Location: View on Google Maps
11. Trams
Trams are a big part of Zurich and you will see them everywhere. The best place to capture them is along the street Limmatquai which runs along the river on the east side.
Tip: After looking through my shots after my trip, I also realised that the platform outside Grossmünster, that looks over this street would be a good spot. At night you’d be able to capture light trails of trams with the architecture on the west of the river in the distance. I’d recommend taking that shot in the blue hour and you’ll find the exact spot at this location. If you try this and it comes out well let me know as I’d love to see it.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: Along Limmatquai
Photography Tips for Zurich
- Head out early to capture streets and across the river while it’s quiet. You might get nice reflections on the river during this time
- Take pictures at night from along the river
- Try and take pictures of the trams at night/the blue hour to capture light trails
- Possibly add negative exposure compensation when taking pictures of the landmarks such as Grossmünster at night if they are coming out too bright
Visit my page Travel Photography for lots more tips.
Summary
Depending on your style of photography you might find lots of other good spots throughout the city, such as around Lake Zurich, as well as other streets, cute buildings and facades
Book one of our recommended hotels below or find a deal on Booking.com:
Recommended apartment: Spectacular City View Apartment – A stunning apartment in the heart of the Old Town and offers some of the best views of the city.
Recommended luxury hotel: Baur au Lac – A stunning high-end luxury hotel in the Old Town and a short walk from Lake Zurich. The hotel comes with beautiful rooms and even it’s own Michelin star restaurant.
