Zürich in 48 hours — Friends' Fun & Vibrant Weekend
A lively 2-day plan for a group of friends: food markets, a playful escape room, a scenic lake cruise, an active hike up Uetliberg, and two nights of buzzing bars and live music. Designed for social groups (4–6+), easy splits on meals and shared activities, and summer-friendly outdoor time.
Highlights
- Old Town (Niederdorf) stroll and Sprüngli sweets
- Food stalls at Markthalle im Viadukt
- Group-friendly AdventureRooms escape
- Lake Zurich short cruise with ZSG
- Uetliberg hike + Uto Kulm lunch
- Evening drinks at Rimini Bar and live music at Moods
- Creative hangouts in Frau Gerolds Garten (Zurich West)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & dive into downtown Zürich: sweets, Old Town, a lively market hall lunch, an escape-room challenge, lakeside cruise, and a night of vegetarian dinner + live music.
Hotel luggage drop — 25hours Hotel Langstrasse
Quick luggage drop and grab a local map at reception so you can start exploring hands-free.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the front desk to hold your luggage and recommend a nearby café — saves paying for early check-in.
- 25hours is group-friendly and has a social lobby — perfect spot to meet before heading out.
- Confirm Wi‑Fi login and local SIM/ATM tips at reception if you need to split costs for transport.
Brunch & Luxemburgerli — Confiserie Sprüngli at Paradeplatz
Classic Zurich café for coffee, pastries and the famous Luxemburgerli macarons — great for group sharing.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few Luxemburgerli tasting boxes to share — cheaper and social for a group of friends.
- Paradeplatz can be busy; ask for standing space at the bar if you don’t have a table yet.
- Cashless is common; have your card ready. If splitting, one person can pay and use Swiss app Twint or split via card settle.
Old Town (Niederdorf) walking & photo hunt
Self-guided stroll through cobbled lanes, boutique shops, historic squares and scenic photo spots — relaxed pace with stops for gelato or a drink.
Tips from local experts:
- Head toward St. Peter and Niederdorfgasse for lively bars and street performers — perfect for people-watching.
- Bring a light daypack; narrow streets have cafe terraces ideal for quick group snapshots.
- If anyone wants souvenirs, split costs by pooling small purchases (souvenir plates, chocolate) into one person’s bag.
Lunch at Markthalle im Viadukt — shared-stall food market
Trendy market hall under the viaduct with multiple food stalls — ideal for groups who want different cuisines and split bills.
Tips from local experts:
- Scout stalls first, then order so the group can coordinate dishes to share (great for tasting).
- There are long communal tables that handle groups of 4–6 easily — come earlier to avoid the busiest hour.
- Cash and card both accepted; consider pooling cash for small vendors to speed up ordering.
AdventureRooms Zürich — group escape room
60–90 minute escape-room experience built for groups — teamwork and energy guaranteed.
Tips from local experts:
- Book one room for the whole group (rooms handle 4–6+ people) so you can collaborate rather than split up.
- Wear comfy shoes and bring your enthusiasm — it’s high-energy and a great icebreaker.
- Ask staff for a ‘hint-light’ option if you want extra help; it keeps momentum for larger groups.
Short Lake Zurich cruise (ZSG) — sunset-friendly 45–60 min trip
A relaxing boat cruise along the lake — perfect to freshen up and see the city from the water before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets at the pier kiosk together to secure group seating on deck; evenings in June are pleasant and breezy.
- Sit on the starboard side for the best city skyline photos near Bürkliplatz; bring a light jacket for the cool breeze.
- If anyone is seasick-prone, stay near the center of the boat where motion is minimal — there are indoor cabins too.
Dinner at Hiltl — lively vegetarian restaurant with sharing plates
Iconic multi-generational vegetarian spot with buffet and group-friendly menu — great for mixed diets and sharing.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table ahead for a group of 4–6, and choose the share platters so everyone can taste a bit.
- Hiltl is used to groups — ask for a larger table in the main dining room for a sociable atmosphere.
- Try the Hiltl takeaway desserts if you want something to snack on later during evening drinks.
Live music at Moods (Schiffbau) — upbeat jazz/indie venue
Catch a live set at Moods — one of Zürich’s best venues for a late-night, high-energy music vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the evening program and reserve/queue early for larger groups — popular shows can fill up.
- Moods has standing and seated areas; if your group wants to dance, aim for standing space near the stage.
- Consider pre-drinking at the hotel lobby or a nearby bar and arrive when the doors open to secure a group spot.
Day 2
Active morning on Uetliberg, scenic lunch with peak views, relaxed return to Zurich West (Frau Gerolds Garten) for creative street-food vibes, and a lakeside evening at Rimini Bar with an optional club night.
Morning coffee & pastries — Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse
Casual bakery with crowd-pleasing pastries and strong coffee to fuel an active morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few different pastries to split between friends — great low-cost tasting.
- Babu’s has limited seating; grab takeaway and picnic at the nearby riverbank if the sun is out.
- Get an extra espresso to go — you’ll thank yourself before the Uetliberg ascent.
Active hike to/around Uetliberg (panorama trail)
Take S10 or hike from the base and enjoy panoramic views across Zurich and the lake — flexible in intensity for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the S10 suburban train up to Uetliberg station for the easy-option, then do a 60–90 min panoramic walk along the ridge.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen and water; there are short steep sections but lots of viewpoints for group photos.
- If you want more activity, bring a frisbee or mini speaker (respectful volume) for a short playful break at the viewpoint.
Lunch at Uto Kulm — peak restaurant with view
Comfortable mountain-top restaurant ideal for groups with panoramic views and hearty Swiss fare.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a window or terrace table when booking — the view is the highlight for group photos.
- Order a few shared mains and Swiss rosti-style plates to split the bill easily.
- Check train times back to the city when ordering — last-minute groups can get split if one person lingers for extra photos.
Transfer: train back to Zürich HB (Zurich Hauptbahnhof)
Quick descent by S10/S-Bahn to the main station to reconnect with Zurich West and relax for the afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a small-group day pass if you plan more public transport trips — cheaper and convenient to split costs.
- Use the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) app for live train times and platform info to avoid waiting.
- Store any larger items in station lockers at HB if you’ve collected purchases and don’t want to carry them into the evening.
Explore Zurich West — Frau Gerolds Garten (creative open-air hangout)
Eclectic outdoor garden with food stalls, street art and communal seating — perfect for an easy group afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Several food stalls let everyone pick different dishes; share to keep costs down and taste more.
- The garden often has pop-up DJ sets or live acts in summer — check the noticeboard and plan to linger if something’s on.
- There are communal benches for large groups; arrive a little before peak (around 15:00) to snag a cluster of seats.
Afternoon break & aperitif — chill at Frau Gerolds Garten
A short rest to enjoy drinks, relax and prepare for a lakeside evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Split drinks and snacks at the communal table to keep conversation flowing and bills simple.
- Charge phones at the garden’s seating areas (if available) or rotate one person as group photographer.
- If someone’s tired, there are shaded corners ideal for a quick sit-down — perfect for re-grouping before dinner.
Sunset apero & dinner at Rimini Bar (lakeside summer bar)
Open-air lakefront bar with DJs in summer — a social spot for drinks and light bites as the sun sets.
Tips from local experts:
- Rimini fills up at sunset in June — get there early to secure a group bench on the lakeside terrace.
- Bring cash for drink owners who run pop-up food or smaller counters; otherwise cards accepted.
- It’s casual and lively — perfect for splitting pizzas or sharing platters and pooling the bill.
Optional club night at Kaufleuten — late-night dancing
Finish the trip with a classic Zurich nightlife spot — dance floor and DJ sets, or grab late-night drinks if you prefer.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the event calendar and book or reserve a table for your group if there’s a headline DJ or event.
- If you prefer bar vibes, arrive early (21:00–22:00) to snag seating; for dancing, show up after 23:00.
- Share taxi fares back to the hotel late at night — it’s usually cheaper and faster than multiple public transport legs.
