“Is Zurich vegan-friendly,” my friend questioned as soon as she knew I was traveling to the land of mountains and cheese. “It has to be,” I replied. “It’s a major city; they must’ve gotten with the vegan program by now!”
The truth was when I first started planning our Switzerland itinerary, I hadn’t done any food research — I was either in for a pleasant surprise or a lot of French fries. Luckily for me (and maybe you if you’re planning a trip), Zurich is very vegan-friendly; there are vegan bakeries, cheeses, chocolates, buffets — just about anything your heart and taste buds could desire!
This vegan travel guide to Zurich will help you find plenty of tasty food, along with suggestions on what to do, where to stay, and more! It’s your one-stop spot for planning your entire vegan vacation from start to finish.
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The Best Vegan Restaurants in Zurich
There are so many excellent vegan restaurants in Zurich, sadly, I couldn’t make it to all of them! Sigh. Next time! But if you want to know more about some of these spots, be sure to click on that vegan restaurant link above!
Dapur
Schaffhauserstrasse 373, Zurich
A modern vegan Indonesian restaurant serving dishes from Bali, Java, Sulawesi, and others.
DAR
Gasometerstrasse 5, 8005 Zürich
Gorgeous Moroccan and Spanish-inspired cuisine — try the chef’s menu if you can’t decide.
Anoah
Brauerstrasse 37, 8004 Zürich
A chic vegan fine dining experience with a set 5-course menu.
Marktkuche
Feldstrasse 98, Zurich
Another spot to get a little fancy with a Michelin Green Star nominated fine-dining experience.
KLE
Zweierstrasse 114, Zurich
One more fine-dining experience featuring local and seasonal produce. Brunch is also offered on the weekends.
UnMeat
Food truck — check out their Instagram to see where they’re trucking.
One of the best spots for vegan comfort food! Sink your teeth into burgers, fries, and milkshakes!
Vegitat
Langstrasse 192, Zurich
A fast-casual vegan restaurant that serves Turkish specialties including vegan döner, wraps, sweets, bowls, and more.
The Sacred
Mullerstrasse 64, Zurich
One of Zurich’s oldest vegan spots features a daily vegan buffet for lunch and dinner and they even have a vegan ice cream bar. In the winter, they offer fondue.
Roots
Multiple locations throughout Zurich
A casual vegan spot featuring smoothies, sandwiches, toast, and more. On the weekend, they offer a small vegan brunch menu and their regular menu.
Klara’s Kitchen & Store
Universitätstrasse 17, 8006 Zürich
A small café near the University of Zurich that serves juices, smoothies, acai bowls, sandwiches, and sweets.
Veganitas
Brauerstrasse 30, 8004 Zürich
A casual spot serving fully loaded vegan pita sandwiches made with fresh house-made bread.
Wild Bowls
Löwenstrasse 45, 8001 Zürich
A Swiss chain that offers a variety of bowls for breakfast and lunch — acai, porridge, savory bowls, toasts, and wraps.
Now Restaurant
Rolandstrasse 9, 8004 Zürich
Organic and seasonal Asian and world-inspired cuisine with a large focus on reducing waste and true farm to table cooking.
Vegetarian & Very Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Zurich
Almost all of these spots are entirely vegetarian, except for a couple.
Haus Hiltl
There are multiple locations throughout Zurich; the original location is Sihlstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich.
The world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant! You can enjoy their vegetarian buffet or al a carte menu (at select locations).
Chimy’s
Neugasse 76, 8005 Zürich
A charming restaurant right around the corner from DAR that features vegetarian Asian cuisine, with an al a carte menu and buffet.
Samses
Langstrasse 231, 8005 Zürich
They are currently hosting a Caribbean-inspired pop-up menu through the summer of 2022. They will switch back to their regular menu in the fall, including fondue!
Beetnut
Lagerstrasse 16b, 8004 Zürich
A casual spot featuring veggie-forward bowls and salads. They also have vegan breakfast options every day.
Tibits
Seefeldstrasse 2, 8008 Zürich
A unique Swiss chain (that needs to come to the US) that offers a vegetarian buffet with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Masala
Stauffacherstrasse 27, 8004 Zürich
Zurich’s first vegetarian Indian restaurant —it became fully veggie in January 2022!
Mica’s Garten
Badenerstrasse 790, 8048 Zürich
A fun outdoor market featuring a variety of food pop-ups with many vegan options.
Casa del Gato
Kehlhofstrasse 4, 8003 Zürich
Switzerland’s first and only cat café features an entirely vegetarian menu!
Green Gorilla
Limmatquai 94, 8001 Zürich
Small café chain with smoothies, juices, and acai bowls.
Taj Palace
Hönggerstrasse 25, 8037 Zürich
A traditional Indian restaurant with a vegan and vegetarian menu.
Brezelkönig
Multiple locations throughout Zurich
There are multiple vegan pretzel options; some locations have hot dogs and sandwiches featuring Planted Chicken.
Vegan Chocolate, Sweets, & Wine in Zurich
By now, you were probably wondering where are the sweets? A vegan travel guide to Zurich isn’t complete without chocolate, cakes, and ice cream, right!?
Enzian Bakery
Binzmühlestrasse 41, 8050 Zürich
A charming vegan bakery located in Old Town that serves house-made breads, cookies, cakes, and pastries. They also serve lunch.
Moon
Bertastrasse 4, 8003 Zürich
Get ready to be in awe! This vegan bakery has amazing handmade chocolates, pastries, cakes, cinnamon rolls, and more. They even have gluten-free options.
Say Chocolate Boutique
Lagerstrasse 28, 8004 Zürich
Charming chocolate shop right around the corner from Zurich’s central station with multiple vegan truffle options and two vegan macarons.
Devi Deli Göttlich Vegan
Bertastrasse 11, 8003 Zürich
The only vegan market in Zurich that offers shoppers snacks, wines, chocolates, desserts, cheeses, and sandwiches.
Gelati Telhof
Tellstrasse 20, 8004 Zürich
A cute gelato shop with multiple vegan options is also right around the corner from UnMeat.
Kalte Lust am Limmatplatz
Kornhausbrücke 4, 8005 Zürich
Just around the corner from multiple swimming spots, this shop features a great selection of vegan ice cream options, all are well-marked.
Sprüngli
Multiple locations throughout Zurich
A famous Swiss chocolate brand that offers two vegan options isn’t marked in the store; ask staff for help.
The Sacred
Mullerstrasse 64, Zurich
Aside from being a vegetarian buffet they also have a full lineup of vegan ice cream and gelato!
Studio Wino
Meinrad-Lienert-Strasse 7, 8003 Zürich
Natural wine shop features a variety of vegan wines, including Swiss options. A couple of Swiss wineries produce vegan wine; look out for Agriloro and Lenz Rebbel. I am sure the wine shop will have other recommendations.
Where to Find Cheap (well, cheaper) Vegan Food in Zurich
I’m not going to beat around the bush on this, Zurich is not an affordable destination by any stretch of the imagination. It’s one of the most expensive in the world! So, if you have a minor heart attack looking at menu prices, take a deep breath because there are ways to find cheap (well, more affordable) vegan food in Zurich. These spots include markets that have great vegan options and a few restaurants that offer 15 CHF or less dishes.
Sesam Falafel
Seidengasse 6, 8001 Zürich
Just off glitzy Bahnhofstrasse is this little Middle Eastern shop that offers vegan falafel that can be made into a pita sandwich or enjoyed on its own.
Za’atar
Brauerstrasse 74, 8004 Zürich
A second Middle Eastern spot (hopefully you like falafel!), but this spot has a more extensive menu than Sesam. They offer all traditional favorites, and their menu is well marked for vegan options.
Vegitat
Langstrasse 192, 8005 Zürich
Turkish vegan café serving up vegan döner, cigköfte, and wraps that are all under 15 CHF — they also sell bowls, but they are a little more expensive. These sandwiches are filling! You’ll get your money’s worth.
Tibits
Seefeldstrasse 2, 8008 Zürich
This delicious vegan-friendly buffet can help you save money or spend all of it! So, if you go in cautiously loading up your plate, you can keep your breakfast, lunch, or dinner more reasonably priced. But I warn you, it will be difficult once you see all the fantastic options!
Coop
Multiple locations throughout Zurich
This is a major grocery chain throughout Switzerland, and they have great vegan options! You can save money on food by heading in here and loading up on staple products if you have a kitchen. It’s also an excellent opportunity to test out new vegan products that are only available in Europe — it’s always fun to try new things!
Alnatura
Multiple locations throughout Zurich
Like Coop, this is also a grocery chain in Switzerland, but they only focus on natural foods. On top of having a great selection of fresh and frozen vegan products, some of the markets also have cafés that serve coffee, smoothies, juices, and sandwiches.
Where to Stay in Zurich
Zurich is very well connected by a terrific network of buses, trams, and trains (that run on time), so anytime you stay in the city will be reasonably convenient. If you’re looking to be close to Old Town but not spend an arm and a leg, check out these options.
Motel One Zurich
Stockerstrasse 61, 8002 Zürich
Motel One offers modern accommodations within a short walk of Old Town. I enjoyed our stay here and would return.
The Yard Zurich
Bäckerstrasse 62, Aussersihl, 8004 Zurich
This boutique hotel is great if you want to be close to Zurich’s central train station and the Old Town.
Unique Hotel Option Near Zurich
Uto Kuln
Uetliberg Mountain
This is a unique place to stay in Zurich. Perched over 2800 feet above Zurich, this hotel sits atop the Uetliberg mountain offering guests panoramic views of Zurich, the lake, and The Alps (on a clear day). You can sometimes book a night here for $130!
Vegan Hotel & Vegan-Friendly Hotels in Switzerland
Unfortunately, there isn’t a vegan hotel (just yet) in Zurich, but if you plan on exploring more of Switzerland, you might want to consider squeezing one of these gorgeous vegan hotels into your itinerary!
Garden Hotel Primavera
Brissago, Switzerland (Southern Switzerland)
Located on the beautiful Lake Maggiore, this vegan hotel offers yoga, exercise classes, mountain biking, and more! Guests are also delighted with daily vegan breakfasts, and dinner is served Wednesday – Saturday.
Hotel Saratz
Pontresina, Switzerland (near Saint Moritz)
This sustainable hotel is near many ski slopes and offers vegan-friendly dining options from Giodi Vegetarian & Co.
What To Do in Zurich
Visit the Alstadt (Old Town)
Is any list of things to do in Zurich complete without encouraging a wander through the charming Old Town? I think it goes without saying, but if you didn’t realize it was there, don’t miss it! The labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets straddles both sides of the Limmat River and is filled with cafes, boutiques, and historic squares.
Don’t miss wandering up Lindenhof hill for picture-perfect views of Old Town and Limmat.
Check out artsy Zurich West
What was once an industrial quarter is now a trendy neighborhood beckoning creatives and artsy types to explore a different side of Zurich. Start at the Markthalle at Im Viadukt, an indoor market full of a variety of foods, flowers, household products, and more. From there, continue along the Viadukt and check out all of the independent boutiques and art galleries. Just around the corner from the Viadukt is the Freitag Tower made from shipping containers. The tower is home to a popular brand of bags that have been made from recycled truck tarps, seatbelts, airbags, and bicycle inner tubes. Aside from checking out the unique handbags, you can climb to the top of the shipping container tower for views of Zurich (I chickened out with this one, it was hot, and I hate heights!).
Afterward, enjoy a drink at Frau Gerolds Garten, but before leaving, don’t miss surfing aficionados trying to catch a wave at Urban Surf.
Take a hike and enjoy the views from Uetliberg
If you’re looking for panoramic views of Zurich and possibly a glimpse of The Alps (on a clear day the view is amazing, ours was cloudy), you can’t miss a visit to Uetliberg! Getting to Uetliberg is easy — you can either hike or take the train. There are many trail options if you want to hike, but some are not well maintained. An excellent option for a 1.5 – 2 hr. hike is to start at the trail at the base of Uetliberg just off of the Albisgüetli stop (end of the line for Tram 13). If you feel like you’ve gotten off course at any point in the hike, just keep following the signs for “Uetliberg Kulm.” And, don’t forget to pack vegan hiking boots!
If you want to skip hiking, for 17 CHF (if you have a Zurich card, you don’t have to pay), you can grab the train from Zurich’s central station, which will take you almost to the top of the mountain in under 30 mins. During the week the train runs every 30 minutes and, on the weekend, every 20 minutes. From the train stop on Uetliberg, it’s just a short 10-minute hike to the top. Once you get to the top, there is a restaurant, a viewing tower (it costs 5 CHF), and a hotel.
As of May 2022, the train line to Uetliberg is undergoing construction during the week, forcing visitors to take multiple buses. The train does still run on the weekend if you can wait.
One last note, if you’re thinking this would be a great place to camp, think again, there are a lot of rules for camping in Switzerland!
Marvel at Europe’s largest waterfall — Rhine Falls
One of Europe’s most beautiful waterfalls (it’s also the largest!), Rhine Falls is only an hour from Zurich by train. You can hike around the falls for unobstructed views or even jump on a boat ride to get up close and personal with this powerful marvel. This spot was recommended by a local, and I’m glad we checked it out — it was a beautiful spot but surprisingly not overrun by tourists visiting, which made it even more special.
You can view the falls for free, but there is also a special viewing platform just under the medieval castle, Schloss Laufen, for even better views. The cost is 5 CHF per person. Personally, I think your money is better spent taking one of the boat tours — for as little as 7 CHF you can get even better views of the falls.
Say hi to cute kitties at Switzerland’s first cat cafe, Casa del Gato
While other European cities have embraced the love of cat cafes, the Swiss are just jumping on board with their first in Zurich, Casa del Gato. Aside from giving a friendly chin scratch to some furry friends, this café is also 100% vegetarian! So, you can get to know your new furry friend while enjoying a Beyond burger or sweet crepe!
Learn a little history with a walking tour
Walking tours are my favorite way to learn about a city from someone who lives there. This is an excellent opportunity to learn a little history and ask for recommendations on things you might not know to check out. We chose this tour option: Zurich walking tour + lake cruise
Take a dip in the Limmat River
In the summer, locals flock to multiple swimming spots along the Limmat River; a couple include Flussbad Au-Höngg and Flussbad Oberer Letten.
Flussbad Au-Höngg offers a river pool, a lovely park, and a playground with two pools for kids. This is a good option for families. Flussbad Oberer Letten is a little rowdier — the banks of the Limmat are packed with swimmers and sunbathers, and just off of the river, visitors will find volleyball courts, multiple cafes, and bars.
Even if you don’t want to swim, it’s still a fun place to come and check out.
Take a day trip to Jungfraujoch and Bernese Oberland
I regret not doing this, so I am encouraging you not to make the same mistake! The trip to Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau can be done on your own and from other Swiss cities like Lucerne and Bern. I think doing it as a tour makes things a little easier because it is a lot to pack into a day.
The Bernese Oberland is one of the most gorgeous areas of Switzerland, gracing many postcards and Instagram posts, you’ve probably seen it and not even realized! The Jungfrau is the highest accessible point in the Bernese Alps by train. Depending on when you’re visiting these two areas offer idyllic mountain and valley views coupled with a wonderland of snow and ice 3,454 meters above sea level.
How to Get Around Zurich
Getting From The Zurich Airport to Zurich HBF (Main Train Station)
It is easy and quick to get to the city’s heart by taking the train, S-Bahn, or tram. The train and S-Bahn are the fastest and will get you to Zurich’s central train station (Zurich HBF) in 10 – 15 minutes; the tram takes longer, about 35 minutes. Both cost almost 7 CHF, tickets can be purchased at the train station under the airport (follow the signs for baggage claim and transport and you’ll see the signs for the train station). If you’re buying a Zurich Card, the ticket is included. The trains run every 5 – 10 minutes from the airport starting at 5 AM – 12:30 AM.
Getting Around Zurich
Zurich is best explored on foot with the occasional assistance of public transportation. Many of the main sights are within walking distance, plus this is a great way to explore a city. But, if your feet need a break or you want to explore outside the city center, you have a great network of trams, buses, and trains to use. Tickets and day passes can be purchased at all ticket kiosks in the train stations, outside some tram and bus stops, and via the ZVV app.
A single ticket starts at 2.70 CHF, a day pass is 5.40 CHF, or you can purchase a Zurich card which includes all of your transportation within zones 110, 111, 121, 140, 150, 154, and 155 (so all of the city center, surrounding area, Uetliberg, and the airport).
You can also get to many other cities in Switzerland by train from Zurich. Their train system is extensive and there are many routes that showcase the unbelievable beauty of the country — if you can, you shouldn’t miss it!
Should I Buy a Zurich Card?
It comes down to what you plan to do and how you’ll get there while in Zurich. Keep in mind that Zurich is expensive, so if you plan to check out many museums, go on a boat ride, or even on a walking tour, the card might be a smart idea for you to purchase.
The Zurich card does come with a heap of benefits:
- Transportation throughout the city and surrounding area, including Uetliberg and the airport
- Boat ride and Limmat river cruise
- Free or reduced ticket prices to many museums and attractions
- Special discounts or surprises at shops and restaurants (including Haus Hilt)
The Zurich card is available for 24 or 72 hours, the 24-hr. pass is 27 CHF, and the 72-hr. pass is 53 CHF.
Zurich Wrap Up: Other Vegan-Friendly Cities in Switzerland
Exploring more of Switzerland? Then don’t miss these other vegan guides and articles to help plan your vegan adventure!
Comprehensive Vegan Travel Guide to Lucerne
How to Get to Mount Pilatus on Your Own
The Best Vegan Travel Guide to Bern
The Best Vegan Travel Guide to Geneva
Where to stay in Bern, Switzerland
Vegan Festivals & Events Worth Visiting This Year
