Zurich Old Town Walking Tour with Lake Zurich Boat Cruise

Medieval lanes, Gothic spires, and a lake crossing in one morning

A 3-hour guided walking tour of Zurich's Old Town followed by a 1-hour cruise on Lake Zurich, with a private licensed guide leading the first half and an audio guide available on the boat. You meet at Bahnhofstrasse, walk through the medieval quarter past St Peter's Church (home to Europe's largest clock face), Fraumünster, Grossmünster, and Augustinergasse, then board a cruise that sails past lakeside villas and Alpine landscapes without the guide — who briefs you on what to watch for before you depart.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zurich Old Town and Lake Cruise

• Meet guide at OMEGA Boutique
• Walk Bahnhofstrasse and Augustinergasse
• See St Peter’s and Fraumünster churches
• Visit Munsterhof and Grossmünster cathedral
• Stroll Limmatquai to Lake Zurich shore
• Enjoy 55-minute Lake Zurich cruise

The Experience

The tour starts at the OMEGA Boutique on Bahnhofstrasse and moves through Zurich's Old Town on foot. Your guide walks you along Augustinergasse, a street lined with colorful bay windows, and past St Peter's Church, which holds the largest church clock face in Europe. You'll cross the Limmat River to reach Grossmünster, the Gothic cathedral with its two iconic towers, and pass through Munsterhof town square to absorb the medieval atmosphere. The walking portion takes 2 hours and moves at a pace your guide tailors to your interests.

After the walking tour, you head to the Limmatquai promenade and reach the dock on Lake Zurich's shore. Your guide hands you a ticket and all the information you need, then you board a 55-minute cruise on your own. The boat sails past Wollishofen, Zollikon, Tiefenbrunnen, and Zürichhorn, passing elegant lakeside villas and lush Alpine landscapes. An audio guide in English or German plays onboard to explain the highlights and their history. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase if you want them during the cruise.

Groups stay under 25 people per guide, so the walking portion stays manageable. The whole experience runs 3 hours from start to finish. Bring warm layers — the water is often colder than the land, and the weather can shift quickly.

What’s included

• A private licensed guide fluent in English or German.
• a 2-hour walking tour of Zurich's Old Town tailored to your pace and interests.
• pre-booked tickets for a 1-hour cruise on Lake Zurich with an audio guide in English or German.
• highlights and history of Zurich's landmarks including St Peter's Church, Fraumünster, Grossmünster, and Augustinergasse.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rosotravel - Switzerland Tours & Experiences

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English or German, so book this tour if you're comfortable following commentary in one of those languages — the audio guide on the boat also runs in both, so the full day stays accessible without translation.

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Top questions

What is St Peter's Church and why does it matter in Zurich?

St Peter's Church sits in Zurich's Old Town and houses the largest church clock face in Europe — a landmark you'll see during the walking portion of the tour.

Will my guide be on the boat with me during the lake cruise?

No, your guide walks you to the pier and gives you all the information you need before you board, then you sail independently. An audio guide in English or German plays on the boat to explain what you're seeing.

How long does the whole experience take?

The tour runs 3 hours total: a 2-hour guided walk through the Old Town, then a 55-minute cruise on Lake Zurich.

What will I see during the lake cruise?

The boat sails past Wollishofen, Zollikon, Tiefenbrunnen, and Zürichhorn, showing you lakeside villas and Alpine landscapes from the water.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility needs?

Yes — all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point, and transportation itself is wheelchair accessible. Let the operator know about any accessibility needs when you book.