Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends rich history with contemporary flair. Situated along the shores of Lake Zurich and framed by the stunning Alps, the city is known for its picturesque landscapes and high quality of life. As a major financial center, Zurich boasts a bustling economy while also offering a thriving cultural scene, with world-class museums, art galleries, and theaters. The charming Old Town (Altstadt) features narrow, winding streets lined with medieval buildings, cafes, and boutique shops, while the trendy neighborhoods showcase a mix of modern architecture and lively nightlife. Additionally, Zurich’s numerous parks and lakeside promenades provide residents and visitors alike with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. With its unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, Zurich is a captivating destination for travelers.
If you're a local seeking a weekend escape, read on. With a wide selection of nearby destinations, both domestic and international, there's something for everyone. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for residents in the Zurich, Switzerland area, all accessible within a direct 4-hour flight. Best of all, these trips can be enjoyed without the need to take annual leave (perfect for those working Monday to Friday, 9 to 5). It all comes down to what you wish to do at your chosen destination.
London, England (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, LCY, SEN) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
London is a bustling metropolis packed with world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and historical landmarks.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in London
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
British Airways from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Paris, France (CDG, ORY, XCR, BVA) - 1 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
Paris entices with its unrivaled art, architecture, cuisine, and a timeless sense of style.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Paris
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
Air France from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €100+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Rome, Italy (FCO, CIA) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Rome presents a spectacular display of ancient history, baroque art, and vibrant street life.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Rome
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
ITA from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €40+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Barcelona, Spain (BCN) - 1 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Explore Barcelona’s unique blend of Catalan culture, innovative architecture, and vibrant street life.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Barcelona
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
Vueling from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Amsterdam combines rich history with a vibrant cultural life and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere (more than just what you read or hear about).
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Amsterdam
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
KLM from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €111+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Berlin, Germany (BER) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Explore Berlin's dramatic history, cutting-edge architecture, and dynamic cultural scene.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Berlin
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
SWISS from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €40+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Lisbon, Portugal (LIS) - 2 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
Discover Lisbon's enchanting blend of traditional heritage and contemporary culture, set against a backdrop of seven sun-drenched hills.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Lisbon
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
SWISS from ZRH - See flight deals
Tap Air Portugal from GVA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Experience Edinburgh's rich history, from its famous castle to its annual international festivals.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Edinburgh
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €70+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Prague, Czech Republic (PRG) - 1 Hour 35 Minute Flight
Why go?
Wander through Prague's fairy-tale streets, historic architecture, and experience its lively beer culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Prague
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
Eurowings from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €80+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Athens, Greece (ATH) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Step back in time in Athens, where ancient history stands side by side with a lively, modern metropolis.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Athens
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
SWISS from ZRH - See flight deals
Aegean from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €40+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Vienna, Austria (VIE) - 1 Hour 35 Minute Flight
Why go?
Indulge in Vienna’s world-renowned music scene, imperial history, and enchanting coffee house culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Vienna
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Austrian from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €240+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Madrid, Spain (MAD) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Dive into Madrid's rich tapestry of art, history, and lively culinary scenes in Spain’s capital.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Madrid
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Iberia from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €90+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Istanbul, Turkey (IST, SAW) - 3 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Istanbul mesmerizes with its historic mosques, bazaars, and the unique blend of Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Istanbul
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Pegasus from ZRH - See flight deals
Turkish Airlines from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €70+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Budapest, Hungary (BUD) - 1 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Budapest is known for its dramatic cityscape, thermal baths, and a nightlife pulsing with energy.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Budapest
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €70+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Dublin, Ireland (DUB) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Enjoy Dublin’s literary pubs, historical treasures, and the warm hospitality of its people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Dublin
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Aer Lingus from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €90+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Copenhagen is a synthesis of picturesque canals, bike-friendly streets, and innovative cuisine.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Copenhagen
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
Scandavian Airlines from ZRH - See flight deals
SWISS from GVA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €80+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Munich, Germany (MUC) - 1 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Munich boasts a mix of traditional Bavarian culture and modernity, famously celebrated in its annual Oktoberfest.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Munich
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Air Dolomiti from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €200+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Stockholm, Sweden (ARN) - 2 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Stockholm spreads across islands connected by bridges with a historic old town and vibrant modern culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Stockholm
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €100+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Porto, Portugal (OPO) - 2 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Porto charms with its stately bridges, historic port wine cellars, and a beautiful riverside area.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Porto
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
SWISS from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €60+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Marrakesh, Morocco (RAK) - 3 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
Marrakesh enthralls with its vibrant souks, stunning palaces, and bustling Djemaa el-Fna square.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Marrakesh
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
SWISS from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €90+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Zurich combines cultural vibrancy and rich history with a backdrop of picturesque lakes and mountains.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Zurich
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
SWISS from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €100+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Hamburg, Germany (HAM) - 1 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Hamburg offers a rich maritime heritage, vast green parks, and a cutting-edge music and art scene.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Hamburg
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
SWISS from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €150+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nice, France (NCE) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Nice boasts a stunning seaside promenade, vibrant markets, and a sunny, temperate climate.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nice
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Oslo, Norway (OSL) - 2 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
Oslo offers a unique mix of cultural attractions and stunning natural scenery, all within the city’s limits.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Oslo
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from ZRH - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €40+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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