Bus to and from Zurich

If the thought of traveling to Switzerland makes you cringe at how expensive the country is, don't be discouraged! Yes, the country is expensive, but with a little searching and planning, you can have a great trip to Zurich on a budget. 

If you are the museum going type, then it may be worth to purchase a Zurich Card which gives you free or reduced admission to many different museums around the city as well as access to public transportation during card’s validation. For a card valid for 24 hours, it will only cost about $27. Probably one the most well-known museums on the list of museums that offer free admission is the National Museum. Here you will be able to mosey around cultural and historical artifacts of Switzerland's past which in effect has shaped its present and future. Housed in a gorgeous building that looks similar to something out of a storybook, the museum also hosts concerts in its courtyard from time to time so be sure to check their website for a schedule of events. Without the Zurich card, admission is CHF 10.

If you are more interested in science than culture, Kulturama – the Museum of Mankind, may be just up your alley. The museum has an expansive collection of fossils and artifacts all designed in an interactive way. Entrance is free with the Zurich Card, however without the card students only pay CHF 10. 

Zurich does have many things available to its visitors that are free or next to nothing. There are so many nooks along the lake that make a perfect picnic or snack break spot. You can also take the funicular up to the University of Zurich where you can get the best view of the city while also providing you with a great place to rest and numerous buildings you can wander about. Make sure to take your time walking around the Old Town (Altstadt). You never know what kind of gems you’ll come across. During your stroll, you will most likely come across one of the 1,200 water fountains. These water fountains are completely safe to drink from. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and fill up your water bottle! If you are an active traveler, you can rent a bike for very cheap and zoom around the city from a different perspective. A wonderful free thing to do while in Zurich is to visit their Botanical Gardens operated by the University of Zurich. There is a wide array of different biospheres to travel between each one different from the next.  If the weather is nice and sunny during your visit to Zurich, you will also see locals enjoying the weather and tanning. If you are on board with the succulent house plant trend, then you may be delighted to know that Zurich has a collection of about 4,000 different species of succulents at The Zurich Succulent Plant Collection all for free to its visitors. The staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about the collection as well taking fun pictures for your Instagram. If you love hunting for good deals, then Flohmarkt Kanzlei may be just what you need. This year-round flea market is open every Saturday offering everything one may ever desire, so go ahead and bargain hunt your heart out. 

Even if you are traveling on a budget, you still need to eat. Groceries stores like Coop offer a great variety of sandwiches as well as hot ready to eat dishes. While in Zurich, it is fun to pop into one of the many different bars in the city to get a good local beer and pretzel as a side. Ask the bartender to recommend a solid Swiss-made beer depending on your taste. Yes, it’s very touristy and stereotypical but it is a ton of fun and a good excuse to talk to locals. Plus if you fill up on pretzels and beer you may not need to buy a full meal later on. If you are a vegetarian, then you may encounter some difficulties in finding fun and interesting food during your travels. Don’t fear while traveling in Zurich since Zurich is home to the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, Hitl (Sihlstrasse 28 8001 Zurich). At Hitl you will be able to choose from a large, varying buffet where your food will be weighed at the cashier to determine how much you owe. Everyone in your travel group will be able to find something they like and have the possibility to pay as little or as much as they want. Another fun and hip foodie spot in Zurich you shouldn’t miss is Frau Gerolds Garten. This community created out of old cargo boxes has become a local hotspot for shopping and restaurants. Stop by for a great way to end an awesome day in Zurich. If you are a chocolate lover, then Switzerland is your country. There are many different chocolate makers located in Switzerland with stores in Zurich. There will be a wide array of flavors and prices. As you walk around the city, you are bound to see at least five different chocolate stores in one afternoon. These chocolates make great souvenirs for family and treats for yourself. However, many grocery stores offer a huge selection of Swiss-made chocolate at a lower price.