Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise worth booking?
Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise is a 1.2-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $27 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (3)
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- From
- $27 per person
Discover Zurich from a unique perspective aboard the red open-top bus and explore the highlights of Switzerland’s largest city. Admire historic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and stunning views of Lake Zurich while learning more through the audio guide. From the historic old town to the modern financial district, discover the different faces of Zurich. Enhance your experience with an optional boat cruise and enjoy a memorable way to discover one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Zurich from a unique perspective aboard the red open-top bus and explore the highlights of Switzerland’s largest city. Admire historic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and stunning views of Lake Zurich while learning more through the audio guide. From the historic old town to the modern financial district, discover the different faces of Zurich. Enhance your experience with an optional boat cruise and enjoy a memorable way to discover one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities.
What's included
Included
- Boat cruise on Lake Zurich (if option selected)
- Audio guide with headphones
- 1-hour open-top bus sightseeing tour
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Attraction entrance
What you'll see and do
Zurich
Your experience begins at Zurich Bus Station, where you will meet your driver before boarding our red open-top bus. Enjoy a 1-hour audio-guided sightseeing tour through Zurich and discover the city’s main highlights from a unique panoramic perspective. Sit back, relax, and admire the views as you explore Zurich’s historic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and vibrant city atmosphere.
60 minutes here
Zurich station is the largest railway station in Switzerland. It is an important railway junction for Switzerland, but also for Italy, France, Austria and Germany. It is located in the heart of the city. It is one of the oldest stations in Switzerland. In the station is its ShopVille shopping center with its 190 shops and restaurants open 365 days a year, from early morning to late evening. Even on Sundays when the shops in town are closed. The Zürich Tourist Office is also located in the station.
Pass by without stopping
Urania Observatory
The Urania Observatory, named after the Greek goddess of astronomy, was opened in 1907. It was the first concrete construction in the city of Zürich. In 1989 it was classified as a historical monument.
Pass by without stopping
Lake Zurich
Continue along the shores of Lake Zurich and admire the stunning lakeside views, with the water and surrounding landscapes creating a beautiful backdrop.
5 minutes here
Credit Suisse Global Headquarters
Founded in 1856 by Alfred Escher, the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt was Switzerland’s first major bank. Created to provide credit and support economic development, it played a crucial role in financing the expansion of the Swiss railway network. The bank later became Credit Suisse, which grew into one of the world’s most recognized financial institutions.
Pass by without stopping
Museum Rietberg
The estate once belonged to Otto Wesendonck, a wealthy German silk merchant and art patron. The Rietberg Museum, with its three historic villas and beautiful park, has a fascinating history. In the 19th century, the composer Richard Wagner lived here for several months. During his stay, he completed the original version of Tristan und Isolde, inspired by his love for Mathilde Wesendonck. The museum officially opened in 1952 and was later expanded with the addition of the modern “Emerald” building, which brings a contemporary touch to the historic site. The Wesendonck and Rieter villas house the impressive collections of Baron Eduard von der Heydt, featuring artworks from China, Japan, Africa, Oceania, the Near East, and Tibet.
Pass by without stopping
FIFA Museum
Located opposite the Headquarters of Fifa, it opened its doors on February 28, 2016. With its 3000 m2 of exhibition space, it offers all facets of football. The first stone of the building was laid by Sepp Blatter in 2013 and its construction was estimated at 130 million euros.
Pass by without stopping
Belvoirpark
Built in 1819 by Heinrich Escher, a Zurich politician and railway pioneer, this neoclassical mansion is surrounded by one of the city’s oldest and largest landscaped parks. The estate reflects the elegance of 19th-century Zurich and today welcomes visitors as a restaurant in a unique historic setting.
Pass by without stopping
Fraumunster Church
The Fraumünster is a Protestant church in the old town of Zurich, where the rich Christian tradition is meant to foster. The theological diligence and artistic excellency radiate far beyond the city limits. Music and the spoken and written word shape the spiritual life of the community.
Pass by without stopping
Landesmuseum
Admire the impressive architecture of the Swiss National Museum, one of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks. Its unique design combines historic and modern influences, reflecting Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage. You can come later and explore its exhibitions to discover the history, culture, and traditions that shaped Switzerland.
Pass by without stopping
Zurich
The sightseeing tour concludes at Zurich Bus Station.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zurich
We do not have an office at the meeting point, but you can simply show your reservation directly to the driver when boarding. The open top bus is operated by a Swiss Sightseeing red bus.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We do not have an office at the meeting point, but you can simply show your reservation directly to the driver when boarding. The open top bus is operated by a Swiss Sightseeing red bus.
Options you can book
Zurich Sightseeing Tour
(KTZ202): Boat cruise not included, only Zurich City Tour
Zurich Sightseeing Tour & Boat
(KTZ207): Zurich City Tour with Boat cruise on Lake Zurich
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ja, en, zh-CN, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Keytours (Switzerland)
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you have selected the boat cruise option, please inform the bus driver when boarding the open-top bus. The driver will provide you with your boat cruise ticket and all the necessary information
- The Lake Zurich cruise option is available from May to September
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We booked this and showed...
We booked this and showed up at the location and called the company to verify it was still happening and they expressed that it no longer was happening. We asked if it was going to be refunded and they said it would be. Submitted the refund information and was denied a refund.
Response from the operator: Hello Nancy, We’re sorry to hear about the confusion regarding your booking. This tour operates every day of the year and, to our knowledge, there was no scheduled disruption. We would be happy to look into what happened and clarify the refund situation. Could you please contact us directly with your booking reference and any additional information about the date and communication you received? This will allow us to investigate the situation properly. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
via Viator
Open bus view of Zurich city highlights
One hour open top bus (single level) trip with windows around Zurich highlight spots only one spot to get off at harbour for 10 mins for pics. Enjoyable way to see sights and restaurants while resting those legs. Good driver commentary is in English other languages are available on. Headset.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Tracy, for taking the time to share your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Keytours sightseeing tour of Zurich and found it to be a relaxing and enjoyable way to discover the city’s highlights without having to walk everywhere. We’re also glad you appreciated the driver’s commentary and the multilingual headset options. We hope to welcome you again on another Keytours experience in the future! Warm regards, The Keytours Team
via Viator
Great quick overview of...
Great quick overview of the city to start our visit. Driver was very nice and helpful. Love the open air bus. We added in the boat cruise and really enjoyed as it was early evening and sun was setting.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Kim, for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the city tour and found it a great way to start your visit. It’s wonderful to know that our driver was helpful and friendly, and that you enjoyed the open-air bus. We’re especially glad you added the boat cruise and got to experience Geneva in the beautiful early-evening light. A sunset on the lake is certainly a memorable way to see the city! We hope to welcome you again on another Keytours experience. 😊
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $27 to $32
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Keytours (Switzerland), who run 70 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.1.
See everything Keytours (Switzerland) runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.
How much does Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $27 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zurich usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise take?
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Plan for about 1.2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zurich is not rushed.
Is Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zurich, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zurich can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zurich and add a light layer if any part of the 1.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zurich within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zurich?
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On Outty we rank every Zurich experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates, Private, excellent guided tour of Zurich (from CHF 21/pers.), Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zurich?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise?
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Included: Boat cruise on Lake Zurich (if option selected); Audio guide with headphones; and 1-hour open-top bus sightseeing tour. Not included: Food and drinks; and Attraction entrance. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise?
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We do not have an office at the meeting point, but you can simply show your reservation directly to the driver when boarding. The open top bus is operated by a Swiss Sightseeing red bus. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise offered in?
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It is offered in German, Japanese, English, Chinese, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Zurich Sightseeing Tour, Zurich Sightseeing Tour & Boat. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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