SWISS BUDGET TRAVEL: 11 Tips to Travel to Zurich, Switzerland on a Budget (Free & Cheap!)

Hey guys! In this video we’re giving you tips to travel to Zurich, Switzerland on a budget. Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but with these money-saving tips, we’ll give you all the recommendations on what to do for FREE or CHEAP in Zurich! Everything from hotels, to the Zurich Card, + how to save on transportation and more!
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Bienvenue & Willkommen! We are Lex & Louis - and together we are The Traveling Swiss. We're an international couple (USA + Switzerland) who have recently moved from NYC to Switzerland. Come travel with us - we'll give you tips and guides, and hopefully have a few laughs along the way. Our goal is to show you that borders are meant to be crossed!
Keep up with us!
→ Instagram: / thetravelingswiss
→ Email: [e-mail]
This channel is a labor of love, if you enjoyed the video please make sure to subscribe!
xx Lex & Louis

[@vicahmed221]

Exploring new countries is such a rewarding experience! For first-time travelers, I'd recommend considering destinations that offer a mix of cultural richness and natural beauty. Personally, I've been fortunate to travel to over 10 countries thanks to careful budgeting and smart investments.I wasnt financial free until my 40’s and I’m still in my 40’s, bought my second house already, earn on a monthly through passive income and got 2 out of 5 goals, just hope it encourages someone that it doesn’t matter if you don’t have any of them right now, you can start TODAY regardless your age INVEST and change your future.

[@vicahmed221]

Alright, speaking in general terms, investing requires a good amount of knowledge. That's why it's essential to have a solid support system like a financial counselor, especially when picking out assets. I've been working with Regina Louise Collaro, who is an investment advisor at a registered wealth management company. I can't recommend her enough; my financial journey has been fantastic thanks to her. She's quite well-known for her services, and she helped me achieve financial stability through investments. Now, I benefit from her passive income strategies every month. So, I'd strongly suggest finding a reliable investment advisor for yourself..

[@vicahmed221]

Regina Louise Collaro is based in the United States and can work with anybody wherever they stay. If you would like more information on reaching her, you can conduct a search online.

[@ugojazzy7812]

personally, I'm blessed and realizing I'm not the only one working with Regina Louise Collaro. I will consider myself lucky. I've been able to feed and make a living through her advice and great work. For such a person as Regina, I owe her gratitude, support and endless prayers as it is not easy to gain access to such a competent and reliable adviser. Who isn't just wise but has all it takes to handle an investment and is good at what she does..

[@Alexedmartin.]

Thanks vicahmed.I have had the intentions of starting investing. But I always thought it was late and I think I need to stop procrastinating. I will definitely 🔍 Regina Louise Collaro and see what she can advise .Thanks a lot ,this was of so much help to me. Please do you mind sharing me your iG or something

[@muditchitransh1934]

Thanks for the detailed info. This will be really helpful 🙂

[@marygreene4027]

Congrats you two.. busy times ahead with great joy

[@TripsCultureTC]

Welcome back, lot of valuable tips and infos about your country, thanks for sharing 👍

[@nancytiller4107]

You two do a wonderful job. Your tips are terrific. I’m taking notes! I hope to do and see everything you mentioned. Thank you so very much.

[@mansonc5235]

Thank you for the video! Arriving in Zurich next month and looking for things to explore, 🥰🥰🥰

[@nopiqueviajante]

The best video ever! You both are saving my money ❤ thanks for the tips

[@garygalucc6298]

Im goin for a business trip in Zurich for a week, this gave me lot of useful information ! Thank you Alexis and Louis

[@MyJourneySolo]

Always helpful information

[@quinnkneller7630]

Thank you!!! I hadn't realised that there was a day pass for Zürich transport untill I saw this video, so this was super helpful. I had about 5 hours between connecting flights, and this pass enabled me to escape the airport, have lunch on the Polyterrasse, and see the lake and part of the old-town without having to worry about buying separate tickets for each train or tram I used.

[@martarolbiecka5512]

Amazing tips! thank you for this video

[@susanshoury7115]

This is a great video!! It would be nice to know the cheap shopping spots in Switzerland especially the Saturday Market.

[@myrtlebeachsocialscene]

Wow these area some really great tip! Hope you guys have a wonderful weekend!

[@MathewLauren]

This is super helpful! We are heading there next month

[@Marc-td7nn]

Awesome tips!! Keep up the great work :)

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

What an excellent tip video! Love the bikes & the key experience!!! Thank you! ~Cara

[@arunram5628]

Thank you soo much for sharing such very useful and handy tips. I would love to try out that secret underground museum you mentioned. Thanks for sharing the information again. :)

[@destinationdero]

Some great tips guys. Have a great day

[@philipohmes9395]

Vielen Dank für diese hilfsbereiche Empfehlungen !

[@Giahomemadeproductions]

Awesome tips, guys! I will be in Zurich and Basel in the beginning of October for a full week. Keep it up!

[@vidiot57]

Great stuff here .. Thank You !!!

[@jermainerobinson236]

Excellent video. Thanks a lot!

[@zain22022]

Awesome tips.Thanks.

[@zehrasozer156]

That was very helpful, thank you so much.

[@va323]

Nice tips! Thank you

[@bootscanlas9995]

Great points thanks

[@kjvasquez]

I am traveling for Eras Tour 2024, I got an apartment in Zurich near Stadium. Planning to shop grocery since apartment is fully equipped. Also getting Swiss Travel Pass thanks to your recommendation, visit towns and cities but always get back to the apartment for sleep, dinner and breakfast

[@RoadTripVacation]

Amazing video Thanks you for sharing I hope someday I can vacation there 🙂

[@dorcashenderson6630]

Thanks for the tips100% amazing

[@WellerNFriends]

A lot of great and small tips🌞 Thanks for sharing this and here is a flower for both of you 🌹🌹

[@matkoch4028]

Some great practical tips here to save while visiting here. I am a Zürcher and can attest we do not often go out to eating in restaurants ;-)

[@nopriyanvloginjapan]

Great tips thanks for sharing vidio

[@H2B]

Really love it. Love your Work. Just massive and AMaizng From you

[@handmade_with_legend6359]

Thank you, guys

[@Nora_meow99]

Nice sharing 👍

[@travelsoftk]

Super helpful video! Is there a budget friendly/free of cost place to park your car for a full day in Zurich if one is coming by car?

[@MrAlvinSinfulSong]

This will be helpful, heading to Switzerland for Christmas 😁 excited

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching :)

[@googlyeyes7.033]

Christmas? You choose the most expensive time of the year! You can buy Moroni for dinner a real budget!!!! ☺☺☺

[@MrAlvinSinfulSong]

@@googlyeyes7.033 December is low to mid high season, July to August is then the mid high season. Technically I'm going December period and leaving just shy away from Christmas.

[@user-po1wi5mg8u]

A 24 hour ticket is 9.20 CHF, June 2024. And be sure to have change at hand if you want to buy it at an overground tram station. You can find automates at the SBB train station service center that will take bills. Took me long to figure that out and find them 😅

[@ervinslens]

This is super helpful! A lot of helpful tips 👌and beautifully explained.

[@EmilyScharf-wh1ns]

I have watched this video at least 4 times preparring for our trip. I am so excited to do the Archaelogical Windows. I would have never found taht on my own!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Oh good! I'm so glad to hear it!!

[@youngjiwon]

Thanks for the detailed explanation of 11 tips for traveling in Zurich, Switzerland on a budget. I will bookmark this video and use it for the next time I go to Switzerland. I also enjoyed the video of Zurich. May you two always be happy.

[@Verss98]

Glad i checked this clip out. Now i know there is free bicycle rental in Zurich. Planning to visit Swiss this year end. This infor does comes in handy. Thanks for sharing. Much appreciated. Keep up the good work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kdboyle7673]

Love your videos! Bit off topic, but is it acceptable to wear more casual clothing when dining in places on par with Harder Klum? You were both dressed nicely for the dinner. My daughter and plan to travel light and for more time spent outdoors. I understand fine dining in the evening is a different standard. But in the Alps region is acceptable to show up in hiking attire? I don't want us to look out of place. We could plan an outfit specifically for these occasions. Keep up the good work. Thank you!

[@scarymovieloops]

You mention a lot of things in your videos during summer months but what about the fall months, in particular Switzerland in October? Thanks.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Cool channel! I would love to travel to Switzerland. Nice tips. Great channel! New follower here. Crow✌️

[@jimcwik7529]

Question on Christmas markets, I’ve been to the ones in Germany. Are they reasonably priced for food, like how much is a bratwurst? I like your suggestion of getting meals from a grocery store! Thanks so much!

[@ashlyrae7240]

Since I live here, I would say 5-7 CHF or more.It gets pretty expensive with Christmas markets especially if you go to the one in the trainstation every year in ZH.

[@yazreenazaimey8808]

This was a very informational video! I'd like to know if the transportation (buses, trains, trams, etc.) in Zurich is included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Yes local transit is included

[@MarcelAellig]

Hey Guys! There is a totally phenomenal Guesthouse in Zurich. Its called Guesthouse fürDich! Super price/performance ratio. Basic but perfect for budget travelling.

[@frankcohen3069]

I found asking people if they were Migros or Coop got similar answers to me asking "Boxers or Briefs" here in the US! -Frank

[@priafajardo6283]

too good to go app also nice

[@traveladvisorak6065]

Great tips. This is really helpful. We in India consider Switzerland as an expensive country but these are some practical tips to save.

[@katmolesworth]

It would really help to have each spot written on screen or in the description as the names are not always clear. Thanks!

[@MrAnindyabanerjee]

Hi. Thanks for your video. I want to explore Zurich and Rhine falls for the same day. Is 24h ticket covers both? Or which ticket should I purchase in order to travel both for a single day?

[@inesucrvenom]

If you want to do train and lake trips all over the lake, best way is go a bit later and use 9uhr card, since it is for whole canton and cheaper than 24h ticket for whole canton :) However that one expires during night/early morning (2-3 am) if I'm not mistaken. But still, can be a good deal :)

[@2fat2furious1]

A 24 hour ticket that worked on all our public transport would be so nice. Especially in Dublin

[@carolramos4212]

Awesome tips, Im travelling with my husband on May 5th until the 16th Ill be in zurich on the last part of my tour which include Zurich, Genève, Zermatt, St Moritz, Lucerne, and back to Zurich which we will explore for 2 days on our own and these tips are perfect. I have a question do you recommend a trip from Zurich to Lake Como how far is it and any hotel on a budget to stay the night also train transportation what do you recommend, thanks for your advise. Also what would you recommend as a souvenir to bring from the US to a friend that lives in Zurich. I just saw your castle Neuschwanstein video, do you recommend this trip or Lake Como? We would leave from Zurich and stay until next day to go back please advise on train transportation and budget friendly hotel. Thanks

[@andiep1527]

Your channel is amazing and a Godsend! I have a specific question about Zurich. We are visitng SWZ for first time in June. Traveling from USA. Concentratin on Jungfrau region. Our Zurich experience (this time) will be simply the night before our flight back to USA. As USA travelers we will need a rapid antigen test the day before our flight home. Are you aware of hotels close to airport that offer these tests in-house?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

You can actually grab a rapid test at the airport! There are multiple location set up - it’s quite quick and efficient

[@baharehizadi6691]

Wanted to say thank you for your channel, I just got back from my travel to Switzerland. I found out all the useful information and places to visit from your channel. I went to Lucern, interlaken and lautaburnen They were soooo beautiful. Thank you guys 🌺🙏

[@iamrips2132]

At what time the sun sets in September ( 20th to 26th ) ? Can you pls advice ?

[@babytech4158]

Tips /lists for cheaper Airbnb/hotel/capsule to stay from Zurich /Swiss apps/valleys ...thank you

[@wendywangofficial]

can you do christmas tips on christmas day??

[@TheAverageTourist]

Great tip on the timed tickets - wouldn't have even known that! I love free activities and exploring a city by walking, the picnic idea sounds great too. The secret underground museums sound very interesting too! Love the Zuri Rollt idea - a great way to attract tourists and give them a way to see more of the city.

[@rahultaneja8847]

Hi Guys, traveling to Switzerland soon, Any tips to visit other towns and cities in Switzerland without buying the very expensive swiss travel pass ?

[@RodrigoSilva-pr2dk]

Do you know how can i book online with zurich card? When I buy it does it have some kind of voucher for me to put?

[@gipu9208]

Hello, Do you know if there are free bikes during October in Zurich? Thank you in advance.

[@phillipharriott8632]

I'm from poor old Australia, so I will definitely be eating out of Migros or Coop this summer for my first Switzerland adventure.🤣🤣

[@markusf58]

Good plan 🙂 ... my tip as a Swiss: in some of the bigger Migros and Coop stores you'll find self-service restaurants which are usually clean, offer a wide variety of food and drinks and are cheaper than regular restaurants. Just watch for the "Restaurant" sign at the store entrance. In cities they usually are o the top floor of the store.

[@phillipharriott8632]

@@markusf58 thanks 🙏🏼 heaps for the tip👍🏼. Looking to experiencing it all.

[@markusf58]

@@phillipharriott8632 Hope you‘ll like it! 😀

[@frankcohen3069]

I was in Zürich last week, back in California today. I miss the people, the food, my friends sooo much! Hey, have you found videos showing how to make your own Brötli, those little crusty breads? If I only had a Migros close by! -Frank

[@sharaswitala6296]

Where do your friends live?

[@sharaswitala6296]

Thinking of going back to see my friends but the ticket is 1600..$

[@frankcohen3069]

@@sharaswitala6296 They grew up in Kilchberg. One lives in central part of Zurich, the other in Frankfurt. -Frank

[@mountainlover830]

Great tip about the archeological museums! I've been to Switzerland many times and never knew about this. Worth another trip to Zurich!

[@gerrygibeault]

Great video! I stayed at the Green Marmot a few weeks ago and was very satisfied. An excellent choice for anyone who's not claustrophobic. In terms of restaurants, it's worth noting that menu prices include the 7.7% VAT, unlike in North America, where tax is an extra add-on. Also, tipping is not customary, saving you another 15-20%.

[@christinenebril9951]

We are in Zurich for 2 full days only. 1st day we plan to go around zurich and 2nd day Plan to do a day trip to top of Europe trip jungfraujoch. Should we get a swiss pass or just buy a normal ticket?

[@sercansavci7739]

hey guys...may I ask a question? ı speak Turkish, French, English and would like to move to Geneva, but in case i couldn't settle down geneva, Zurich is an option as well... I was wondering which language would provide me with advantages; Spanish or german? As everybody in zurich already speaks german, perhaps, it would be better to speak spanish to differ from the common, or is it more important to speak german to communicate with locals? is it enough speaking English, in Zurich, to live and work as an engineer or should I learn german too?

[@swatisom1774]

If I have Swiss pass, do I need the 24 hrs transport pass?

[@RelaxingMusic-qz7gt]

Hi alexis, what is the price for fast food mc donald’s? Any chinese restaurant?

[@abhiseknandan]

Does Swiss pass make sense? It is costing around 25 euro per day per person for a 15 day pass.

[@perolito83]

Hey guys, love your videos! they have been very useful to plan my upcoming trip next week. One thing I'm still not sure about is if it's better to get a 24h ticket or the Zurich Card, which seems to have some additional perks. Have you used it? I'd be staying in Zurich for 5 days but will onl;y spend one day actually touring Zurich (I might do things in the evening when I come back from my day trips). I'm also planing to get a half fare card, I'm only there for 5 days but I have a few day trips planned and it seems like I would still save some money with it.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Hi there! We usually rely on the ZVV 24h card. The Zurich card does have some additional perks, like museums etc. but I find you really need to add on quite a few things to make it make sense financially vs just buying the 24h train pass and paying for anything else a la carte.

[@perolito83]

@@TheTravelingSwiss awesome, thanks!

[@meghasingh5042]

@@perolito83can you tell me where you stayed in Zurich for 5 days? And was it feasible to take days trips keeping Zurich as base ?

[@kabutovakushi1164]

Excellent information 👌.. can you please suggest genuine and decent price shopping places

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

HI Kabuto! What type of shopping are you looking for? Groceries? clothes? souvenirs, etc?

[@kabutovakushi1164]

@@TheTravelingSwiss souvenirs, handbags, cheese

[@kabutovakushi1164]

And watches

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

@@kabutovakushi1164 For watches I would check out Bucherer - they sell almost every brand of Swiss watch from Swatch all the way up to Rolex, etc. Cheese/Chocolate I would go into supermarkets - so Migros/Coop - Denner is a good discount supermarket. Handbags will entirely depend on what brand you're buying from. Manor and Globus are the two department stores I would point you too, but both are quite expensive. Coop City is a cheaper department store

[@peggypeyhuahoo3394]

What is the spelling for the large supermarket you mentioned on food section? Thanks

[@markusf58]

Switzerland's preferred food chains are MIGROS and COOP

[@carlosmoncada2683]

Thanks for the tips... the discount for Green Marmot Capsule Hotel is no longer valid 😔

[@AkshayDoshi-hv5lm]

Do we need international Driving license to drive in Switzerland?

[@k.rogers9852]

I will be visiting from Canada these tips are amazing!

[@chrisreader]

Great video. Definitely will be trying some of these free activities. We're getting really excited as we are 14 days away from our trip to Zurich and other parts of Switzerland.

[@sevilush]

Do you have any recommendations for traveling in December?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

I recommend checking out our winter in Switzerland playlist!

[@elisabethbennet2095]

The letzingrund stadium is included in the zone of the city center or is it outside and need a different zone ticket? Have you got some suggestions for those going there for a concert and then visiting the city?

[@kjvasquez]

Going to Eras Tour? 😅

[@elisabethbennet2095]

@@kjvasquez yes! 😅 please give me some suggestions

[@kjvasquez]

@@elisabethbennet2095 also, if you plan to visit places look for Interlaken and Grindelwald.

[@shihabkutty]

what is the current covid restriction? specially if we are travelling from Milan-Italy

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Starting on may 2 all Covid restrictions for Switzerland will be lifted

[@harisanthos1708]

❤❤👌

[@ivohahn]

Excellent, very valuable tips, greatly appreciated. I am a Swiss who lives since 40 years in Asia.

[@thepredsfan-ru7hf]

I’m sure you all have covered this before, but how uncommon is it to tip in Switzerland? And when is it common or at least encouraged to? Obviously here in North America it’s not just common it’s expected (wait staff do make a living wage, they rely on tips here).

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

People tend to round up as a tip, I.e. if your meal was 22 people may often leave 25, etc. Wait staff will make 20+ CHF an hour so tips are generally small / not expected

[@inesucrvenom]

It isn't uncommon at all, but it's more like rounding up and not percentage. However, even though waiters get 20+ per hour, be aware that's a pretty low income here. 40-50k a year, before any insurances and taxes and pension stuff. Net on your bank account comes around 3200 monthly if you earn 50k. If you’re single and young and live in shared flat, rooms are often 600-800 per month easily, health insurance is around 250-350, and all prices are equal to everyone, so clothes, groceries, furniture and such. Small flats are 1500+. Assuming city. In villages is somewhat cheaper. But salary is also probably lower. I can't imagine how hard it could be for a small family if only one person is working, which is common since nursery until age 3 or 4 are around 180 per day (ok, people with such low income will get a subsidies if they ask for them). A lot of moms aren't working because if they're doing low income job, they can't afford nursery. And schools are about lunch at home so someone has to be there and make it, or pay non trivial amounts for school lunch. People with low income have it hard. And 50k here for single person is not high, for family is probably poverty line... So, any tip is appreciated. And tips bigger than 5 chf very much. But it's perfectly fine to tip by how you feel and want to give, and not tip if it was just average.

[@aamanajindal]

Hi guys, I came across your videos just today, while looking for different public transit options in Zurich. I never comment on videos, this would be my first. You guys were good, usually I find most of these videos annoying and sometimes overacted; yours looks very natural and on point. So, good job. I do have a question though that I think you could answer before I got to Zurich this coming Sunday. I am only in transit for a layover, but it's a good 13 hour day layover, so I do plan to make the most of it. My plan is to get from the Airport to the city centre, I have a list of places/areas I want to cover (walk/bike)... just to name a few... Augustinergasse, St Peter church, Munsterhof, Paradeplatz, Schanzengraben promenadecanal, Bahnof Strasse, Polybahn to university and ofcourse the Lindt Chocolate experience, and a boat of some sorts, and back to the airport. Am I okay with a 24 hr ticket (and how do the zones work? Does one zone cover all my listed places?) or do I need a day pass? My layover is from 8:30am - 9:30pm, getting there Sunday, Aril 16th. I would really appreciate any insight or tips you could provide. Thanks :)

[@thestressfreechannel]

hello! hotel recommendations for family?

[@kjvasquez]

Look for Apartments, way cheaper and you can cook your own meals

[@minzyminz9987]

is zurich card valid on all zones in zurich?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Not all zones but a good amount. Validity map is here: www.zvv.ch/zvv-assets/abos-und-tickets/zonen/geltungsbereich_zuerichcard_2014.pdf

[@frankcohen3069]

I found the Airbnb apartments in Zürich to be inexpensive ($150 USD/night). The food is what broke my budget... 6 CHF for a Coke, and that was at a Coop. -Frank

[@syllevineo]

6 CHF for a coke? Oh jesus 😭

[@frankcohen8662]

@@syllevineo What would Jesus drink? LOL Perhaps Rivella instead

[@syllevineo]

@@frankcohen8662 lmfaooooo😭 anyway Frank you got any tips for affordable foods at Zurich?

[@heythave]

Time to let go what is not good for you…

[@ryelchnghahnxingmoe7937]

Why do you always look to the left ?

[@53farooqify]

How to travel for 2 days in swiss

[@TheCountryCollectors]

Great tips! I will definitely be revisiting this when we travel to Switzerland! Free activities are our jam. It’s so nice to know that even in such an expensive place that they are still available. I love funiculars too! Picnics are fun and do save so much. Great advice!

[@ttokatly]

What is the easier way to learn Swiss German ?

[@markusf58]

As a Swiss I‘d absolutely recommend learning German first! After that you can still think about learning Swiss German…. 😊

[@christophercortes1524]

Can you give me that Free bike rental again? Thank you

[@manjubharat-ch3wp]

Help help I am a all raundar person driving and cooking expert I came Zurich ...

[@BullsAllDay]

Switzerland is the most expensive place I’ve ever visited.

[@bekind3050]

I was in Zurich yesterday. Zurich has a great transportation, architectures, and clean water. However, I was surprised that people can smoke everywhere.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

It's travel planning season! We’ve started offering custom 1:1 consultations due to popular demand. If you need some extra guidance for your trip to Switzerland check out our website: www.thetravelingswiss.com/consultation

[@mateoanthony9973]

Can I travel there from USA with no vaccine?

[@ilovesuisse1]

In Zurich people earn more than most other places in Switzerland.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Yep - and thus the high prices here! But this video is to help travelers who may not have the same purchasing power when visiting this very expensive city!

[@romainsavioz5466]

@@TheTravelingSwiss yeah and thrre afs even people who live in Zurich but don't have that much of a salary