Things to do in Winterthur: a travel itinerary through the largest pedestrian area in Switzerland with information on where to stay.
Winterthur has been a very convenient location for our journeys in Switzerland and a perfect starting point for trips into the nearby city of Zurich.
But we felt bad for using it only for its location! So my parents and I took the opportunity to have a walk around Winterthur to find out what this nice city has to offer. We owe it that after all!
You need an hour, or maybe two if you want to walk around Winterthur at a slow pace.
And even if Winterthur is a small town, its city center is the largest pedestrian area in Switzerland! So it’s very nice to walk around the car-free streets of the old town.
Let’s find out then about the things to do in the city center of Winterthur!
THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY CENTER OF WINTERTHUR.
WINTERTHUR STATION.
Winterthur station is the gate to the pedestrian area of Winterthur.
The main streets that go through the city center are Stadthausstrasse and Marktgasse.
STADTHAUSSTRASSE.
Let’s start our walk with Stadthausstrasse where you can see the Museum Oskar Reinhart am Stadtgarten, a museum that hosts the greatest private art collection of the 20th century put together and given to the city by the collector Oskar Reinhart.
However, most of Oskar Reinhart’s collection is located in Römerholz, his villa, a 30-minute walk from the station.
Other points of interest that you can see in Stadthausstrasse are the Stadthaus, a concert hall, and the Rathaus, the town hall.
Although the main entrance to the Rathaus is in Marktgasse, the best side of the building is for sure the one that you can see in Stadthausstrasse, where the town hall shows off its beautiful back full of decorations.
MARKTGASSE.
We cross the porch of the Rathaus and get to Marktgasse.
Marktgasse is a cute street with many historical buildings, including the Rathaus.
We enjoy the walk around the shops of Marktgasse and then we take Obere Kirchgasse to get to Stadtkirche.
STADTKIRCHE, THE CITY CHURCH.
The Stadtkirche, built in 1180, was dedicated to Saint Laurenz before it became a reformed church.
The distinctive elements of Stadtkirche are the twin red towers.
Inside the church you can see a beautiful organ, modern frescoes and the windows painted by Giacometti.
STEINBERGGASSE.
We continue walking on Obere Kirchgasse to get to Steinberggasse.
Here you can enjoy walking through the colorful houses and feel the nice vibe of this cute street without worrying about the traffic of cars.
THINGS TO DO IN WINTERTHUR OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTER.
ROSENGARTEN.
If you still have some time for Winterthur you can take a little detour to Rosengarten.
I suggest you get there by car or by taxi because it’s on top of a small hill.
Rosengarten is a little rose garden that offers a nice view of Winterthur and the red towers of Stadtkirche.
WHERE TO STAY IN WINTERTHUR.
Hotels are quite expensive in Winterthur too but you can have a look at the accommodation deals.
Booking.comMy parents stayed at Moebilierte 1,5 Zimmerwohnung, a small apartment, yet equipped with all the comforts, where they had a great stay. In particular they appreciated the kindness and helpfulness of the owner and the parking right in front of the entrance, which is quite uncommon in Switzerland.
And I stayed in a single room of the nearby Work Life Residence by Primestay, a great hotel with simple, yet clean rooms. And since I am a good eater, I enjoyed in particular the generous breakfast served in a white and quiet room, much appreciated in the morning.
Well I must say we really liked our stay in this little town! So I want to thank Winterthur not only for being a great location but also for giving us a small taste of an unusual side of Switzerland off the beaten path!
See also:
ZURICH: ITINERARY AND TRAVEL TIPS
