The Complete Guide to a Kosher Trip to Zurich
Zurich is home to one of Switzerland's largest and most organized Jewish communities, with four active synagogues and a range of kosher restaurants disproportionate to the city's size. The community centers around the Enge and Wiedikon neighborhoods, a short ride from the historic city center. Here's a short guide to planning your visit.
Synagogues and Chabad houses
Synagoge Zürich Löwenstrasse (ICZ) is the city's largest and central synagogue. IRG (Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft) and Agudas Achim serve the Orthodox community, and Or Chadasch offers a Reform option. Two Chabad houses — Beth Chabad and Chabad ESRA — are active in the city.
See all optionsWhere to eat — an unusual range
Restaurant Florentin, Babi's Bagel Shop, Tinyfish Sushi for kosher-Japanese, Kol-Tuv and Oakberry — Zurich offers a range disproportionate to its size. Two grocery stores, LeShuk and Koscher City, round out the shopping.
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Bahnhofstrasse — the shopping and banking boulevard
Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most expensive stretches of retail real estate, links the central train station to Lake Zurich — lined with major Swiss banks alongside luxury shops. Practical tip: combine a walk down the boulevard with a short continuation to the lakeshore, from where you can also take a short cruise on Lake Zurich to enjoy the view of the Alps in the background.
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The Rhine Falls — a day trip
The Rhine Falls, about an hour's drive from Zurich, are the most powerful waterfall in Europe — about 150 meters wide and 23 meters high. Practical tip: small boat tours can get you right up close to the surging water, but a free viewpoint from the shore is also enough to appreciate its power.
See all optionsBetween the four synagogues and the unusually wide kosher range, and Bahnhofstrasse and the Rhine Falls, Zurich offers a rare combination of well-established Jewish infrastructure alongside classic Swiss efficiency and scenery.
Stay in the kosher area of Zurich
Zurich does not have one obvious Jewish quarter. Chabad Lubavitch Switzerland (Chabad house listed on the site) is the anchor - book a hotel within walking distance of it rather than picking a random part of Zurich.
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Guided Tours & Experiences
Guided tours, entry tickets and experiences in every destination - most with free cancellation, so you can plan ahead and still stay flexible around Shabbat and the chagim.
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Rent a car in Zurich
Compare prices across local and international car rental companies at every destination - often significantly cheaper than booking direct, with free cancellation.
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Airport Transfer to Your Hotel
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel and back - a fixed price agreed in advance (no meter surprises), a driver waiting for you with a sign bearing your name, and no need to haggle or speak the local language.
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