Bellevueplatz Zurich
Vibrant Zurich hub with stunning lake views, charming cafes, and a magical Christmas market.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene lake views
Bellevueplatz Zurich
Best Time
Serene lake views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant Zurich hub with stunning lake views, charming cafes, and a magical Christmas market.
"Bellevueplatz offers breathtaking lake views and a lively atmosphere, perfect for exploring Zurich."
📸 Capture the Lake Views
Best spots for photos are from the plaza itself, especially during golden hour.
☕️ Coffee & Pastry Break
Enjoy a classic Swiss treat at Café Felix; their pralines are a must-try!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Zurich Panorama
Bellevueplatz
Breathtaking views of Lake Zurich and the Alps, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.

Café Felix Experience
Bellevueplatz 5
Indulge in traditional Swiss pastries, chocolates, and coffee in an elegant, classic setting.

Christmas Market Magic
Bellevueplatz
A festive winter wonderland with twinkling lights, mulled wine, and local crafts during the holiday season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views at Bellevueplatz
Seasonal Charm and Festive Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Lake Views
Best spots for photos are from the plaza itself, especially during golden hour.
☕️ Coffee & Pastry Break
Enjoy a classic Swiss treat at Café Felix; their pralines are a must-try!
🛍️ Festive Shopping
During winter, the Christmas market offers unique gifts and local delicacies.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Stroll
Walk along the lake from Bellevueplatz for beautiful city and water vistas.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Lake Views
Best spots for photos are from the plaza itself, especially during golden hour.
☕️ Coffee & Pastry Break
Enjoy a classic Swiss treat at Café Felix; their pralines are a must-try!
🛍️ Festive Shopping
During winter, the Christmas market offers unique gifts and local delicacies.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Stroll
Walk along the lake from Bellevueplatz for beautiful city and water vistas.
🍕 Quick Bite
Belcafé offers tasty pizzas and a convenient stop while exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bellevueplatz is a highly regarded central square in Zurich, praised for its stunning lake and city views, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent cafes. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially during the festive Christmas market season. Some visitors find it can get crowded, and like much of Zurich, it can be on the pricier side.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bellevueplatz is easily accessible by public transport. Take tram lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11, or 15, all of which stop directly at the Bellevue stop. It's also a pleasant walk from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station) along the Limmat river, taking about 15-20 minutes.
Yes, Bellevueplatz is conveniently located near Zurich Airport. You can take a direct train from Zurich Airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 10-15 minutes, and then it's a short tram ride or walk to Bellevueplatz.
Absolutely! Bellevueplatz is situated at the edge of the Old Town. A scenic walk along the Limmat river will lead you there in about 15-20 minutes, offering lovely views along the way.
Bellevueplatz is a major transport hub. From here, you can easily catch trams and buses to explore various parts of Zurich, including the Old Town, museums, and Uetliberg mountain. Consider a Zurich Card for unlimited travel.
Yes, Bellevueplatz is a prominent landmark and a central meeting point in Zurich. It's well-signposted and easily recognizable due to its location by the lake and the Opera House.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bellevueplatz itself is a public square and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely walk around and enjoy the views. However, specific attractions like museums or boat tours departing from nearby Bürkliplatz may have admission fees.
Bellevueplatz is an open public space and is accessible 24/7. However, individual cafes, shops, and seasonal markets operating in the area will have their own specific opening hours. Café Felix, for example, is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Yes, Bellevueplatz hosts various events throughout the year. Most notably, it features a popular Christmas market in winter
and often has seasonal decorations and activities. Check local listings for current events.The Christmas market at Bellevueplatz is generally free to enter. You can wander through the stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere without a ticket. Costs will apply if you choose to purchase food, drinks, or gifts.
While Bellevueplatz is a central point, specific tours might not always start or end directly there. However, many Zurich city tours, walking tours, and boat tours depart from nearby Bürkliplatz or the main train station, both easily reachable from Bellevueplatz.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are the panoramic views of Lake Zurich and the Alps, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Opera House nearby also makes for a picturesque backdrop. Capturing the lively atmosphere of the cafes and the Christmas market (in season) is also recommended.
Yes, Bellevueplatz offers excellent vantage points for photographing Lake Zurich. The wide-open space allows for unobstructed views, and you can often capture reflections on the water or distant mountain ranges.
For stunning light, aim for early morning for sunrise or late afternoon for sunset. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds, making it easier to compose your shots. The Christmas market is particularly photogenic at dusk when the lights are twinkling.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography at Bellevueplatz. However, always be mindful of private property and avoid intrusive photography of individuals without their consent.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most visitors, especially for capturing the ambiance. For more professional shots, a camera with a wide-angle lens would be ideal for the panoramic views.
🍽️ ☕️ Food & Dining
Bellevueplatz itself has dining options like Café Felix, known for its pastries and coffee,
and Belcafé, offering pizzas. Nearby, you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes catering to different tastes and budgets. The area around the lake and Old Town is rich with culinary choices.Near Bellevueplatz, you can try Swiss specialties like fondue (though 'Le Dézaley' is recommended for this
), Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce), and delicious Swiss chocolate. Café Felix offers excellent pastries and hot chocolate.While Zurich is generally expensive, you can find more affordable options. Belcafé offers reasonably priced pizzas.
For budget travel, consider grabbing a takeaway sandwich or pastry from a local bakery or supermarket.Café Felix at Bellevueplatz is famous for its elegant ambiance and a wide selection of sweet treats, including pralines, cakes, pastries, and ice cream. They also serve coffee and hot chocolate.
While not directly at Bellevueplatz, 'Le Dézaley' is a highly recommended restaurant for authentic Swiss fondue, located a short distance away. It's a popular choice for experiencing this classic dish.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a quick and easy meal, Belcafé offers pizzas that are usually a hit with younger palates. While Zurich can be expensive, packing snacks or looking for bakeries can help manage costs. The general accessibility of the area makes it easy to navigate with strollers.
💰 Budget Travelers
If visiting during winter, the Christmas market is free to enter, allowing you to soak in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the sights and sounds. Consider utilizing public transport passes if you plan on extensive travel within the city, as single tickets can add up. The Polybahn funicular to Polyterrasse offers great city views and is often included in city passes.
couples
During winter, the Christmas market offers a charming and festive setting for couples to explore hand-in-hand, perhaps sharing a warm Glühwein. For a more intimate experience, consider a sunset boat tour on Lake Zurich departing from nearby Bürkliplatz.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Zurich's Lakeside Charm
Many visitors enjoy simply relaxing by the lake, watching the swans, or taking a leisurely walk. In warmer months, the lakeside is dotted with cafes and ice cream parlors, making it a perfect spot to unwind. The proximity to the lake also means you can easily combine a visit to Bellevueplatz with a refreshing dip in the lake during summer or a scenic boat trip.
Seasonal Delights: Christmas Market at Bellevueplatz
Visitors can warm up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) or enjoy traditional Swiss delicacies like raclette and fondue. The market often features live music and entertainment, adding to the festive ambiance. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, so expect it to be busy, especially on weekends. The market typically runs from late November until just before Christmas.
Café Culture and Sweet Indulgences
While Café Felix offers a more traditional experience, other cafes around Bellevueplatz provide a range of atmospheres, from modern and chic to cozy and traditional. It's a great place to people-watch, relax after sightseeing, or meet up with friends. Many cafes offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant street life and lake views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit