Old Botanical Garden Zurich
A charming, free 19th-century botanical garden in Zurich with a historic palm house and medicinal plant collection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Everything in bloom, fewer crowds
Old Botanical Garden Zurich
Best Time
Everything in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, free 19th-century botanical garden in Zurich with a historic palm house and medicinal plant collection.
"Lovely oasis on a hill with good views. Plenty of nesting birds in and viewed from the Old Botanical Garden and thoughtful planting within."
🎯 Pack a Picnic 🍕
Bring your own snacks and drinks for a delightful picnic amidst the greenery.
🗺️ Translation App Handy
Some informational signs are in German; a translation app helps understand medicinal plant details.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palm House
Octagonal structure
A charming octagonal palm house, offering a glimpse into tropical flora, even when the pavilion is closed in winter.
Gessner Garden
Medicinal plant section
Explore the historical Gessner Garden, showcasing medicinal plants and their historical significance in medicine.
Scenic Views
Hilltop areas
Enjoy lovely city views from the garden's elevated spots, offering a peaceful panorama of Zurich.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Charm
Best for Picnics & Strolls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic 🍕
Bring your own snacks and drinks for a delightful picnic amidst the greenery.
🗺️ Translation App Handy
Some informational signs are in German; a translation app helps understand medicinal plant details.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🚻 Clean Public Restrooms
Conveniently located, clean, and spacious public restrooms are available nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic 🍕
Bring your own snacks and drinks for a delightful picnic amidst the greenery.
🗺️ Translation App Handy
Some informational signs are in German; a translation app helps understand medicinal plant details.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🚻 Clean Public Restrooms
Conveniently located, clean, and spacious public restrooms are available nearby.
🚗 No On-site Parking
Parking is limited to paid zones nearby; public transport is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Botanical Garden Zurich as a beautiful, free oasis perfect for peaceful walks and picnics. While some note that information is primarily in German, the garden's charm, historical Gessner Garden, and scenic views are consistently highlighted as positives. It's considered a lovely, calm spot, though some find it less visually stunning than the newer university botanical garden.
"It is such a beautiful place, and the Gessner garden is such a great idea on how to present the history of medicine. The navigation through the garden is very simple, so even I didn't get lost and found what I was looking for. Some of the information about the garden is both in English and in German, which is nice to see, but than comes the Gessner garden, the reason why I visited. And there the visitor doesnt get anything else than German. There is a little spot for leaflets in French, Italian and English, but the leaflets aren't there anymore, and it seems like they haven't been there for quite some time now. Which is very unfortunate. I would have loved to know what plants am I looking at and why Gessner and his contemporaries considered them important."
Emi
"Lovely oasis on a hill with good views. Plenty of nesting birds in and viewed from
the Old Botanical Garden and thoughtful planting within. Free to enter and good opening hours."
Ian Bee
"Nice place for walking and calm, but not so beautiful as the university botanical garden. Free entrance"
katerina gkoyma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Botanical Garden is easily accessible by a 10-minute walk from the train station. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available directly at the garden.
Yes, it's conveniently located and a short walk from the train station, making it easy to reach via public transport.
Given the limited parking, taking public transport is the most convenient option to reach the Old Botanical Garden Zurich.
Driving is not recommended as there is no parking available at the garden itself, and nearby zones are paid and time-limited.
Parking is very limited to paid zones (1-2 hour max) nearby. It's best to rely on public transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Old Botanical Garden Zurich offers free entry, making it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction.
The garden generally has good opening hours, though the pavilion may be closed during winter. It's advisable to check for specific seasonal hours.
Since entry is free, no advance booking is required for the Old Botanical Garden Zurich.
The garden is open year-round for walks, though some structures like the pavilion might be closed during winter months.
Yes, the garden sometimes hosts events like the Design Biennale Zurich, transforming the space for visitors.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can explore diverse plant species, the historic Gessner Garden with medicinal plants, and enjoy scenic views of the city.
It's a pleasant place for families to stroll and enjoy nature. The free entry and clean restrooms add to its family-friendliness.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for picnics, offering a lovely setting to enjoy your food.
The garden is generally easy to navigate with simple pathways, making it accessible for most visitors.
Some information is available in both English and German, but the Gessner Garden section might be primarily in German.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, with its lush greenery, diverse plants, and charming structures like the palm house, it offers many beautiful photo opportunities.
The palm house, the Gessner Garden, and any of the scenic viewpoints offer great backdrops for your photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted in botanical gardens and public parks; it's best to check local regulations.
Morning light often provides softer, more flattering light for photography, especially during spring and summer.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but commercial photography might require special permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to make the visit even more enjoyable and budget-friendly.
While the garden is beautiful year-round, visiting in spring or summer will offer the most vibrant colors and a fuller bloom of plants, making it even more captivating for children. 🚶 Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
You can find a quiet bench to read, sketch, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere. The garden's simple navigation ensures you can explore without feeling overwhelmed.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best natural light.
The Gessner Garden, with its historical context, also presents unique photographic possibilities. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the garden's flora while capturing your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historical Oasis in the City
The garden spans over 53,000 square meters and features a variety of plant species, thoughtfully arranged to showcase different botanical aspects. While it's smaller than the newer university botanical garden, its charm lies in its intimate scale and historical significance. It's a place where you can wander through themed sections, discover unique plants, and appreciate the legacy of botanical study in Zurich.
One of the most distinctive features is the octagonal Palm House, a charming structure that houses a collection of tropical plants. Although it might be closed during winter, it remains an iconic part of the garden's landscape. The Gessner Garden, dedicated to medicinal plants, offers a fascinating insight into historical medical practices and the use of plants in healing.
Picnic Perfect & Relaxing Retreat
The garden's layout is simple and easy to navigate, making it a stress-free environment for a leisurely afternoon. It's a place where you can simply unwind, read a book, or enjoy a quiet conversation. The garden offers lovely views of Zurich from its elevated sections, providing a peaceful panorama without having to venture far.
While the garden is free to enter, it's worth noting that some informational signage, particularly in the Gessner Garden, might be primarily in German. Having a translation app handy can enhance the experience for those wanting to delve deeper into the history and uses of the medicinal plants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit