Things To Do
in Wallisellen

Wallisellen is a well-connected Swiss town just northeast of Zurich, blending residential neighborhoods with modern business parks and a flagship shopping scene. It serves as a convenient gateway to the Glattal region and Lake Zurich, with fast rail connections and easy airport access. The town centers around the Glattzentrum mall and a compact, pedestrian-friendly core with cafes, shops, and family-friendly amenities.

With clean streets, green spaces, and easy access to Zurich’s cultural offerings, Wallisellen makes a practical base for both daily life and exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Wallisellen
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Swiss pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets of Wallisellen, admiring the well-preserved architecture and vibrant flower boxes. Don’t forget to visit the enchanting Wallisellen Park for a refreshing morning walk among the trees.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, indulge in some shopping at the local boutiques, where you can find unique Swiss souvenirs and handicrafts. Treat yourself to lunch at a cozy restaurant, enjoying regional specialties while soaking up the beautiful ambiance. As you finish, head to the nearby Zürich city center for some sightseeing, including the impressive Lake Zürich.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Wallisellen for dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants that offer exquisite Swiss cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you savor fondue or rösti, paired with a fine Swiss wine. After dinner, take a tranquil walk along the local pathways or enjoy a drink at a nearby bar to unwind.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Start the day with a visit to the local museum, learning about Wallisellen's rich history and culture through interactive exhibits. Following the museum, take a guided walking tour to see historic sites and hear fascinating stories from knowledgeable locals. Enjoy a morning coffee at a nearby café surrounded by the picturesque scenery.

afternoon
:

Head to a local art gallery after lunch, where you can appreciate both contemporary and classic Swiss artworks. Engage with local artists if possible, participating in workshops that provide deeper insight into the creative process. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, enjoying the serene landscapes.

evening
:

Spend the evening at a traditional Swiss theater or concert, where local performances often showcase rich storytelling and cultural heritage. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring live music to round off your cultural experience. Spend the rest of the night exploring quaint street corners, discovering hidden gems of the town.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee$3-5
🏠1-bedroom apartment (city center, monthly)$1,900-2,600
🚕Taxi 1 km$2-3
🛒Milk (1 liter)$1-1.5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Excellent public transport links to Zurich and the Alps
  • Shopping and services around Glattzentrum
  • Clean, safe environment with family-friendly amenities
  • Proximity to lakes and nature for outdoor activities
  • Limited nightlife within Wallisellen itself
  • Higher costs typical of the Zurich region
  • Traffic can be heavy during peak commuting hours
  • Residential areas can be quiet at night for visitors seeking big-city buzz
  • "Grüezi" - Hello
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Wallisellen

Visit one of these nice places.

Wallisellen Bahnhof (Train Station)

Modern transport hub with architectural lines, platforms, and motion for dynamic city photography.

Glattzentrum Atrium

A bright glass-roofed interior perfect for fashion shots and architectural photography.

Glatt River and parks

Scenic river valley with green spaces ideal for landscape and nature photography.

Irchel Park (Zurich area)

Expansive lawns, mature trees, and city views; great for wide-angle landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Wallisellen

Wallisellen draws on Swiss-German culinary traditions with a modern Swiss-dining scene; expect fresh dairy products, breads, cheeses, and hearty hot dishes, plus a range of international options at the Glattzentrum and in Zurich nearby.

Wallisellen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Rösti

Crispy fried grated potatoes, a Swiss staple often served as a side or with toppings.

Must-Try!

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, typically served with Rösti.

Fondue Moitié-Moitié

Cheese fondue shared at the table, great during colder months.

Raclette

Melted cheese served with potatoes, pickles, and onions.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Glattzentrum Food Court

A large mall with a wide variety of Swiss and international foods in an airy, modern setting.

Zurich area markets

Weekly markets and market halls in central Zurich offer fresh produce and regional specialties; convenient for day trips.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is temperate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but moderated by the lake breeze; winters are cold with occasional snowfall; spring and autumn are mild with pleasant, changing colors.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is valued in professional and social settings.

Grüezi greeting

A polite hello; in German-speaking Switzerland, greet with 'Grüezi' or 'Guten Tag'.

Recycling and Ordnung

Separate waste properly and keep public spaces tidy.

Respect personal space

Quiet conversations in public, especially on public transport.

Safety Guide

Safety

Switzerland generally has a high safety level. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas and on public transport; be mindful of weather and seasonal conditions when hiking.

Tipping in Wallisellen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are often included; rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for good service is common but optional.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours, pleasant temperatures, and outdoor dining; occasional showers; ideal for lakeside activities near Zurich.

Autumn

Clear days with crisp air; fall colors along riverbanks and parks; perfect for short hikes.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; cozy cafés and Christmas markets; fondue and raclette dining are popular.

Spring

Blooming trees and gardens; mild weather and plenty of outdoor events and walks.

Nightlife Guide

Wallisellen at Night

Wallisellen has limited nightlife; the area features several bars and cafés, with most vibrant options a short train ride away in Zurich’s city center for clubs, live music, and nightlife events.

Hiking in Wallisellen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pfäffikersee perimeter trail

Scenic lake loop with birdwatching and easy paths; close to Wallisellen.

Uetliberg Summit Trail

Panoramic views of Zurich; accessible by train to the hilltop station and then a hike.

Rigi or Pilatus day hikes from Zurich

Easy access to high alpine viewpoints via train and cable cars.

Airports

How to reach Wallisellen by plane.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

About 20-30 minutes by train from Wallisellen; international hub with extensive connections and efficient transfers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Wallisellen is reasonably walkable in the town center, with good pedestrian access to shops, parks and the rail station. For longer trips, it is well-integrated with Zurich’s transit network, making it easy to walk, bike, or ride to nearby destinations.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A mix of Swiss nationals and a sizable expatriate community; many commuters travel to Zurich for work.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular amateur leagues and local clubs; many residents participate in local football.

Ice hockey

Fans support Swiss teams and practice in nearby rinks around Zurich.

Transportation

Traffic

Zurich’s transit network is extensive; Wallisellen is served by S-Bahn and tram connections; traffic can be heavy during peak commuting hours, but the public transport system is efficient and reliable.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Wallisellen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants provide vegetarian options; look for salads, cheese dishes, mushroom plates, and vegetable sides.

Vegan

Vegan options are available at larger venues; ask for plant-based dishes and dairy-free preparations.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Wallisellen relies on Switzerland’s high-quality system. Residents typically have mandatory health insurance; major local facilities are accessible in nearby Zurich, including hospitals and clinics reached by quick rail connections.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide