Botanical Gardens in Zurich with Free Admission in 2025

Judging by the tourist images of Zurich, you’d think it was limited to a beautiful ancient town center and bustling gentrified industrial areas. But look closer, and you’ll find a host of botanical gardens in Zurich. 

Of course, there are the wonderful forested hills that flank the town center and a plethora of city parks. But Zurich also has a series of more curated botanical experiences that would delight anyone with a green thumb. Needless to say, Zurich's botanical gardens and natural hideaways provide residents with plenty of ways to while away the hours.

Listen up, plant lovers! Here are my favorite botanical gardens in Zurich with free admission:

The University of Zurich's Botanical Garden sits majestically atop a hill overlooking the Zürichsee and is home to a beautiful array of botanical collections. Rock gardens, grasses, trees, spring flowers, and water plants are abundant.

There is a wonderful lawn and amphitheater to while away the hours on a summer day. The dome-shaped hothouses are spectacular, too: one is home to a cloud forest and the other features rainforest species. The gardens are part of Zurich University’s biology department.

Opening Hours: check the website before you visit.
Admission: Free.
Insider Tip: The canteen is primarily for students and researchers, but anyone can pop in for an inexpensive weekday lunch.

FAQ about the Zurich Botanical Garden

Nestled in Zurich’s financial district on a little knoll of its own, the Old Botanic Garden is a quiet spot in the city. Dating back to 1837, you will find a small medieval herb garden and a palm house with comfortable 19 degrees Celsius temperatures. 

Locate a bench for a peaceful lunchtime moment, peer down into the Rimini Bar, or admire some temporary sculptures. This place attracts all kinds of people looking to escape the bustle of Zurich's city center.

Opening Hours: Daily from 7 AM - 7 PM (Mar - Sep), 8 AM - 6 PM (Oct - Feb)
Admission: Free.

Open 365 days a year, the Zurich City Gardens are a real place for city dwellers, away from tourist hot spots. The tropical palm house is worth a visit, and there is also a "sand garden" featuring botany from the desert.

Most importantly, this is the city’s official plant nursery. It houses all the seedlings that will eventually be planted in parks around Zurich. The Stadtgärtnerei is also responsible for flower bouquets for the city’s official buildings. The spring tomato seedling market has a cult following, and keep an eye out for other talks, exhibitions, and sales throughout the year.

Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM - 5:30 PM.
Admission: Free.
Insider tip: Subscribe to Zurich's green newsletter for all the inside knowledge on the city’s amazing green spaces.

Consisting of a Japanese bonsai studio, this little gem is tucked away down an atmospheric side street near the Rietberg Museum in Zurich Enge. Enter the Bonsai-Atelier Rieterpark with its gardens, and you will slip into another world of tiny trees and landscaped gardens.

Opening Hours: Wed 2 - 6:30 PM, Fri noon - 6:30 PM, Sat 10 AM - 4 PM.
Admission: Free.
Insider Tip: Contact the studio to arrange a visit anytime, and consider joining a bonsai workshop.

The unassuming Zurich Succulent Plant Collection is a stone’s throw from lakeside attractions like Seebad Enge and Mythenquai Badi (and close to the bonsai studio). Enter these hothouse, and you will be surrounded by one of the world’s best collections of cactuses. Divided into seven greenhouses, some 4400 cacti of all shapes and sizes drape from every surface.

Chat with some staff and find a public tour to get the most out of your visit. Upon availability, you might be able to buy some small samples for your home.

Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM (incl. Sundays and holidays).
Admission: Free.

Getting the Most Out of Your Visit to the Sukkulenten-Sammlung

To fully appreciate the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection, take your time exploring each of the seven greenhouses. Notice the incredible diversity in shapes, sizes, and textures of the cacti and succulents.

Don't hesitate to ask the staff questions - they are very knowledgeable and can offer fascinating insights into the plants. And an insider tip: consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience.

A fascinating mediation of the Chinese proverb "Three Friends in Winter," the China Garden Zurich hosts three trees that withstand the winter: pine, bamboo, and winter plum. This is one of the finest temple gardens outside of China. And it offers an amazing contrast to the lakeside views just outside the walls.

Inside this oasis of peace are water features, pavilions, little bridges, and rock formations. As you would expect, it's a really peaceful spot with nature that changes depending on the time of day.

Opening Hours: Daily from 11 AM - 7 PM.
Admission: Free.

Planning Your Visit to the China Garden Zurich

The China Garden is a serene escape, perfect for a quiet afternoon. To enhance your experience, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds. Take your time to wander through the garden, appreciating the intricate details of the architecture and landscaping.

The garden is especially beautiful during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Migros has created activities for nature lovers in keeping with their altruistic heritage. The site starts with a large, modern Migros (and Denner) store next to the Oranger Garten.

The Migros Oranger Garten is a little pocket of wonder that tells the history of Switzerland's grocer. A carefully landscaped place, the more you investigate, the more you discover. The most intriguing thing about the garden is the digitally connected elements inside the Pavilion; little interactive spaces, and screens that bring the garden into the 21st century. It’s a vision of how gardens can co-exist with technology in the future.

Cross the road from the Oranger Garten and enter the magnificent Park im Grüene. A haven for families, this space offers lake views, playgrounds, a pond, a café, and a little train (on certain days). In the summer, you can relax on the free deck chairs and enjoy a picnic - gathered from the aisles at Migros.

Opening Hours Park im Grüene:

• January and February 2025: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4 PM; closed on weekends
• March and April 2025 (daily): 8 AM - 6 PM
• May to August 2025 (daily): 8 AM - 7 PM
• September and October (daily): 8 AM - 6 PM
• November and December (daily): 8 AM - 4 PM

Admission: Free.
Insider Tip: Pick up a flyer about Oranger Garten inside the pavilion.

Discovering the Migros Gardens in Rüschlikon

The Oranger Garten and Park im Grüene offer a unique blend of nature and recreation. The Oranger Garten is a great place to learn about the history of Migros, while the Park im Grüene provides a fun day out for families. Be sure to check the Park im Grüene website for events and activities, especially during the summer months.

Are there any family-friendly activities at these botanical gardens in Zurich?

Yes, the Botanical Gardens in Zurich offer several family-friendly activities. These gardens provide a mix of learning and fun for families, making them excellent destinations for a day out with kids in Zurich:

1. University of Zurich's Botanical Garden:
   • Adventure Garden: This area is designed for children to explore botanical topics in a playful way. It includes a barefoot trail and stations to learn about plants.
   • Children's Exhibition: Located in the foyer of the tropical houses, it features a different theme each year, making it engaging for kids.
   • Children's Courses: Once a month, the garden offers courses for children aged 6 to 10 years, focusing on various botanical topics.
2. Zurich Succulent Plant Collection:
   • Despite the many cacti spikes, this collection is still suitable for children as long as they are aware of the dangers.
3. Old Botanical Garden:
   • This lovely garden offers a peaceful environment with a palm house and lots of little pathways. It's a great spot for a family picnic or a relaxed stroll in the heart of Zurich. However, the presence of stairs and uneven paths might pose some challenges for strollers...