What to eat in Zurich in February: Seasonal delicacies
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Swiss market eating at Helvetiaplatz
Helvetiaplatz market offers seasonal produce, cheeses and ready to eat snacks on Tuesdays and Fridays. It suits travellers who prefer casual, low commitment eating. Use it to assemble simple picnics or try small portions before deciding on a full restaurant meal.
Where to get: Helvetiaplatz marknad
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is a classic Zurich style dish of sliced veal in a creamy sauce, often paired with Rösti. It reflects local restaurant cooking more than market stalls. Look for it on menus in traditional eateries around the Altstadt and central districts.
Where to get: Restauranger i Gamla stan i Zürich
Rösti
Rösti is a pan fried grated potato cake associated with Swiss German regions. In Zurich it often appears as a side to meat dishes or eggs. It is naturally gluten free and widely available in city centre restaurants and simple diners.
Where to get: Matställen i centrala Zürich
February’s winter grip lingers in Zurich, with average highs of 6°C (43°F) and lows near -1°C (30°F). The city pulses with the color and sound of ZüriCarneval, while Art on Ice brings crowds to indoor arenas. Days are still short, but the promise of spring is felt in the energy of street parades and lively markets. Locals embrace the cold with skating at Dolder Kunsteisbahn and cozy evenings in museums. Expect higher prices and busier weekends around major events, but quieter weekdays for those seeking a more relaxed pace.
Pro tips for visiting Zurich in February
Reserve accommodation near event venues early, especially for Art on Ice weekends.
Use ZVV single tickets for occasional rides; switch to a 24h-ticket for multi-stop days.
Check for tram route changes during Carnival parades and allow extra travel time.
Arrive early at Dolder Kunsteisbahn for less crowded skating sessions.
Bundle flea market visits with lakeside walks to maximize indoor-outdoor time.
Layer up for cold, damp conditions and pack waterproof footwear for cobbled streets.
Large scale photography fair that fills exhibition halls with Swiss and international work. It is entirely indoors, which makes it useful in mid winter. Weekends draw larger crowds, so consider weekday visits for more space.
Carnival parades and costumes take over central streets in February. Expect music, confetti and temporary tram diversions. It suits visitors who like lively crowds rather than quiet sightseeing during those days.
Helvetiaplatz market February
Dates:February 1, 2026 to February 28, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Helvetiaplatz marknad
Weekly Tuesday and Friday market offering produce and ready to eat food in early year. Mornings are busiest with locals shopping. Dress for cold, damp conditions and bring cash or cards for small purchases.
Dolder Kunsteisbahn ice rink season
Dates:January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Dolder Kunsteisbahn
Open air ice rink season at Dolder runs through winter into March. It offers classic cold weather activity above the city. Evenings and weekends are busiest, so off peak daytime sessions are calmer. Check operating hours before heading up by tram and funicular.
Art on Ice
Dates:February 26, 2026 to March 7, 2026
Event type:Performing arts
Location:Hallenstadion Zürich
Art on Ice combines figure skating with live music in Hallenstadion. Shows run across late February and early March. Popular evenings and better seat categories sell out quickly, so buy tickets well ahead and plan rail or tram connections to Oerlikon carefully.
February at Zurich Opera House continues the main season with varied repertoire. Some works offer German surtitles, so check details when booking. Weeknight performances can feel slightly less crowded than weekend ones, useful if you prefer quieter foyers.
February exhibitions at the Swiss National Museum provide a weather proof option near Zürich Hauptbahnhof. Allow several hours if you like to read displays closely. Confirm last entry times, which can be earlier than closing.
Zurich in February at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 6°C
Minimum temperature: -1°C
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Daylight
Around 10 hours 23 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 7:30am
Sunset: 5:53pm
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Key events
photoSCHWEIZ, ZüriCarneval, Dolder Kunsteisbahn ice rink season, Art on Ice
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Crowds
Fewer tourists, shorter queues at attractions, and a quieter overall vibe, as locals may be on holiday.
