Zurich Museum Guide: Lindt Home of Chocolate vs. the FIFA Museum
Zurich is best known for its picturesque lake, charming Old Town streets, and punctual trams, but it is also home to two of Switzerland's most popular attractions. One is dedicated to the country's world-famous chocolate heritage, while the other celebrates the global game of football. Both are easy to reach by public transport, suitable for visitors of all ages, and make excellent options for a rainy day or a break from sightseeing.
During my visit to Zurich, I decided to experience both the Lindt Home of Chocolate and the FIFA Museum to see which offered the better day out. While they are very different attractions, each provides a unique insight into something Switzerland and the wider world are passionate about.
I visited with my wife early on a weekday morning to Lindt Home of Chocolate. It turned out to be the perfect time to visit. The attractions were much quieter, allowing us to explore at a relaxed pace without having to deal with large crowds. Since I had purchased our tickets in advance, there was no queue. Both venues offer a completely different experience. The Lindt Home of Chocolate is ideal for chocolate lovers, with interactive exhibits and plenty of opportunities to sample Swiss chocolate. Meanwhile, the FIFA Museum is a great choice for football fans and visitors who enjoy hands-on activities, featuring interactive displays, football challenges, and memorabilia from around the world.
Planning a longer trip? See my Zurich in two days post
Lindt Home of Chocolate
What is it?
Lindt, one of Switzerland's most iconic chocolate brands, has created an impressive attraction in Kilchberg, just a short journey from central Zurich. The modern and interactive Lindt Home of Chocolate, designed by renowned architects Christ & Gantenbein, features a spectacular nine-metre-high chocolate fountain, engaging exhibits, chocolate-making demonstrations, a café, and the world's largest Lindt chocolate shop.
Visitors can explore the history of chocolate, learn about the journey from cocoa bean to finished chocolate bar, and enjoy interactive displays throughout the museum. For chocolate lovers, the highlight is undoubtedly the unlimited chocolate tasting, where you can sample a variety of Lindt products. Whether you're interested in Swiss chocolate heritage or simply have a sweet tooth, the Lindt Home of Chocolate offers an enjoyable experience for all ages.
One thing to keep in mind before visiting is that backpacks and larger bags are not permitted inside the museum. Before entering, you'll need to store them in one of the complimentary lockers provided on-site.
Lindt Home of Chocolate Experience
As you enter the building, you're immediately greeted by the museum's most famous attraction: the spectacular nine-metre-high chocolate fountain. Towering over the entrance hall, it creates an impressive first impression and is one of the most photographed spots in the Lindt Home of Chocolate. It's the perfect place to stop for a few pictures. If you're hoping for a clear shot or a photo without crowds in the background, a little patience goes a long way.
Lindt Museum Highlights
Inside the museum, you can choose to use the audio guide or explore at your own pace. As you follow the fascinating journey of chocolate from cocoa bean to finished bar. The exhibits take visitors through the history of chocolate. Explaining how cocoa travelled from Central and South America to Europe and how Swiss chocolatiers helped transform it into one of the world's most beloved treats.
The combination of interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and historical artefacts makes the experience both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights of the experience is undoubtedly the chocolate tasting. You can sample a variety of Lindt chocolates, including white, milk, and dark chocolate. With multiple tasting stations located throughout the attraction, there are plenty of opportunities to try different flavours, and every piece I sampled was delicious.
Top Tip: Visit with an empty stomach, so you can make the most of it!
Opening hours
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Ticket prices
I booked my tickets directly through Lindt's official website. If you're planning to visit during a busy period, it's worth booking several weeks in advance, as tickets can sell out quickly and availability may be limited.
Fortunately, I managed to secure a ticket a few weeks before my trip for 17 CHF (around £15 per person). However, many booking sites were either sold out or charging much higher prices. The only availability I could find was through cancellations on the Lindt official website. If you're planning to visit on specific dates, I'd recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Adults: CHF 17
Students and elders: CHF 15
Children aged 8 to 15: CHF 10
Under 8s: free
Getting there
Kilchberg is located just south of Zurich, on the western shore of Lake Zurich, and is easily accessible by train, bus, or even boat. Getting there is straightforward from the city centre, making the Lindt Home of Chocolate a convenient day trip for visitors staying in Zurich. As our hotel in Greencity was located close to the museum, we decided to take the bus. The journey was simple and hassle-free, taking around 20 to 25 minutes from door to door. With frequent public transport connections and clear signage along the way, reaching the museum was easy and stress-free.
Tips for visiting
- Go on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Don't skip the shop. It's huge and good for souvenirs.
- Leave your bags in the lockers, which are included.
- Come hungry. You'll want room for the tasting.
FIFA Museum
The FIFA Museum in Zurich, located beside FIFA's global headquarters, opened in 2016 and offers an immersive journey through the history of football. Spread across three floors and covering more than 3,000 square metres, the museum features interactive exhibits, iconic memorabilia, and engaging multimedia displays that highlight the sport's global influence and cultural significance. While dedicated football fans will appreciate the wealth of history and artefacts on display, the museum is designed to captivate visitors of all ages, making it an enjoyable experience even for those with only a casual interest in the game.
What to expect
The museum showcases over 1,000 pieces of football memorabilia, including national team shirts from every FIFA member association. Visitors can explore World Cup history, legendary players, interactive exhibits, and temporary exhibitions. One of the first things you'll see is the impressive LEGO World Cup display, which makes for a great photo opportunity.
Before beginning your visit, you'll need to head downstairs, where complimentary lockers are available for storing bags and backpacks. Adding a nice touch to the experience, each locker is labelled with the name of a famous footballer, helping to build excitement before you even step into the main exhibition areas.
Inside FIFA Museum
As you step inside, you're greeted by a colourful display of national team shirts from around the world. Also, the museum features major trophies and past World Cup winners. A theatre showing iconic football moments and interactive activities such as live commentary and celebration challenges. During my visit, the original World Cup trophy was away due to the ongoing tournament, with a notice explaining its return after the competition.
One of the rooms is dedicated to football's greatest icons. Featuring legends such as Pelé, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Lionel Messi. Through posters, videos, and memorable highlights. Visitors can relive some of the most iconic moments from their careers.
My favourite part of the museum was the interactive zone. Visitors can play FIFA against others and take part in a range of football challenges. From testing your skills to competing for high scores. It's a fun and competitive area that adds an extra level of enjoyment to the visit.
Opening hours
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00, with the last admission at 17:30. It is closed on Mondays.
Ticket prices
- Adults: CHF 26
- Children aged 7 to 15: CHF 15
- Under 7s: free
- Swiss Travel Pass holders: free entry
Tips for visiting
- Book online to skip the queue. It usually works out cheaper.
- Allow an hour, or more if you love the interactive games.
- Use the audio guide. The museum offers a free one in several languages.
- Check for special exhibitions before you go, as they change.
Head-to-head: which is better?
If I had to choose between the two, my pick would be Lindt Home of Chocolate. The chocolate tasting experience alone makes it feel like excellent value for money. Unlimited samples and a wide variety of chocolates to try throughout the visit. The interactive exhibits and tasting stations keep visitors engaged, making it an enjoyable experience for both adults and children.
The FIFA Museum is still a fun attraction, but it will appeal most to football and sports fans. The interactive activities and memorabilia are impressive. Those with little interest in football may not get as much out of the experience. For a wider audience and better overall value, I'd recommend Lindt Home of Chocolate.
FAQ
*Which museum is better, Lindt or FIFA?*
It depends on your interests. Lindt is better for families and chocolate lovers, while FIFA suits football fans.
*Is the Lindt Home of Chocolate worth the money?*
For most visitors, yes. The ticket includes unlimited tasting, and the building and exhibition are well designed. They have chocolate shops and a cafe next door, so you can spoil yourself with more treats.
*Is the FIFA Museum worth visiting if I don't like football?*
Casual visitors can still enjoy the interactive exhibits and the World Cup stories.
*Can I visit both on the same day?*
Yes. Start with Lindt at Kilchberg, then head to FIFA as it's near the centre. I visited Lindt during the morning at 11 am. As that was the slot I managed to book. We then spent just over an hour before taking a bus towards Zurich Central for the FIFA Museum in the afternoon. Before deciding to visit Rhine Falls in the afternoon/evening.
*Which days are the museums closed?*
The FIFA Museum is closed on Mondays. Lindt is open every day, apart from some holiday closures.
*Do I need to book in advance?*
For Lindt, yes, you need to book well in advance. Otherwise, you won't be able to visit the Lindt Museum. However, FIFA Museum tickets can be purchased on-site or the day before, as it doesn't get as busy.
*How long should I allow for each?*
Roughly one or two hours for Lindt and around an hour and a half for FIFA.
Conclusion
If you're a chocolate lover or travelling with children, the Lindt Home of Chocolate is the obvious choice. If football is your passion, the FIFA Museum is an easy winner. Neither attraction requires a full day, but if you prefer to take your time and explore everything on offer. You could easily spend most of the day between them.
My personal choice would be to visit Lindt Home of Chocolate in the morning. On an empty stomach to make the most of the unlimited chocolate tasting. Afterwards, head to the FIFA Museum, where the interactive exhibits help burn off some of that sugar. You'll still have plenty of time left to explore Zurich in the evening.
Have you visited either museum? Let me know in the comments, and don't forget to check my Zurich blog for more ideas. This is the last post from Switzerland as I head to Marrakech next!
