If you are relatively new to Zurich, it might be tough at times to recognize which river is which…read more So let's start sorting through the confusion by pointing out which body of water is technically NOT a river, but a canal that was used as the outer moat outside the Zurich city walls starting in 1642: the Schanzengraben.
The easiest place to spot it is just off Bürkliplatz, to the left of the Bar Au Lac, and that's where I'd recommend beginning your walk.
Walking alongside the canal, you will likely be surprised at how quickly the noise starts fading, even though you are in the middle of the city. And don't worry if you cannot recognize your surroundings - you are still in the center of Zurich, I promise!
Walking along the Schanzengraben's zig-zag course you will cross Dreikönigstrasse, Bleicherweg, Gartenstrasse...When you get to the Selnau Bridge, you may choose to take a break to check out the Old Botanic Garden, or keep walking past it. Right past the Old Botanic Garden is where you can see the old Zurich walls that the Schanzengraben was created to protect.
Shortly after you will find an old "Männerbad" (men's bathing house) which is still in operation; by night it turns into the Rimini Bar (and then it's open to everyone!). Right next to it there is a charming old windmill.
Keep walking 10 more minutes, and you will get to a spot you will likely recognize: right behind the Migros City, where you might have even stopped to eat your lunch now and again. Just 100 meters or so beyond that point the Schanzengraben ends, by joining the Sihl river.
The whole walk could be done in 35-40 minutes, but it's much nicer to take your time and enjoy the peace quiet and a few hidden spots you may not have noticed from the main streets :-) It's a charming walk and I would especially recommend it in late spring and early fall, when it's all green and in bloom around the canal.