Lucerne is a very easy day trip from ZRH. If I remember, it was only a 1 hr train ride--from there I took the trip up Mt Pilatus (sp?)--although at this time of the year that may be a bit chilly. I also took the train north to Stein en Rhein which is a quaint town on the border of Germany. There are lots of day trips (1-2 hr train rides) from Zurich, but the city itself is a great place to explore. Aside from the main Bahnhofstrasse and its shoppes, be sure to go over to the Right Bank and its small restaurants, stores etc.