Zurich

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Zurich

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, this picturesque city offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication. In this guide, we will take you through the top places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat and stay, and provide valuable tips and information to make your trip unforgettable.

Places to Visit

1. Old Town (Altstadt)

  • Must-see: Bahnhofstrasse, the famous shopping street lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants.

  • Other attractions:

    • Fraumunster Church
    • Grossmunster Church
    • Wasserkirche (Water Church)
    • The oldest part of the city, with cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings

2. Lake Zurich (Limmat)

  • Must-do: Take a scenic boat tour to explore the lake and surrounding mountains.

  • Other attractions:

    • Lake promenade for walking and cycling
    • Boating and water sports rentals
    • Restaurants and cafes with stunning views

3. Kunsthaus Art Museum

  • Must-see: The impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world.

  • Other attractions:

    • Rotunda Hall ( temporary exhibitions)
    • Sculpture Garden
    • Guided tours available

4. Swiss National Museum

  • Must-know: The museum showcases Switzerland’s history, culture, and traditions.

  • Other attractions:

    • Exhibitions on art, history, and science
    • Collections from the Middle Ages to modern times
    • Educational programs for children

5. Zurich Zoological Garden (Tierpark)

  • Must-do: Visit the unique aquarium with a variety of marine life.

  • Other attractions:

    • Over 2,000 animals from around the world
    • Tropical rainforest and petting zoo areas
    • Animal shows and educational programs

Activities

1. Shopping

  • Must-see: Bahnhofstrasse for luxury shopping and flagship stores.

  • Other shopping areas:

    • Niederdorf (alternative shopping street)
    • Paradeplatz (upscale department store)
    • Local markets and flea markets

2. Dining

  • Must-try: Traditional Swiss cuisine at a cozy restaurant in the Old Town.

  • Other dining options:

    • Street food and food trucks
    • Fine dining restaurants with international cuisine
    • Cafes and bakeries for coffee and pastries

3. Sports

  • Must-do: Rent a bike or take a guided tour to explore the surrounding countryside.

  • Other sports activities:

    • Hiking and trekking in the nearby mountains
    • Water sports on Lake Zurich (kayaking, sailing, etc.)
    • Tennis, bowling, and other indoor sports

4. Entertainment

  • Must-see: Live music performances at a local bar or club.

  • Other entertainment options:

    • Theaters and concert halls for classical music and theater
    • Museums with interactive exhibitions (e.g., the Museum of Transport)
    • Outdoor festivals and events during summer and winter

Where to Stay

1. Luxury Hotels

  • Must-book: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz or the Baur au Lac Hotel.

  • Other upscale hotels:

    • The Dolder Grand
    • The Four Seasons Hotel Zurich
    • The Park Hyatt Zurich

2. Boutique Hotels

  • Must-see: Unique design and atmosphere at a boutique hotel in the Old Town.

  • Other boutique options:

    • The Hotel Opera
    • The Hotel Metropole
    • The Hotel Novotel

3. Budget-Friendly Options

  • Must-book: Affordable hostels or Airbnb apartments for budget-conscious travelers.

  • Other budget-friendly options:

    • The Youth Hostel Zurich
    • The Ibis Zurich Airport Hotel
    • Local guesthouses and B&Bs

Things to Know

1. Language

  • Must-know: German is the official language, but many people speak English.

  • Other languages spoken:

    • French (in some areas)
    • Italian (in some areas)

2. Currency

  • Must-use: Swiss Francs (CHF) for all transactions.

  • Currency exchange and ATMs:

    • Available at banks, currency exchange offices, and most hotels
    • Major credit cards accepted in many places

3. Weather

  • Must-pack: Comfortable clothing for variable weather conditions (rain, sun, wind).

  • Average temperatures:

    • Spring (April-May): 15-20°C / 59-68°F
    • Summer (June-August): 25-30°C / 77-86°F
    • Autumn (September-November): 10-15°C / 50-59°F

Transportation

1. Public Transport

  • Must-use: Efficient and reliable public transportation network.

  • Other transport options:

    • Trams, buses, and trains for easy travel within the city
    • Taxis and ride-sharing services available
    • Bike rentals or guided tours for a unique experience

2. Airport Information

  • Must-know: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main international airport.

  • Getting to the city:

    • Trains, buses, and taxis from the airport to the city center
    • Rental cars available at the airport

Tips and More

1. Safety

  • Must-remember: Zurich is generally a safe city for tourists.

  • Other safety tips:

    • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas (Old Town, public transport)
    • Avoid walking alone at night
    • Keep valuables secure and be cautious with strangers

2. Cultural Differences

  • Must-understand: Switzerland is known for its strong tradition of direct democracy.

  • Other cultural differences:

    • Respect local customs and rules (e.g., no smoking in public places)
    • Learn a few basic phrases in German to show appreciation
    • Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service

3. Events and Festivals

  • Must-attend: Zurich Film Festival or the Unspunnenfest celebration.

  • Other events and festivals:

    • Street parades (e.g., Fasnacht)
    • Outdoor concerts and performances
    • Local markets and food festivals

This comprehensive guide should provide you with all the necessary information to make your trip to Zurich an unforgettable experience. From must-see attractions to practical tips, we hope this guide has been helpful in planning your adventure in this beautiful Swiss city!