Your guide in visiting Zurich, Switzerland
How to get to Zurich?
Where to stay in Zurich?
What to do and see in Zurich?
Where to eat in Zurich?
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and located at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. Zurich is one of the largest financial center in the world and constantly being ranked as one of the best cities to live in. I have visited Zurich a number of times as a gateway into Switzerland and neighboring countries in Europe. Zurich is easily one of my favorite cities in Europe and is easy to understand why it is always being ranked as one of the most livable in Europe. With the Alps in the distance, lake Zurich by its side and the river Limmat running through it, Zurich is picturesque.
HOW TO GET TO ZURICH
The majority of visitors to Zurich will be arriving either by plane or by rail. Zurich Airport is the largest and busiest in Switzerland with services from most major international airlines around the world. The airport is only 13km from Zurich center and the best way to get into the city is by rail from the airport station. Almost every train from the airport station will stop at Zurich HB which is Zurich central station. Zurich central railway station (Zurich Hauptbahnhof in German or Zurich HB in sort) is also the busiest in the country and is located right in the city center. The Swiss Federal Railway or SBB in short (German) runs very efficient railway services throughout Switzerland. Its website is very good for buying tickets online and have a very good android and iphone app as well.
WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH
Zurich center is relatively small with most of the sights within walking distance on both sides of the river Limmat. The beauty of Zurich is that the majority of today’s city is part of the old town before 1893 which consists of medieval houses and narrow lanes. Hotel Helmhaus is a lovely boutique hotel located right in old town and is a gem in Zurich. The hotel occupies an old building which was recently renovated to house the hotel. You can read more in my Tripadvisor review of the hotel. Hotel Wellenberg will be another choice where it is also located in the heart of the old town. Hotel Alexander will be my my choice in Zurich if I want to stay within walking distance to the Zurich HB central railway station. Hotel Rössli will be a fantastic choice if you are looking for modern accommodation in Zurich.
TRANSPORT
Zurich have a great tram system which will be a great way to move around the city if you do not want to walk. However, if you stay in the hotels I’ve listed above, all major sights you want to see is within walking distance and in my opinion seeing Zurich by foot is the best way to experience old town and the city.
WHAT TO DO & SEE IN ZURICH
My favorite attraction in Zurich is the city itself. Walking around its old town narrow lanes and streets is such an experience and especially late at night which gives you a fantastic atmosphere.
Niederdorf (Old Town)
Niederdorf is in the heart of the old town and the pedestrian area of Niederdorfstrasse is filled with bar and restaurants. Take your time to wander around this area and its smaller streets and lane (Rindermarkt,Newmarkt,Speigelgasse,Napfgasse). Zurich also have around 1,200 fountains which supply good drinking water. Many of these fountains have lovely designs and are rich in history. This blog have tried to take a photo of every fountain in Zurich.
River Limmat and Lake Zurich
From Old Town you can take a walk along the River Limmat and down to Lake Zurich. It is the perfect way to absorb the beauty of this city. Once you walk down to Lake Zurich, you can choose to take a cruise on the lake or sit on the many of the benches along the lake front and admire the beauty of the lake and the alps in the distance.
Churches
There are numerous churches in Zurich and these four are the main ones in old town Zurich.
Grossmünster
A Romanesque architectural style church with its twin towers being probably the most prominent landmark in Zurich.
Fraumünster
Another prominent landmark in Zurich. The choir of the abbey includes 5 large stained glass windows designed by artist Marc Chagall and was installed in 1970.
Located next to Lindenhof Hill, on a site of a former Roman castle, St. Peter is the oldest parish church in Zurich. The church clock is the largest tower clock face in Europe. For centuries this is the clock for Zurich official local time where all clocks conforms to.
Lindenhof Hill
Site of an ancient Roman castle, Linderhof Hill is now a public park with ancient roman and medieval remains. This is the highest vantage point within old town which gives you amazing view of Zurich and the alps in the distance. This is a must visit and looks amazing during sunset when the lights on the streets and shops lit up below you.
Zurich Opera House
Catch a ballet or many programs featured in this beautiful opera house. If not, spend some time at the square in front of the opera house and enjoy this beautiful city.
SHOPPING
There are many lovely little shops all dotted around old town at the pedestrian street of Niederdorfstrasse.
For those that are looking for a more modern take on the shopping experience then one must go to the Bahnhofstrasse which is the main shopping street in Zurich. You will find all the major brand name shops here. The street turns into a pedestrian only zone towards the end closest to Zurich Central Station. Rennweg street which runs almost parallel to Bahnhofstasse is also a very pretty pedestrian only medieval street with a great view of the St. Peter clock tower. For those that are into tableware and kitchenware, Bodum have a great street level shop by the river Limmat at old town with fantastic prices.
WHERE TO EAT IN ZURICH
Le Dézaley – Traditional Swiss restaurant opened since 1903. Fantastic Swiss dishes like fondue, raclette and sausages.
Blockhus – Cosy traditional Swiss restaurant.
Raclette Stube – Popular place serving traditional Swiss raclette dishes.
Weisser Wing – Serving traditional Swiss food in wooden tables.
Kronenhalle – Gourmet regional cuisine in century-old restaurant.
Swiss Chuchi – A more touristy choice for traditional Swiss food at the Hotel Adler.
Cafe Schober – Home-made chocolate & cakes in a century-old cafe with a nice outdoor terrace.
Schwarzenbach – Specialty store selling coffee, tea and chocolates. It has been in the Niederdorf (Old Town) district for over 100 years. There is a coffee shop right beside the shop. Go there for a cup of tea/coffee or better yet breakfast.
Confiserie Sprüngli AG – Swiss luxury confectionery founded in 1836. They make signature macarons called Luxemburgerli. The flagship shop which is two stories with a full restaurant/coffee shop on the 2nd level is located on Bahnhofstrasse at the Paradeplatz plaza. There have a number of outlets in the city as well as in Zurich airport.
Widder Bar – 250 malt whiskies in the hotel’s bar with jazz in fall & spring.
ONYX – ONYX Bar at the Park Hyatt Zurich.
Wings Airline Bar & Lounge – Aviation themed bar and lounge.
