Zürich
Zürich
Zürich is distinguished by its unparalleled selection of stores lining the world-famous shopping mile, the Bahnhofstrasse, not to mention its broad choice of leisure activities. Numerous gastronomic establishments in the surrounding region pamper food lovers with all manner of culinary delights. Almost 500 bars and clubs provide a wide variety of entertainment. Zürich is also the ideal departure point for all kinds of excursions, such as to the Rhine Falls or the chocolate factory.Find your trip
The Grossmünster ("Great Minster") is a Romanesque-style church and one of the three major churches in the city. The tall twin towers of "Great Minster" dominate the Zürich skyline. It was from this spot that the humanist Ulrich Zwingli preached the Reformation.
The St. Peters Church (Kirche Sankt Peter) was originally built in the 8th century but was much altered in the 13th century and again in 1705. The largest clock in Europe is situated on the tower of St. Peters Church and has a diameter of 8,7 meters.
Switzerland’s greatest art museum, Kunsthaus, contains several important works of art, ranging from medieval religious paintings and Old Dutch masters to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Here you can find masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall and Monet.
Located right by the lake at the Zürichhorn, this Chinese garden was given to the city as a gift from the Chinese city, Kunming, which is twinned with Zürich. The garden contains several plants and ornaments, typical of the Chinese art of creating a garden.
This stunningly beautiful lake stretches an amazing 40 kilometres from Zürich to the foot of the Glarner Alps. Daytrip boats give tourists a possibility to explore several villages and towns along the lakeshore and the main landing in Zürich is at Bürkliplatz.
The Old Town, also called Altstadt, is one of the most beautiful and charming areas in Zürich. Here you can stroll around narrow lanes and medieval houses. This area is highly appreciated by both tourists and locals, and it was once home to influential people such as Einstein, James Joyce and Richard Wagner.
For great views over the city you can visit pretty Lindenhofplatz and enjoy a stuinning view of Grossmünster and Rathaus. This place represented the meeting place for people during the Modern Era and today it is the perfect hot-spot where to find some peace and tranquillity.
This well maintained zoo is very popular and a great place for the whole family to enjoy a day of fun. Here you can find many different animal species like penguins, lions, tigers, apes and elephants. Onsite there is also a tropical rainforest including huge marine reef tanks.
The Grossmünster ("Great Minster") is a Romanesque-style church and one of the three major churches in the city. The tall twin towers of "Great Minster" dominate the Zürich skyline. It was from this spot that the humanist Ulrich Zwingli preached the Reformation.
The St. Peters Church (Kirche Sankt Peter) was originally built in the 8th century but was much altered in the 13th century and again in 1705. The largest clock in Europe is situated on the tower of St. Peters Church and has a diameter of 8,7 meters.
The legendary Kronenhalle's former patrons include big names such as Picasso, Chagall and Miró (whose original paintings still adorn the walls today - chances are, you may be dining within arm's reach from precious artwork). Kronenhalle is a world-renowned establishment that's been around for nearly a century, consistently delivering superb quality Swiss/French cuisine and above par service.
Blinde Kuh is a restaurant run by blind people and in almost complete darkness. This is your chance to experience first-hand what it is like to be blind. Here you must trust your nose, your mouth, your ears and your hands. You will be amazed. Who said we eat with our eyes? The menu changes every week and it is necessary to book several weeks in advance.
At Hotel Adler you can find Adler’s Swiss Chuchi that serves really good traditional Swiss national dishes, enjoyed in a rustic atmosphere. Their selection of cheese, and cheese fondue, are the main attractions. The restaurant draws both locals and tourists alike.
Situated near the city centre, Saigon serves various authentic dishes from southern Vietnam. On the menu, you will find the pho soup with your ingredients of choice, noodle dishes, salads and much more. If the weather permits, enjoy your yummy food on the outdoor seating area.
In the Niederdorf centre, the Old Town, you can find this pasta restaurant with hearty dishes. The appetisers and market-fresh salads are very popular and appealing. Daily specials and highlights of the month add a welcoming twist to the menu.
Attached to the main train station, this excellent vegetarian restaurant serves hot dishes, various salads, chutneys and desserts inspired by Asian cuisine. They also have vegan food, including a great quality buffet with plenty to choose from.
The 15th-century location adds flavour to this beer hall where sausages are the main attractions. Here you can find more than a dozen different kinds of sausages, the biggest one being one metre long. The recipes are almost all based on recipes cultivated and modernised over generations.
If you are looking for local beer and tasty sausages, you should be more than satisfied with a lunch or dinner at Lindenhofkeller. This restaurant dates back to 1860 and serves various delights to tourists, business men and locals.
The legendary Kronenhalle's former patrons include big names such as Picasso, Chagall and Miró (whose original paintings still adorn the walls today - chances are, you may be dining within arm's reach from precious artwork). Kronenhalle is a world-renowned establishment that's been around for nearly a century, consistently delivering superb quality Swiss/French cuisine and above par service.
Blinde Kuh is a restaurant run by blind people and in almost complete darkness. This is your chance to experience first-hand what it is like to be blind. Here you must trust your nose, your mouth, your ears and your hands. You will be amazed. Who said we eat with our eyes? The menu changes every week and it is necessary to book several weeks in advance.
This trendy area invites you to stroll around tiny shops that offers everything from international fashion brands to local labels and from second-hand to high fashion. There is even a market hall, housing more than 30 vendors where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables or why not enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes along the Viadukt Arches.
A shop like no other. The Dada movement started in this building and still today the spirit of Dada is kept alive. In the shop you can get the perfect souvenirs for art lovers, they sell Dada products as well as objects from young designers. If you are looking for a unique design, that unusual item, then this is the shop to head for.
Use to be an industrial-age paper mill, today a shopping and leisure centre, featuring 80 shops that boasts everything from fashion, shoes, cosmetic to electronics including restaurants, a hotel, a spa and cinema. They even have a Minicity Sihlcity, their own childcare facilities, where the parents can leave their kids for one or two hours while shopping in stores like C&A, Desigual, Esprit, Gant, H&M, The Body Shop and Tommy Hilfiger.
Maiuki offers stylish fashion and accessories from young designers and newcomers. If you are looking for unique and handmade products, this is the place to look for it, the perfect souvenir to bring back home.
The House of Brands, also called Jelmoli, is situated near Zurich main station. It is Zurich's largest premium department store with many top-quality brands for men, women and children. Inside, you will find fashion items, accessories, shoes, sport articles and home products. Below ground level, there is a well-known Food Market.
A wide range of different stores invites visitors to come in and stroll, Glatt Shopping Mall is one of the most popular shopping malls in Switzerland. And if you get hungry, just visit one of the many culinary outlets. There is around 100 stores selling the latest fashion, jewellery, toys, electronic goods and cosmetics.
Over 50 different stores fulfil nearly every wish, whether you are looking for sportswear, or a suit, you will find it in Letzipark. They have everything from fashion wear, shoes, furniture, and stationery to electronic specialists. The shopping centre includes a choice of seven different snack bars and restaurants when wishing for a break.
Beyer Chronometrie is the oldest watch shop in Switzerland. The family business has been around for 250 years and is currently owned by the seventh generation. Beyer is also one of the leading names in luxury watches.
This trendy area invites you to stroll around tiny shops that offers everything from international fashion brands to local labels and from second-hand to high fashion. There is even a market hall, housing more than 30 vendors where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables or why not enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes along the Viadukt Arches.
A shop like no other. The Dada movement started in this building and still today the spirit of Dada is kept alive. In the shop you can get the perfect souvenirs for art lovers, they sell Dada products as well as objects from young designers. If you are looking for a unique design, that unusual item, then this is the shop to head for.
Passport / Visa
Switzerland can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Best Time to Visit
The best season to visit Zurich is definitely summer, particularly from June to August, when temperatures are pleasant and you can enjoy outdoor activities during the sunny days. If you want to visit the city when fewer tourists fill the streets, then spring is the best choice: March to May are the months when temperatures are still not too cold to be uncomfortable.
Zürich Airport
Zürich Airport is voted to be one of the best in the world. It consists of two terminals and they both have a Tourist Information Centre based in the arrivals hall. The airport is situated 11 kilometres outside Zürich and there are several ways of getting into the town centre. The subterranean train station is directly beneath Terminal B, and trains depart roughly every 10 minutes for the city’s main station. You can buy tickets directly from the vending machines that can be found next to the SBB travel centre. +41 900 300 300. The Glatttalbahn, tram number 10, connects the airport and the main railway station. The tram runs every 7 or 15 minutes. Tram number 12 connects the airport and the hub of Stettbach and runs every 15 minutes. +41 44 809 5600 There is a frequent bus service running from the airport. www.zvv.ch The taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals terminal 1 and 2. Taxis may be reserved in advance by calling +41 848 850 852. Airport Taxi +44 777 77 88 info@yourmile.ch www.taxi7x7.ch At the airport you can find car hire services. You can pick up your car from the Airport Centre on level 1. Avis +41 44 800 77 33 www.avis.ch Budget +41 44 800 77 33 www.budget.ch
Public Transport
The best way to visit Zurich is by foot, but you also have a list of opportunities to explore the city such as bus, trams and trains. You can choose between a tickets for 1 hour or a Day Cards for various zones, but don´t forget to have the ticket with you at any moment. Another alternative is the Zürich Card: you can use it to enjoy free travel with public transports throughout the city of Zürich and it also gives you the possibility of enter museums for free and have discounts on several restaurants.
Taxi
Taxi 444 is one of the biggest taxi companies in Zürich but you can find 1350 licensed taxis in the city. Taxis are easy to use and reliable, even during rush hours. Taxi 7x7 +41 44 777 77 77 www.taxi7x7.ch Taxi 444 +41 44 444 44 44 www.taxi444.ch
Post
You can find post offices all over the city. Sihlpost D-2 is located on the main train station and has long opening hours. Sihlpost D-2:
Passport / Visa
Switzerland can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Best Time to Visit
The best season to visit Zurich is definitely summer, particularly from June to August, when temperatures are pleasant and you can enjoy outdoor activities during the sunny days. If you want to visit the city when fewer tourists fill the streets, then spring is the best choice: March to May are the months when temperatures are still not too cold to be uncomfortable.
