Zest For Zurich

Some people view Zurich as boring and too tidy. Other appreciates its uncluttered milieu and believe the orderliness adds to the city’s charm.

The Swiss efficiency is most apparent in Zurich, noted for its safe, clean and effective public transportation system. S-bahn (local train), buses, trams and boats for the river and lake are included in the punctually network. Trains are scheduled regularly from Hauptbahnhof (the central train station), located at the end of Bahnhofstrasse. The tourist city Luzerne is only forty-five minutes away, the capital Bern one hour, world-class skiing in Klosters and Andermatt less than two hours, and Paris approximately six hours. Those who prefer air travel have Zurich International Airport, Switzerland’s largest and busiest airport, merely 20 minutes from Zurich with the S-bahn.

A report from Mercer Human Resource and Consulting in April, 2007, confirms that Zurich once again was considered the city with the best quality of life in the world. Mercer’s annual worldwide survey placed Zurich as the winner, Geneva 2nd, and Vancouver 3rd. Although, with quality comes price. Another Mercer survey, “The world’s 50 most expensive big cities”, put Zurich on the 9th position, after Geneva and Copenhagen. But that’s not a reason to travel somewhere else. Zurich is well worth a stay, even for a day if you have a crammed to-do list, or limited budget. The city offers a vast amount of excursion points and recreation possibilities as well as shops, museums, hotels, restaurants, bars, and diverse night spots.

Here are ten places to visit:

1. The Lake Zurich Area
Where else in Europe, except in Lake Geneva, can you swim in pleasant water as you appreciate the view of stunning Alp tops? The Seefeld zone, near the lake, is one of Zurich’s most sought-after living areas. And Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen, a well-known bathing place, is often crowded during hot summer days.

Don’t forget a stroll along the lake towards the center of the city to relish the sights, sounds and smells of the lake area, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the Chinese Garden on Bellerivestrasse at Zurichhorn.

2. The Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich is located in the Seefeld zone at Zollikerstrasse 107. The three uniquely bubble-designed greenhouses show three sorts of vegetation: humid tropical, warm humid and tropical to subtropical. The surrounding garden is a huge, calming place to picnic or read a good book.

3. Zurich Zoo
Zurich Zoo, located about 15 minutes with the tram from the city center, is an excellent excursion, even if you travel without kids. Explore a part of Madagascar in Europe’s largest indoor rainforest, Masoala Rainforest, which is protected by a great glass hall and offers a tropical ecosystem.

4. Uetliberg
Take the Sihltal Zurich Uetlibergbahn (SZU) to the end station, walk up to Uetliberg (871m or 2856 ft), and admire the view from the 30 meter viewing tower at the top. Alternatively, take the S-bahn from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Adliswil, where a 300 meter cable-car climbs up to the station at Falsenegg. From there, follow the popular hiking path that runs along a crest overlooking Lake Zürich.

5. Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world, lined with elegant designer shops. The renowned shopping avenue begins at the main train station and continues to the lake. Don’t miss Paradeplatz, halfway down the street, where several Swiss banks have their headquarters, and the city’s oldest pastry shop Sprüngli has its flagship store.

6. Hiltl
Located at Sihlstrasse 28, not far from Bahnhofstrasse, Hiltl has operated since 1898 and is the first vegetarian restaurant in Europe. They offer savory international and Indian food as well as a splendid salad buffet. A reservation is recommended.

7. Lindenhof Square
Lindenhof Square is an oasis of serenity, avid chess players’ meeting place, and offers a great view over the city. The square is situated on the small hill on the left bank of river Limmat in Lindenhof, the historic center of Zurich. Look for the neighboring St. Peterskirche with the largest clock face in Europe.

8. Niederdorf
The oldest part of Zurich, a cool nightlife district with bars, restaurants and clubs, attracts many young people. During the day, Niederdorfstrasse and the surrounding narrow alleys and courtyards have a calm, almost medieval, atmosphere. The main street is lined with trendy fashion shops, antique bookstores and eateries with food from nearly every corner of the world.

9. Zurich West
This former industrial area is now a hip district, overtaken by yuppies and people devoted to night life and in-places, or simply like the creative ambiance.  X-Tra Palais at Limmatstrasse 118, at the beginning of the multicultural Langstrasse, is the only club in the city with its own restaurant, lounge, hotel and music label. For suggestions and upcoming events in zone 5, grab a free issue of the magazine “20 Minuten” from the bar counter.

10. The Lindt Chocolate Factory Shop
What would Switzerland be without its delicate chocolate? Lindt’s Shop, located at Seestrasse 204 in Kilchberg, has special offers on the most sublime chocolate. You can reach the chocolate factory shop via S-bahn, or lend a bike for free at the main train station for a pleasant tour along the lake. Satisfaction guaranteed.

After six months in Zurich I found the city both tidy and orderly. But not in a negative way.