Some people think Zurich is 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. Moving from one point to another could probably not have been easier. Traveling to other Swiss and European cities is not any problem either. Trains are scheduled regularly from Hauptbahnhof, the main 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. Vacationers 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 the 3rd 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, and it’s not cheap. Another Mercer survey, “The world’s 50 most expensive big cities”, put Zurich on the 9th position, right after Geneva and Copenhagen. Even though the city is expensive 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. The city has 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 you shouldn’t miss:
1. The Lake Zürich 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. The garden was a gift to the inhabitants from Zurich’s twin town Kunming in south west China.
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 huge and a calming place to have a picnic, or read a good book.
3. Zurich Zoo
Zurich Zoo is located about 15 minutes with the tram from the center of the city and 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 and 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 you can follow the popular hiking path running 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 starts 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
Hiltl has operated since 1898 and is the first vegetarian restaurant in Europe. They offer savory international and Indian food and a splendid salad buffet. A reservation is recommended as it’s usually rather crowded. Located at Sihlstrasse 28, not far from Bahnhofstrasse.
7. Lindenhof square
Lindenhof square is an oasis of serenity, avid chess players’ meeting place, and offers the best 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, impressive St. Peterskirche with the largest clock face in Europe.
8. Niederdorf
The oldest part of Zurich, a cool nightlife district with lots of 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. Along the main street, the trendy fashion shops, antique bookstores and eateries offering food from nearly every corner of the world are well worth a visit.
9. Zurich West
This former industrial area is now a hip district, overtaken by yuppies and people who are devoted to night life and in-places, or simply like the creative ambiance. X-Tra Palais at Limmatstrasse 118, on 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 having spent six months in Zurich I can conclude that the city is both tidy and orderly, but definitely not in a negative way.
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Zurich is one of my favorite cities too. It’s definitely not dull. It has fantastic cafes, restaurants and bars. It’s like Brussels – people say the same thing about that city, but it’s one of the most vibrant cities in Europe with a buzzy bar scene, great jazz, art, museums, and fantastic food. I don’t get it. Either the critics haven’t been there or simply went for work or just didn’t know where to go.
I didn’t know people say the same things about Brussels. Interesting. I recently read a feature on Brussels in a Swedish travel magazine and that was very positive, but you may be right… some critics maybe just didn’t know where to go.