- Zurich. City Guide
A city guide to Zurich.
Zurich is the world’s banking capital, it has style, a rich culture and an ancient history that awaits discovery.
Medieval Zurich is built around the River Limmat on the edge of Lake Zurich, the city retains an old world atmosphere of charm and tradition and is the largest city in Switzerland.
Colorful clock towers and steeples dominate the skyline, whilst in the bustling streets you will find beautiful and elegant shops, romantic squares and attractive traditional pubs and restaurants.
Places of interest in Zurich: Main places to visit include St. Peter’s church (which boasts Europe’s largest clock face) and the twin-towered Grossmunster (the 17th century Town Hall). Also worth a visit is the famous Kunsthause museum.
Attractions in Zurich: For one of the best and refreshing panoramic views of the city and of Mount Rigi (1797m) take a ride on the Polybahn or Rigiblick Funicular with panoramic views of the city, Lake Zurich and the alps in the distance.
Stroll through the charming district of Niederdorf in the old town, with its 14th century buildings, small plazas, restaurants, busker’s and winding cobbled streets that await to be explored. Here you will also find an interesting array of antique shops, fashion stores, bookshops as well as superb wine and pastry outlets and cafes. The Niederhof is also part of Zurich’s buzzing nightlife with a wide selection of bars, restaurants, jazz and night clubs.
Excursions in Zurich: Relax on a summer cruises on the lake or visit Medieval Regensberg and the Castle at Rapperswil, both are within easy reach and well worth a visit.
Local transport in Zurich: Think Swiss, think efficiency. Zurich is noted for its safe, clean and effective public transportation system. The city is easy to navigate and explore, with trams and buses running across the city daily from 5.30am to midnight. The easiest way to get around is to use a travel pass known as the Tageskarte (one day ticket) that allows travel on all buses and trams for 24 hours. In the summer months bicycles can be hired free of charge from various rail stations. Taxi’s are safe but expensive. The Zürich Region is served by efficient rapid transit trains (S-Bahn) which run every 15 to 30 minutes.
Airport to City Centre: Swiss Rail (SBB) has fast and efficient rail transport services to the city centre. The train station is located below the Arrivals terminal and trains leave every 10 minutes for Zurich and other destinations throughout Switzerland. Taxis take around half an hour to Zurich city centre.
Cultural Interests in Zurich: Zurich’s Museum of Fine Arts is well worth a visit. The museum houses some of Europe’s most extensive collections, from 15th century masterpieces to the modern art works of Dali, Hockney, Munch, Cezanne, Monet, Gaugin, and Picasso.
Shopping in Zurich: Most shopping is centered around the pedestrianised Bahnhofstrasse, where you will find top label boutiques and exquisite souvenir shops.
Nightlife in Zurich: For upbeat entertainment try the Latin Quarter for excellent jazz clubs and bars. You will find plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants with International menus or traditional cuisine. Try a beef or cheese fondue in one of the pubs around the Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich has many colorful street parades and festivals throughout the year. The Niederhof district in the old town is also part of Zurich’s buzzing nightlife.
What to buy: Swiss Army knives, watches, lace, traditional wood carvings.
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Zurich Airport (ZRH)
The airport is located eight miles (12km) north of Zurich.
Transport: From Airport to Zurich city center. The best and easiest way to travel into the city from Zurich Airport is by Swiss Rail (SBB) train. The station is located below the arrivals terminal at ZRH and departures are every 10 minutes for Zurich and other destinations.
