Zurich
Zurich isn't only the Swiss capital of finance. It is first and foremost a pretty city, rich in museums and overflowing with creativity and energy.
What you need to know about Zurich
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Flight time1h20
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Dialing code+41
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Spoken LanguageGerman, French
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CurrencySwiss franc
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Time difference0h
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Travel FormalitiesPassport or ID
Destination Zürich
Forget the cliché of a city as smooth as a new Swiss franc, as boring as a safe. Of course, Zurich is the financial lung of Switzerland, welcoming major banks and insurance companies to its territory. It is also a mecca for the pharmaceutical industry, watchmaking, media, and the headquarters of several international organizations, such as the International Football Federation (FIFA)… But it is first and foremost a delightful city dotted with pretty monuments, crossed by a stormy river (the Limmat) and cuddled by a charming lake set in the mountains…. And above all, a city of 400,000 inhabitants (more than a million with the agglomeration) brimming with energy; festive until the end of the night, creative in its alternative neighborhoods.
Discover Zürich
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Explore Zürich
Zurich's history dates back to the Romans, who established a port at the end of the lake. Its status as a free city in the Middle Ages attracted nobles and merchants, organized into corporations. They built rich buildings that are still its pride today. This status boosted the economy, until the city was joined to the Swiss Confederation. It then became a center of the Reformation. Arriving from all over Europe, persecuted Protestants definitively made it an economic hub. Finally, from the 18th century onwards, artists, philosophers and other thinkers contributed to its aura. Zurich is also the birthplace of Dadaism, the intellectual movement that was born in 1916 in the Cabaret Voltaire, now transformed into a cultural venue.
As in all cities crossed by a river, Zurich reveals two different atmospheres. On the right bank, the historic heart with its baroque buildings is completely pedestrianized. It is the ideal place for an arty getaway in search of a designer boutique or a talented craftsman, and for a gourmet break in the slew of restaurants. On the left bank, Zurich rivals the greatest European capitals, with its classic or art-deco buildings and wide boulevards. A must-see on Bahnhofstrasse (the local Champs-Elysées) for a stroll in the hushed world of luxury. It is one of the most expensive avenues on the planet, lined with international fashion and watch brands. Rolex, Breitling, Longines, Tag Heuer or Bucherer… all the brands exhibit their most beautiful models. But the Swiss franc is high!
The two worlds meet around the lake that laps the city. Its banks are home to sumptuous villas and beaches; and paths go around it for gentle bike rides. In “trendy” mode, head to the former industrial district of Zurich West, converted into a new business and cultural landmark, lined up with trendy restaurants, cultural sites (Zurich has around fifty museums and a hundred art galleries) and boutiques of inspired creators or designers. The roguish souls prefer to get lost in Aussersihl, the former red light district which is gradually transforming into an arty place. From second-hand clothes shops to cocktail bars and night clubs, you can share the life of the Zurich people until you can’t take it anymore…
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Best places to visit in Zürich
Sites and monuments
- Niederdorf – this is the historic heart of the city, where the 17th century town hall built on the water and the eleven guild houses stand.
- Bahnhofstrasse – The iconic avenue is lined with chic luxury boutiques (clothing, watches, etc.).
- Grossmünster – Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, the city’s cathedral, topped with two neo-Gothic towers, is the symbol of reformed Zurich. It houses beautiful contemporary stained glass windows by Sigmar Polke.
- Sankt Peter Church – On the left bank, its 13th century tower has the largest clock face in Europe.
- Fraumünster – Another monumental church, famous for its stained glass windows by Chagall.
- Heidi Weber House – On the banks of the lake, this building is Le Corbusier’s final work.
- Café Voltaire – This is where the Dada movement was born in 1916. It has become a cultural venue and an alternative café…
- Prime Tower – Built in 2011, this skyscraper towers over the city from a height of 126 metres. The Clouds restaurant is located at the top.
Museums
- Kunsthaus – Museum dedicated to modern art. Passing through the bronze door designed by Rodin, one can marvel at the works of Munch, Monet, Picasso, Giacometti, Bacon and Chagall.
- Landesmuseum Zurich – In a building that looks like a castle to which a contemporary construction has been grafted, this museum traces the history of the Swiss Confederation in a fun and interactive way.
- Kunsthalle and Migros Museum – In a former brewery in the West Zurich district, both places present exhibitions of contemporary art.
- Zunfthaus zur Meisen – This chic baroque building houses a collection of porcelain and earthenware.
- Museum Bellerive – In a villa bordering the lake, it offers exhibitions on decorative arts.
- Museum Rietberg – In two 19th century villas, the site is dedicated to world civilizations (Indian, Native American, Asian, pre-Columbian art, etc.).
Parks and natural sites
- Lake Zurich – 28 km long, it supplies the city's 1,200 fountains. Boats sail all around, for very romantic cruises!
- Lindenhof – A public garden installed on a hill, in the heart of the city. In the shade of the lime trees, the panorama of the tiled roofs is exquisite.
- Zurich Zoo – A lovely site for the whole family in a green setting, with a greenhouse recreating the atmosphere of the tropical forest.
- Chinagarten – On the banks of the lake, a typical Asian garden with its small bridges and well-kept spaces where each pebble has its place.
- Botanischer Garten – This botanical garden stands out with its three domes sheltering exotic universes.
- Mühlerama – This old mill, renovated in a Belle Epoque style, has been transformed into a flour mill museum.
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Unusual things to do in Zürich
- The public baths (May to August), set up in the Limmat River, have been an integral part of local culture for over a century. For year-round bathing, head to the Hürlimannbad & Spa Zurich, located in the former Hürlimann brewery.
- 25 km from Zurich, Winterthur is a pretty town surrounded by greenery, which attracts culture lovers with a good ten museums; such as the Oskar-Reinhart Museum dedicated to Swiss, German and Austrian artists.
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Gastronomy in Zürich
- Rösti: one of Zurich's most typical dishes, made of fried and baked potatoes, usually served as a side dish.
- Fondue – impossible to miss! The smells escape from the restaurants and spread throughout the old town by the end of the day.
- Raclette – another classic of Swiss cuisine, to be enjoyed of course with ham and potatoes.
- Alplermagronen: prepared with macaroni with cream and cheese, accompanied by apple compote.
- Zürcher Geschnetzelte: a dish of beef and mushrooms, served wrapped in a cream sauce.
- Malakoffs: fried and breaded cheese balls.
Desserts
- Chocolate – inseparable from Swiss culture, it is enjoyed in … all sauces, in all forms. A must-see is Sprüngli, Zurich's most famous chocolate shop.
- Zuger Kirschtorte (Zug pie) – originating from the city of Zug (south of Zurich), a cake made of sponge cake, almond meringue and kirsch-flavoured buttercream.
- Hüppen: a kind of biscuit in the shape of a roll, usually served with a chocolate filling.
Drinks*
- Wines – Zurich produces wines, around the lake and in the north of the canton. We enjoy sharing a glass of white (Silvaner, Riesling) or red (Pinot Noir, Merlot) with friends.
- Beer – Among the famous beers, we can mention Hürlimann created in the canton of Zurich. There are also many craft beers (Amboss, Bier Paul, etc.).
Unmissable events in Zürich
- AprilDuring the Sechseläuten, the various corporations parade through the streets in period costume, accompanied by brass bands.
- AugustAugust 1 – National Day of the Swiss Confederation with numerous events and fireworks.
- AugustThe Street Parade attracts hundreds of thousands of electro music fans to the shores of the lake.
- AugustEnd of August – Theatre troupes and street artists bring the lakeside to life during the Theater Spektakel.
- SeptemberMid-September - The "Knabenschiessen" is a popular festival where locals test their shooting skills, with many funfair activities.
Did you know?
Overlooking Lake Zurich, Uetliberg Hill rises to an altitude of 870 m. It can be reached by train from the central station. From there, the view of the city and the Alps is breathtaking. The place is ideal for lovely walks in the countryside.
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