Zurich is one in every of Switzerland’s finest identified cities and is a serious centre for enterprise. While you can simply spend an entire week right here exploring the centre and the encircling space, listed below are some ideas for what to see whenever you solely have at some point in Zurich.
One Day in Zurich, Switzerland
The most important metropolis in Switzerland, Zurich is however pretty compact and has an incredible transport community. Though Bern is the capital of the nation, Zurich is taken into account because the monetary capital of Switzerland.
Zurich additionally boasts a medieval Outdated City that spans each side of the river Limmat in addition to the hip Zurich West district.
1. Altstadt
With simply 1 day in Zurich, the Altstadt, because the previous city is understood, must be your first port of name. Most of the foremost points of interest of Zurich are situated within the slender streets right here.
Begin within the Lindenhof quarter in District 1, the place you’ll discover Münsterhof.
It’s the biggest sq. within the previous city and has a up to date fountain in addition to some very engaging medieval buildings housing boutiques and eating places.
Once we visited, there was a spectacular momentary paintings suspended over the sq.,”Black and White Circles within the Sky”, by Swiss artist Claudia Comte. As this sq. is pedestrianized, you’ll be able to at all times get good images right here.
On the facet of the sq. you’ll discover Fraumünster Church, well-known for its stained glass home windows created by Chagall and Giacometti. The doorway to the church is a brief stroll not far away on Stadthausquai.
You may’t take images of the inside, however it’s undoubtedly price a take a look at these vibrant masterpieces. Development of Münsterbrücke, the bridge that connects Münsterhof to Limmatquai, started in 1835.
This cobbled bridge remains to be in fixed use at the moment and there are nice views over the river from right here.
A few streets away within the coronary heart of the previous city on Paradeplatz, there’s the 15th century Zeugskeller. Constructed as an arsenal, that is now a vibrant and informal restaurant. It’s one in every of our favorite locations to eat in Zurich. Additionally on Paradeplatz, there’s Confiserie Sprüngli, which dates from 1836 and is famend for its Luxemburgerli macarons.
A couple of minutes stroll from right here on Schlüsselgasse, you’ll uncover Max Chocolatier, among the best chocolate retailers in Zurich. Their hand-made sweets use pure substances and the flavours fluctuate relying on the seasons.
The cobbled avenue on which its situated reminds us of Montparnasse in Paris.
Lindenhof Hill
Head up previous St Peter church and also you’ll come to Lindenhof, some of the well-known Zurich points of interest. This historic hilltop sq. was a Celtic and Gallo-Roman settlement and is listed as a Swiss heritage website of nationwide significance.
The Hedwig fountain dates from 1688 and commemorates the actions of the ladies of Zurich who defended their city in 1292. From Lindenhof there’s a panoramic view over Zurich.
A couple of minutes from Lindenhof, there’s an incredible place to eat on Rennweg, Boucherie AuGust. They concentrate on meat dishes however have a wide selection for non-meat eaters too.
Head again down through Schlüsselgasse and also you’ll come to a slender stairway, Thermengasse. It takes its title from the Roman baths found in 1983, the stays of which will be seen by means of a steel grating below your ft.
You’ll arrive on Storchengasse, a horny pedestrianized avenue with cobbled stones and vibrant flags adorning the luxurious store facades courting from the Center Ages. There’s a department of one other well-known Swiss chocolate store right here, Teuscher.
The 5 star Resort Storchen is on the finish of the road. It’s a beautiful place to remain, with nice views over the river and 66 trendy rooms and suites in addition to a newly redecorated bar the place you will get a espresso with a photograph of your face on it!
Cross over the river at Weinplatz through Gmüesbrugg bridge to discover the remainder of Zurich previous city. Most of this historic space is pedestrianized and it’s a pleasure to wander round.
You’ll spot ornamental enclosed balconies, wall frescoes and buildings adorned with flowers. Grossmünster is a Protestant church with twin towers that’s some of the well-known Zurich landmarks.
The Romanesque type constructing has lovely stained glass home windows by Augusto Giacometti and Sigmar Polke.
One other must-see for those who’re visiting Zurich in a day is Cabaret Voltaire on Spiegelgasse. This colourful constructing was the birthplace of the Dadaism anarchic artwork motion in 1916. It’s nonetheless open to the general public, as an exhibition area and bar.
Close by on Napfgasse, Cafe Schober is a historic espresso store which has some scrumptious muffins and candy treats. There’s a beautiful terrace and the inside is adorned in Baroque type.
Additionally on Napfgasse, the My Muesli retailer is definitely a part of a Swedish chain however they’ve muesli packing containers adorned with a Zurich photograph that might make an incredible memento or reward.
For those who’re searching for someplace trendy to eat on this facet of the river, Kronenhalle on Rämistrasse is a wonderful alternative. It’s well-known for its artwork assortment, with work by Picasso, Chagall, Matisse in addition to its scrumptious Swiss delicacies.
2. Lake Zurich
Whilst you’re strolling round Zurich metropolis middle, you’re more likely to come to Lake Zurich. Often known as Zurichsee, it is a standard vacation spot for picnicking and watersports.
You may have a pleasant view of the lake from Bürkliplatz, which can also be a departure level for Zurich river cruises. There’s a flea market on the sq. each Saturday and a beautiful river view from Bürkliterrasse.
You’ll want to strive fischknusperli, fried fish in batter from Lake Zurich at one of many native eating places.
3. Bahnhofstrasse
The primary purchasing avenue in Zurich is Bahnhofstrasse. The phrase bahnhof means railway station and this avenue begins at Zurich prepare station.
Zurich Important Station is spectacular in its personal proper. In-built 1871, the huge constructing accommodates a 36 ft suspended guardian angel sculpture by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
Procuring in Zurich is an opulent affair, and there are various upmarket boutiques on Bahnhofstrasse. MANOR is a well-liked division retailer on Bahnhofstrasse, and Jelmoli division retailer is a couple of minutes away at Seidengasse 1.
Grieder is a luxurious Zurich division retailer, in a six storey Gothic Revival constructing courting from 1913. Designed by Otto Münch, the constructing is often known as Peterhof.
4. Swiss Nationwide Museum
5 minutes stroll from Zurich railway station, you’ll discover Museumstrasse. The Nationwide Museum Zurich, often known as Landesmuseum is situated right here.
This extraordinary museum appears to be like like a fort and was in-built 1898. There’s an interesting Historical past of Switzerland exhibition, in addition to a everlasting show, Merely Zurich.
The museum is a well-liked factor to do with youngsters in Zurich in addition to on wet days.
5. Zurich-West
If visiting Zurich in at some point, you additionally wish to get a style of town’s up to date facet. After lunch, head to Zurich-West. One of one of the best locations in Zurich for nightlife, that is a classy space with plenty of cool bars and retailers.
Frau Gerolds Garten is an oasis of greenery on Geroldstrasse. This informal eatery additionally holds occasions and is open till midnight in Summer season. Nonetheless, this hipster paradise can also be standard in Winter for its scrumptious cheese fondue.
Don’t miss the colourful Gerold Cuchi umbrellas, within the alleyway simply off Geroldstrasse. This colourful place is a very fashionable Zurich Instagram spot!
One of essentially the most enjoyable issues to do in Zurich is to check out Citywave®, an city surf expertise tucked away on Geroldstrasse and open in Summertime. Whether or not you’re a surfer or not, it’s a enjoyable place to seize a drink and watch the motion.
On the finish of Geroldstrasse you’ll discover Im Viadukt on Viaduktstrasse. These former railway arches had been in-built 1894 and have been given a brand new lease of life with trendy boutiques, delicatessens and a Market Corridor gathering 20 native meals distributors.
10 minutes stroll from right here, you’ll come to Schiffbau on Schiffbaustrasse. This former ship-building manufacturing unit has been transformed right into a cultural centre the place the Zurich Schauspielhaus theatre firm holds performances on three levels.
There’s additionally an upmarket restaurant, LaSalle, Moods Jazz Membership, and NietturmBar.
6. Adliswil-Felsenegg Cable Automotive
For those who choose, skip Zurich-West and head as much as the mountains through the cable automobile. It should take you as much as the Felsenegg vantage level the place there are panoramic views of Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps.
For today journey from Zurich, merely take the S4 prepare from Zurich’s foremost prepare station and get off at Adliswil. From right here, it’s a 10 minute stroll uphill earlier than you attain Talstation (LAF) Adliswil Felsenegg.
7. Zurich Opera Home
Situated on Sechseläutenplatz, this Neo-Rococo type constructing was the primary everlasting theatre in Zurich. Opened in 1891 on the location of the earlier constructing that burnt down, the auditorium seats 1,200 folks.
The primary opera home in Europe to learn from electrical lighting, it additionally homes the Zurich Ballet and the Bernhard-Theater Zürich.
8. Rhine Falls
Round 45 minutes from the centre of Zurich, Rhine Falls is without doubt one of the most lovely waterfalls on the earth. At 150 meters vast and 23 meters tall, that is the largest waterfall in Europe and essentially the most highly effective.
At night time time, Rhine Falls is illuminated so it’s price hanging round to see that and increasing your journey from at some point in Zurich to a number of nights for those who can.
Easy methods to Get to Zurich
There are common flights from most worldwide airports to Zurich airport. We travelled with Swiss from London Metropolis airport and the journey took just one hour and 45 minutes.
From the airport it’s solely 10 minutes by prepare or 15 minutes by taxi. One of the best ways to get round Zurich is on foot or on public transport.
The Zurich Card is accessible for durations of 24 or 72 hours and offers you limitless second class journey by bus, tram, boat, prepare and cablecar within the metropolis of Zurich and the encircling space. You additionally get free or decreased admission to 43 museums, quick boat journeys and a Limmat river cruise.
As you’ll be able to see, there’s lots to slot in with simply at some point in Zurich, so why not spend longer there? One other great spot to go to is Thermalbad, an opulent spa in a former brewery with a rooftop pool and implausible views over town.
And for those who occur to go to town in September, then the Zurich Road Meals Pageant is a should. Throughout this week-long celebration of all issues foodie, there are occasions all through town and an enormous choice of completely different cuisines of the world.
The place to Keep in Zurich
- A fantastic mid-range possibility is 25 Hours Langstrasse. Fashionable with locals for its full of life bar, this Four star Zurich lodge has plenty of fashionable artwork and design touches.
- Close to Zurich airport, Kameha Grand Zurich is a enjoyable possibility. This quirky Zurich lodge is simply 5 minutes drive or 11 minutes by tram from the airport.
- In Zurich metropolis centre, we advocate Resort Storchen. This luxury 5 star lodge has an incredible location on Weinplatz overlooking the Limmat river.
We hope that you simply’ve discovered these suggestions of locations to go to in Zurich in 1 day useful. Try Go to Zurich for extra ideas, in addition to our information to 24 hours in Zurich.
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