Travel Guide Zurich Picturesque old town and artistic flair
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Travel Guide
Zurich
Picturesque old town and artistic flair
02 Quick view 04 Getting around Zurich 08 Calendar of events
02 Switzerland 04 Top 10 sights 10 Hotels
03 Travel etiquette 06 Shopping in Zurich 10 Crew Tip
03 Health 07 Restaurants 11 Best of ...
04 Phone calls & Internet 07 Nightlife
© thinkstock/iStock
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Quick view
Zurich: Picturesque old town and artistic flair
It’s one of the most important financial centres in the world, but there’s a lot more to
Zurich than stocks and shares. Sitting astride the River Limmat and edging onto
the beautiful Lake Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city is extremely attractive, with a
medieval Old Town, cobbled alleyways and lakeside promenades. While the main
shopping areas in Bahnhofstrasse and
Niederdorf house the world’s most prominent designer brands, Zurich’s alternative
side throws up quirky boutiques, unconventional fashions and a buzzing café
culture. The recent regeneration of the city’s former industrial districts to the west
have added to the arty feel, helping to throw off Zurich’s once stuffy image and
make it one of Switzerland’s most exciting urban hubs.
Switzerland
General knowledge
Country overview
Mixing expansive greenery, slick cities and buckets of fresh air, Switzerland is a
stylish tourist destination offering countless outdoor adventures and contemporary
urban breaks. The ancient capital Berne provides superb opportunities for
sightseeing, shopping and traditional folk entertainment, while Zurich leads the
way in arts, design and nightlife.
Top ski resorts include Zermatt, Verbier and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while
white-capped mountain peaks set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop
for summertime hiking. Small, mountainous and wealthy, Switzerland is renowned
for its enviable quality of life in a country that ticks along like clockwork.
Geography
Landlocked Switzerland shares borders with France to the west, Germany to the
north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east and Italy to the south. It has the highest
mountains in Europe, together with waterfalls, rivers and lakes set amid green
pastures.
The highest peaks are Dufourspitze, 4,634m (15,203ft), on the Italian border; the
Dom, 4,545m (14,911ft); the Matterhorn, 4,478m (14,691ft); and the Weisshorn,
4,506m (14,793ft).
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 7.996.026
Population Density (per sq km): 194
Capital: Berne
Language
There are four official languages in Switzerland (German, French, Italian and
Romansh).
Currency
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Swiss Franc (CHF; symbol SFr) = 100 cents (called centimes in French, rappen in
German and centesimi in Italian). Notes are in denominations of SFr1,000, 200,
100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of SFr5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10
and 5 centimes.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Standard European round two-pin plugs and Swiss three-pin
plugs are used.
General business opening hours
Business hours are typically Monday to Friday 0800-1200 and 1400-1700, while in
Geneva the business day can start 30 minutes earlier.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
Note:
There are additional regional holidays which are observed in certain cantons only.
2019
New Years’ Day: 1 January 2019
Ascension: 30 May 2019
Republic Day: 1 August 2019
Christmas Day: 25 December 2019
2020
New Years’ Day: 1 January 2020
Ascension: 21 May 2019
Republic Day: 1 August 2020
Christmas Day: 25 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Travel etiquette
How to fit in
Social Conventions
It is customary to give flowers to the hostess when invited for a meal, but never
give chrysanthemums or white asters as they are considered funeral flowers.
Informal wear is widely acceptable.
First-class restaurants, hotel dining rooms and important social occasions may
warrant jackets and ties. Black tie is usually specified when required.
Health
Health
Main emergency number: 112
No immunisations are required to enter Switzerland, although it is advisable to
make sure your tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccinations are up to date before
travelling. A certificate of immunisation against contagious diseases (including
Yellow Fever) is required before the traveller can enter the country if they have
been in an infected area within 14 days prior to arrival in Switzerland. Rabies is
present, but extremely rare. However, if you are bitten, seek medical advice without
delay.
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Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +41
Telephone
Phonecards are available for use in payphones. SIM cards are available for mobile
phones and the Swiss network supports many data-roaming packages.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies.
Coverage is good.
Internet
Internet access is available in Internet cafés and phone booths operated across
Switzerland, found in most major town and cities. In the case of phone
booths, charges are payable by phonecard or credit card, whilst cafés are mostly
independently run. Internet coverage is good across Switzerland.
Getting around Zurich
Getting around
Public Transport
Zurich’s slick system of buses, trams and trains is operated by Zürcher
Verkehrsverbund (zvv.ch) with individual tickets (by zone) available to buy from
machines at each stop. Day and multi-day passes offer better value for money,
while the tourist-centred ZürichCARD includes transport and entry to many
museums and attractions across the city, for 24 or 72 hours.
Taxis
Cabs can be hailed in the street or at taxi ranks, or booked by phone. Two
respectable firms are Taxi 444 (tel. 41-44/444 44 44; taxi444.ch) and 7x7
Fahrdienste (Tel.: 41-44/777 77 77, 7x7.ch).
Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Zurich
Grossmünster
This vast twin-towered medieval church on the east bank of the River Limmat
dominates Zurich’s skyline.
Grossmünsterplatz Opening times:
8001 Zurich Daily 1000-1700 (Nov-Feb)
Switzerland 1000-1800 (Mar-Oct)
Tel: +41 44 252 5949
www.grossmuenster.ch
Fraumünster
Standing directly opposite its larger cousin on the west bank of the river lies this
beautiful church featuring stunning stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti
and Marc Chagall.
Munsterhof 2 Opening times:
8001 Zurich Daily 1000-1600 (Nov-Mar)
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Switzerland 1000-1800 (Apr-Oct)
Tel: +41 44 211 4100
www.fraumuenster.ch
Kunsthaus Zürich
You pass Rodin’s sculpture Gates of Hell to enter, but inside this unmissable
museum you’re in fine art heaven. Its vast array of Swiss and European paintings
and sculptures includes the world’s biggest collection of Alberto Giacometti works.
Heimplatz 1 Opening times:
8001 Zurich Tue and Fri-Sun 1000-1800
Switzerland Wed-Thurs 1000-2000
Tel: +41 44 253 8484
www.kunsthaus.ch
Swiss National Museum
Near the train station, this absorbing museum tells you just about everything you
need to know about Swiss history from prehistoric times to the present day.
Museumstrasse 2 Opening times:
8021 Zurich Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 1000-1700
Switzerland Thurs 1000-1900
Tel: +41 44 218 6511
www.nationalmuseum.ch
Museum Rietberg
Two 19th-century buildings set within a park house an impressive collection of
non-European art.
Gablerstrasse 15 Opening times:
8002 Zurich Fri-Tue 1000-1700
Switzerland Wed-Thurs 1000-2000
Tel: +41 44 415 3131
www.rietberg.ch
Zurich Zoo
A piece of Madagascan rainforest has been recreated in Switzerland at this park-
like zoo, where other attractions include snow leopards, Andean bears and 20
species of monkeys.
Zürichbergstrasse 221 Opening times:
8044 Zurich Daily 0900-1800 (Mar-Oct)
Switzerland 0900-1700 (Nov-Feb)
Tel: +41 44 254 2505
www.zoo.ch
Botanical Gardens
Characterised by dome-like greenhouses, Zurich University’s botanical gardens
take visitors on a journey from alpine meadows to tropical rainforests.
Zollikerstrasse 107 Opening times:
8008 Zurich Mon-Fri 0700-1900 (Mar-Sep)
Switzerland Sat-Sun 0800-1800 (Mar-Sep)
Tel: +41 44 634 8461 Mon-Fri 0800-1800 (Oct-Feb)
Sat-Sun 0800-1700 (Oct-Feb)
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www.bguz.uzh.ch
Rathaus
Sitting on the banks of the Limmat, Zurich’s city hall is housed in an impressive
baroque building. Guided tours are available.
Limmatquai 55 Opening times:
8001 Zurich Daily (tours on request)
Switzerland
Tel: +41 43 259 6811 www.kantonsrat.zh.ch/das-rathaus/bes
uchen-sie...
Uetliberg
Take a breather from city life at this local mountain, easily accessible by train from
Zurich main station. At 869m (2,850ft), it affords great views over Zurich, with
hiking and biking trails for energetic visitors.
8143 Uetliberg www.uetliberg.ch
Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 457 6666
Giacometti Hall
Zurich is the place to see what is arguably the most beautiful police station
entrance in the world. When the orphanage on Bahnhofquai was converted into a
municipal administration building around 1900, Augusto Giacometti was
commissioned to paint the walls and vaulted ceiling of the entrance hall. He
decorated it with lavish blooms and today it is affectionately known by the people
of Zurich as the Blüemlihalle (floral hall).
Bahnhofquai 3 Opening times:
8001 Zurich Mon-Sun 0900-1100 and 1400-1600
Switzerland (upon presentation of ID)
www.stadt-zuerich.ch/pd/de/index/das_
departe...
Shopping in Zurich
Shopping in Zurich
Key Areas
Shoppers are spoilt for choice here – as long as your credit limit can take the heat.
Major designer labels and big brands are represented on Bahnhofstrasse, the
city’s glitziest street, while speciality boutiques and artisan shops line the
alleyways of Niederdorf in the Old Town, and Schipfe, the old silk-making district.
Meanwhile, the streets of Zurich West are filled with hip young Swiss designers
and alternative fashions.
Markets
Zurich sports a vast array of markets. Don’t miss the flea markets at Bürkliplatz and
Kanzleistrasse, ideal for people-watching as well as picking up bargain bric-a-
brac. A unique experience is the permanent daily food market at Viaduktstrasse in
Zurich West, where stalls are clustered under railway arches.
Shopping Centres
The city’s largest department store, Jelmoli (Seidengasse 1), stocks a vast range of
men’s and women’s brands as well as an extensive food hall, restaurants, a
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terraced bar and tea room.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Zurich
As you’d expect for a European city of its size, there’s plenty of variety in Zurich’s
restaurant scene.Whatever your preference, make sure a traditional rösti makes it
onto your plate at least once.
Kronenhalle
A Zurich institution, this elegant but unpretentious restaurant has served up its
excellent classic cuisine to a cross section of Europe’s artistic society for decades.
Rämistrasse 4 Price: Expensive
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Le Dézaley
Zurich may be in the Swiss-German part of the country, but this restaurant by the
Grossmünster specialises in the flavours of Romandie canton Vaud.
Romergasse 7 Price: Moderate
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Reithalle
This renovated former riding school in Zurich West serves modern seasonal
cuisine to a hip young crowd.
Gessnerallee 8 Price: Moderate
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Restaurant Hiltl
This long-standing vegetarian restaurant is hugely popular for its buzzy
atmosphere, fantastic buffet and reasonable prices.
Sihlstrasse 28 Price: Cheap
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Nightlife
Nightlife in Zurich
From riverside bars to jazz clubs to alternative clubbing, Zurich has a vibrant after-
dark scene. Visitors should divide their timebetween the bars and cafés of
Niederdorf in the Old Town and the eclectic offerings around Langstrasse in Zurich
West.
Oepfelchammer
This atmospheric 200-year-old pub and restaurant in the Niederdorf is where
Swiss literary legend Gottfried Keller liked to drink.
Rindermarkt 12
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8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Kaufleuten
One of the best known nightspots in the city, this place comprises four bars packed
with Zurich’s rich and fashionable.
Pelikanplatz
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Schiffbau
This former shipbuilding plant in Zurich West now houses an avant-garde offshoot
of the famous Schauspielhaus theatre, fine restaurant LaSalle and Moods, the best
jazz club in the city.
Schiffbaustrasse 4
8005 Zurich
Switzerland
Zurich Opera House
For a special night out, take in a ballet or opera performance at this world-
renowned venue built in 1891 on the shore of Lake Zurich.
Falkenstrasse 1
8008 Zurich
Switzerland
Cabaret Voltaire
The birthplace of the Dada art movement remains a lively place to spend an
evening, with a bar, art exhibitions and regular events.
Spiegelgasse 1
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Calendar of events
Calendar of events
ZüriCarneval
Fancy dress, fireworks and festivities throughout the city.
8 - 16 March 2019
www.zuerichcarneval.ch/
Venue: Throughout the city
International Zurich Marathon
The annual city marathon winds a serpentine route around some of the most
picturesque parts of Zurich.
28 April 2019
www.zurichmarathon.ch/
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Venue: Throughout the city
Zurich Pride Festival
Each year thousands of revellers throng the streets of Zurich for this colourful
celebration, which is one of the largest gay and lesbian events in Switzerland.
During the four-day Zurich Pride Festival, visitors can expect a loud and
gregarious crowd who are intent on having a good time. Events include a parade
through Zurich's streets, political debates and seminars and plenty of live music
and DJ sets. After the main event of the public parade, many bars and clubs keep
the partying going on into the small hours.
8 - 17 June 2018
www.zurichpridefestival.ch
Venue: Area around Helvetiaplatz
Ironman Triathlon
In the biggest event of its kind in the country, Ironmen contestants test their metal
against one another in this tough, multi-discipline event. The triathlon begins with a
swim across Lake Zurich. Then participants take to bikes for the cycling section.
The final discipline sees participants run along the lakeside course in a bid to be
crowned champion. Competition is fierce as the top 75 athletes qualify for the
Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Hawaii.
20 July 2019
eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/5150/515...
Venue: Various locations around Lake Zurich
Allianz Cinema Zürich
Summer evenings in Zurich are enlivened with a season of films shown at an
outdoor cinema in a lovely lakeside setting. Top movies, from classics to cult, are
shown, attracting film buffs and families alike for an evening under the stars.
Cinema goers can also grab a bite to eat at one of the lakeshore restaurants.
Showings may be cancelled in the event of very bad weather, but light rain is no
deterrent so an umbrella is often a wise accessory. The programme is published in
advance of the season, during May.
18 July - 18 August 2019
allianzcinema.ch/zuerich
Venue: Orange Cinema Zurich
Zürcher Festspiele (Zurich Festival)
The enchanting city of Zurich celebrates its cultural diversity with its annual Zurich
Festival in the summer. Taking place in a variety of venues throughout the city
centre, visitors can expect to be entertained by a great programme that
encompasses art, theatre, contemporary dance, ballet, music, opera and literature.
The Festival usually opens with a grand celebration with events taking place
inside and in front of the Kunsthaus in the heart of Zurich.
June 2020
www.festspiele-zuerich.ch/
Venue: Various cultural venues in Zurich.
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Hotels
Hotels in Zurich
It’s not hard to find a place to rest your head in opulent luxury here.Surprisingly,
Zurich has a number of mid-range and inexpensive hotels, too.
Widder
A string of eight medieval houses make up this sumptuous boutique hotel. Its bar
stages live jazz events.
Rennweg 7 Category: Expensive
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Adler
This cosy Niederdorf hotel sits above the Swiss Chuchi restaurant, ideal for trying
your first raclette or fondue.
Rosengasse 10 Category: Moderate
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Altstadt
As the name suggests, this stylish three-star is right in the heart of the Old Town.
Kirchgasse 4 Category: Moderate
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Townhouse Boutique
This character-packed design hotel is styled like an English townhouse.
Schützengasse 7 Category: Moderate
8001 Zurich
Switzerland
Rothaus
A clean, simple, well-priced two-star off the eclectic Langstrasse in trendy Zurich
West.
Sihlhallenstrasse 1 Category: Budget
8004 Zurich
Switzerland
Crew Tip
My Zurich
When I’m in Zurich, I can’t resist paying a visit to the old town, neighboring Seefeld
quarter, and also buzzing Langstrasse quarter in district 4 with its many bars and
restaurants.
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© Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Best of ...
... the west
© Anne Gabriel-Juergens
It may not look like it, but this is Zurich! No glittering lake, narrow old-town streets or
Bahnhofstrasse lined with luxury shops anywhere to be seen, just warehouse
buildings, industrial wasteland and construction fencing. Why would anyone want
to set foot here? Because this is Zurich like you’ve never seen it before, more open,
more urbane, and totally in contrast with the rest of the city’s rather staid and quaint
image.What residents call this hip, new neighborhood is less than inspired: Züri
West. But it’s also the name of one of Switzerland’s most successful rock bands
and doubles as a mischievous nickname for the sleepy Swiss capital, Berne.
Frau Gerolds Garten
The best place to start exploring Züri West is on Geroldstraße, where a jumble of
shipping containers between the railroad tracks and a Salvation Army hostel looks
like a pile of building blocks abandoned by a giant child. This fantastical mix of
beach club, urban gardening project and street art gallery is called “Frau Gerolds
Garten.” There’s a circus tent in amongst the containers, and vegetables and herbs
flourish in old wine vats. Two years ago, Marc Blickenstorfer and a consortium of
partners opened this trendy place, and right now, the “hotspot king” is standing on
top of the containers, looking down onto the tracks and the trains that regularly
rumble past.“Isn’t it fabulous? I loved these kinds of places when I was a kid,” says
the 43-year-old enthusiastically, “they made me want to go off and see the world.”
The surroundings aren’t exactly “attractive” – as Blickenstorfer, who runs another
restaurant by the lake, freely admits. “But the neighborhood has an urban beauty
Zurich didn’t have before.” He’s not the only one who likes it here. At lunchtime,
young mothers drop by for coffee, and after work, bankers enjoy a cool beer here.
Then comes the party crowd, who begin the evening at Frau Gerolds’ before
moving on to the nearby nightclubs.
Geroldstrasse 23 www.fraugerold.ch/
8005 Zürich
Schweiz
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Les Halles
Twenty years ago, no one would have dreamed of spending a night out in Zurich
West – even though it was only a ten-minute streetcar ride from Zurich’s central
station. They used to make cogwheels and soap there, and process lakes of milk in
factories surrounded by high fences. When the factories closed, the abandoned
buildings were initially used for illegal parties, then the architects and artists
arrived. Today, agencies, law firms and hotels occupy the former industrial spaces,
but the old ambience remains. A good example of this is the Puls 5 complex
located in a former foundry. Offices, restaurants and shops now occupy one part,
but the old factory atmosphere still clings to the huge production hall, the true heart
of the complex with its steel joists and industrial crane. Trade fairs and fashion
shows sometimes take place here during the day, and in the evenings, inline
skaters use the football field-sized concrete floor as a giant skating rink. The former
Löw enbräu brewery has also been successfully transformed to house the
Kunsthalle art museum and several galleries. Atop the old brick building, two new
residential and office blocks gleam red and black.The prestigious Schauspielhaus
Zürich theater ensemble has also discovered the area and now performs in the
Schiffbau, a restored shipyard building also housing the smart La Salle restaurant.
A hundred meters away, tucked behind a car wash, there’s the Les Halles bistro,
where wobbly chairs and dim lighting exude an alternative charm. Stroll a little
further and you will discover plenty of other unusual spots, like the Freitag Tower, a
stack of 17 containers that sells bags made of upcycled truck tarpaulins. Then
there’s the Hotel Rivington, an old-school bar with fixtures and fittings from an old
New York establishment. A market hall and an array of fashion stores have opened
beneath the arches of a viaduct dating from 1894, over which trains still clatter
today. At one store, The Senior Design Factory, grandmothers teach young
hipsters to knit and crochet.
Pfingstweidstrasse 6 les-halles.ch/
8005 Zürich
Schweiz
Gerold Chuchi
The best place in Zurich West is probably Gerold Chuchi, which shares its
premises with the Hive techno club. When the weekend is over and the partygoers
have gone home, tables and chairs are set up on the dance floor and the space
becomes a restaurant. One of the initiators is Dresden-born Sebastian
Woloschanowski, 34, aka Wolo, who is anything but modest when he talks about
his “pop-up restaurant:” HE serves the cheapest pasta in town, made with an 85-
year-old Sicilian pasta machine!Plus, 70 percent of his clientele is female, which
he claims has nothing to do with him. “It’s because we’re authentic and treat our
guests informally. If we’re out of sorts, we show it,” he says, turning to his
customers and flashing a smile.
Geroldstrasse 5 www.geroldchuchi.ch/
8005 Zürich
Schweiz
25hours
The Gerold Chuchi gives onto the 126-meter-high Prime Tower. Through the full-
length windows of its top-floor bar, the old town and lake, and beyond them the
glorious Alps, seem close enough to touch. Annette Gigon designed the tower with
fellow architect Mike Guyer. Is she proud of having built Switzerland’s tallest
building? Not this modest, soft-spoken architect. Somewhat sheepishly, she admits
having been a little bit nervous at first, wondering what it would look like up close –
and from a distance? Today, she knows that most people in Zurich like
it.Thousands of office staff work in the shimmering green glass building and fill the
neighborhood in the evening. Is Zurich West in danger of being overrun with
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offices? Gigon thinks it’s possible but counters that “Zurich isn’t growing anywhere
near as fast as Asian cities.” Even so, investors are busily tracking down prime
plots. The site currently occupied by Frau Gerolds Garten is slated for
redevelopment for which the project will one day have to make way. Luckily, the
lease has been extended through 2019. The attraction of Zurich West lies in its
juxtaposition of old and new. As Annette Gigon says: “We should enjoy it while it
lasts.”
Pfingstweidstrasse 102 www.25hours-hotels.com/en/zurich-wes
8005 Zürich t/home/ho...
Schweiz
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