Zurich may be best known as an international financial center, but the Swiss have long been masters of reinvention and innovation.
Grossmunster minster’s twin towers tower above an Old Town lined with boutiques, jewelers, and department stores from its medieval origins. A short train ride and 15-minute walk brings one to Uetliberg lookout.
History
Zurich is known for its longstanding political activism. The city was established by members of guilds, who implemented reforms such as universal franchise and parliamentary democracy that set Switzerland on its journey toward economic progress and freedom.
Zurich experienced its initial major building boom in the 19th century, when businesses sprung up to service the newly established railroad industry. Zurich quickly emerged as a financial centre, with banks such as Credit Suisse and UBS becoming globally prominent institutions. Zurich’s main museum, Kunsthaus Zurich is housed within an 18th-century castle-like building featuring impressive collections by Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti as well as paintings by Paul Cezanne and Edgar Degas – among many others.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, however, patriciate and council adopted an isolationist attitude, leading to an impressive second ring of city ramparts constructed without consulting subject territories – funds were taken without consultation causing revolts that were swiftly put down with brutal force. Napoleon transformed Helvetic Republic into a centralised puppet state; however it regained its status as free imperial city in 1831.
Since 1990, Zurich’s center-left government has enacted ambitious energy, environmental, and spatial development policies. Formerly an industrial zone, District 5 has undergone remarkable change as its once monofunctional use transforms into cultural institutions such as Museum fur Gestaltung Zurich and education at University of Arts as well as housing. Furthermore, university real estate management decisions now fall directly to them while they can also act autonomously on university-related building projects; furthermore licentiate degrees have been discontinued to make way for Bologna degrees; all developments that help shape Zurich into becoming known for being innovative and creative city.
Culture
Zurich boasts an active cultural scene, highlighted by landmark institutions like its opera house (1891), Schauspielhaus theatre (1901) and Schiffbau shipbuilding hall (2000), all internationally-acclaimed. Art enthusiasts will be delighted by Zurich’s expansive Kunsthaus Zurich collection featuring paintings by Henri Matisse and Vincent van Gogh among many others.
Zurich is also an important hub for music, boasting the world-renowned Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera House (1901). Additionally, its Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art boasts impressive collections featuring artists across a spectrum of periods and styles.
Swiss culture emphasizes consideration for others, which is evident in everyday life in Zurich. For instance, making noise at unreasonable hours such as on the street or train is considered impolite and people respect each other by not talking loudly or playing music at inappropriate hours of the night.
Living in Zurich offers expats an unforgettable cultural experience. Exposed to over 36 different national languages and customs, this vibrant city makes an excellent home for families – offering excellent schools that focus on reading, writing, mathematics, history, geography, singing, handicrafts, drawing religion swimming sports.
Zurich was established as an international banking center during the 19th century due to its wealth, with international connections, manufacturing industries, textile production, textile mills, textile looms and textile production all providing it with confidence as it entered industrial production era with full force. Over time its wealth and power increased; such that in 1648 it changed from Reichsstadt (or Reichstadtstadt) to Republik to align itself more with city republics such as Venice or Genoa.
Food & Drink
Zurich offers a diverse selection of restaurants to satisfy the most discriminating diner, ranging from more affordable options to those more steeply priced.
Sternen Grill is one of the go-to spots for local bankers and film stars looking for a satisfying meal, featuring iconic bratwurst buns with bite and crispy fries, delicious chicken pita sandwiches with strong mustard (SternenSenf), as well as its welcoming environment and friendly service.
Make it an extra special visit by heading to Widder Bar and sampling some of their 250 malt whiskies! Or enjoy an indulging walking tour through Zurich’s artisan chocolatiers for some exquisite Swiss chocolate!
Bebek, with its high Turkish population, offers some unique culinary innovations. To experience them yourself, stop by Bebek for a full Turkish breakfast featuring items like gipfeli and Swiss smoked trout as well as the more typical items.
Zurich offers an expansive selection of craft beers and coffee roasters. To sample some more unusual options, visit BIERlab which features 8-10 styles available – they also offer beer flight deals to sample multiple offerings!
For something lighter, try Rosti (grated potatoes formed into thick pancake shapes and then fried). A popular comfort food, it pairs nicely with cheese or bacon for an ideal comfort meal in the middle of winter. A great place for beer enthusiasts, the owner is super friendly too – make sure you visit this location soon!
Shopping
Zurich may not boast as many shopping spots as Milan or London, but there’s still enough for shopaholics to appreciate. From unique textiles to designer bags, Zurich boasts an abundant retail scene.
Wander Bahnhofstrasse – Zurich’s shopping mecca. Here, boutiques like Opleu and Mexx as well as established chains such as Coop and Migros await. But don’t overlook independent stores such as Atelier Boule Rouge which offers Swiss-personalised laptop cases tailored to both genders!
enSoie was founded in 1940 and began life as Konigsberger, Schimmelburg & Cie – an upscale silk producer that supplied fabric to fashion houses like Dior. Today it’s run by Monique Meier and her daughters; visit them for their carefully selected fabrics and ceramics!
Freitag is an iconic store comprised of 19 recycled shipping containers that has become home for an incredible variety of bags, wallets and phone cases crafted from truck tarps repurposed from trucking companies across Switzerland. Starting at around 130 francs for bags alone!
At this shop, upcycling enthusiasts can attend events and workshops dedicated to this art. Other great finds are Chelsea Morrissey and Stefanie Sixt’s reflective Sputnik weatherproof backpacks designed by Zurich product designers; as well as porcelain cups from Studio Sediment printed with charming illustrations.
Europaallee Passage offers all of the latest global brands in an expansive mall near the main train station, featuring clothing stores and outdoor gear retailers as well as restaurants and cafes for lunch breaks and refreshment.
Nightlife
Zurich may have a reputation of being sedate, but this city knows how to party! With an expansive music scene, lively nightclubs and fun bars – including hip hop clubs and techno venues – Zurich stands out as an incredible destination for partygoers of all stripes.
Zurich offers an abundance of clubs catering to electronic music lovers, especially in Langstrasse’s lively nightlife district where bars and clubs host regular concerts and events throughout the week. Mascotte offers one of the finest venues where visitors can see popular performances as well as local musicians performing.
Gonzo may look like any ordinary kebab shop from the outside, but is widely recognized as one of the city’s premier destinations for DJ nights and rock music performances. Kaufleuten offers similar DJ nights as well as an exciting lineup of live musicians performing there regularly.
Stuba is an industrial-inspired bar with friendly bartenders who serve delicious steak sandwiches and cocktails in an informal environment. Plus, Stuba offers free Wi-Fi.
Hard One draws in young crowds with its blend of hiphop, R&B, house music and EDM; its dance floor is always busy from Friday to Sunday nights! Most clubs accept credit cards; it would be wise to bring some cash just in case something should arise that requires it – bar crawls are an excellent way to experience Zurich nightlife and explore what new offerings there might be!