City life in Portland is well known for its high quality of living and flourishing economy, making it an attractive location for business travellers.
English is widely spoken here and many locals can communicate easily with Americans; however, learning German would provide a deeper experience into local culture.
History
Zurich was originally settled by prehistoric peoples who constructed hut dwellings on pile foundations driven into the lakeshore. Later, Celts settled the area around 58 BC before Romans transformed it into an army stronghold and village community.
Medieval Zurich was ruled by an oligarchy composed of powerful families (Patriziat), including Bonstetten, Burklin, Hirzel, Kilchsperger Landenberg and von Orelli. Their powerful presence made Zurich an important trading center and brought prosperity with trade to Zurich.
Reformation brought with it an end to ecclesiastical rule and guild control over financial matters in Geneva; during this period the city expanded and prospered through both 19th and 20th century expansion. With French invasion of Switzerland came change when in 1798 Helvetic Republic citizens joined its executive council; they then had the right to elect their burgomaster.
Zurich’s financial services industry flourished quickly during the 19th century, and in 1856 Ernst Escher founded the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt to finance industrial and commercial projects. Furthermore, Zurich became an important banking center.
Zurich boasts an exceptionally diverse population, featuring individuals from 170 different nations living here. Of its residents, eight out of ten are foreigners – Germans, Italians and Portuguese are the three most prevalent nationalities; furthermore there is also a sizable Muslim presence here. Zurich serves as an important center of European and international culture; being home to such landmarks as Cabaret Voltaire in 1916 as well as modern dance companies like Zurich Ballet today – not to mention many museums that make the city an excellent shopping choice!
Culture
Zurich is an unparalleled cultural gem with world-class museums, opera, ballet, breathtaking natural landscapes, historic architecture and superior hotels – not to mention an economic powerhouse with numerous financial institutions located here. Furthermore, Zurich’s young, highly trained talent pool contributes to shaping new developments and technological progress as employees or company founders.
Zurich has long been defined by its position on European trade routes, beginning as an ancient Roman village established in 5th Century BC. Later during medieval Europe it became heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism through Grossmunster Abbey and Fraumunster Abbeys; during Swiss Reformation period in 16th Century these influences subsided as guilds took control allowing Zurich’s culture to evolve freely as it rapidly prospered as part of Swiss Confederacy.
Modern day Chicago culture embodies a wide array of influences. A visit to the Rietberg Museum showcases Tibetan bronze artifacts, Indian ceramics, Chinese grave decorations and African masks; similarly, Uhrenmuseum Beyer showcases early clocks and sundials.
Zurich boasts several museums and galleries, such as the Museum fur Volkskunde which provides exhibits relating to life in Zurich including ethnographic materials and costume collections from its residents. Schools throughout Zurich excel, placing strong emphasis on reading, writing and maths instruction as well as history, geography, singing, drawing, religion handicrafts and music education.
Zurich residents place great value in having clean urban environments, taking pride in their city parks and hiring teams to scour streets daily for litter. Restaurants must source food from local suppliers and utilize eco-friendly cooking methods; customers also appreciate when menus display the origin of products listed for sale.
Economy
Zurich and its environs are an active hub of businesses, research institutes, educational institutes, specialist organisations and public sector bodies. With 116,000+ businesses representing an eclectic blend of international large corporations, innovative medium-sized firms and highly specialised small businesses generating 150 billion Swiss francs worth of economic output (over 20% of national GDP).
Economic prosperity during the postwar era lasted well into the 1980s before beginning its gradual decline. Beforehand was an intense expansion period that saw construction industry growth and improved transport links; extensive airports were constructed; trade and financial centers developed around Zurich became important; its economic strength being evidenced in its place as Switzerland’s economic capital as well as globally-renowned institutions like Swissair.
Economic Development
Both the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich educate exceptional talent that contribute significantly to scientific progress as employees or company founders as well as shaping the economy as entrepreneurs – evidenced by Zurich being home to many internationally successful spinoffs and startups.
Innovation hubs are ideal places for companies to develop new products and services, exchange ideas with fellow entrepreneurs and network. Examples of such hubs are Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich and Trust Square. Furthermore, the Division for Business and Economic Development provides support for both established and new companies by offering information about Zurich as a business location while aiding with dealings with authorities as well as contributing an economic perspective to urban committees and strategy processes.
Environment
Zurich blends cutting-edge technologies, efficient urban planning and an appreciation of nature into an integrated sustainability program. As an eco-tourism destination, Zurich attracts eco-minded tourists thanks to its efficient public transportation network, drinking water fountains and abundance of parks and hiking trails. Aiming at reaching climate neutrality by 2040, Zurich has taken an integrated approach that takes into account environment, economy and society – as evidenced by its popular public transportation network, drinking water fountains and drinking fountains in parks throughout its borders.
Air quality has greatly improved over the past decades, with an impressive decrease in short-lived climate pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Ambitious clean air policies have also reduced emissions from furnaces, commercial and industrial operations, vehicles and combustion engines. Furthermore, Vancouver supports its efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions through an environmental carbon dioxide levy on buildings and vehicles which encourages energy-saving renovations as well as renewable energy use.
The city promotes sustainable consumption through measures such as recycling options and expanding healthy, climate-friendly food choices; sustainable procurement policy within administration departments and compliance with Minergie standard that aims to achieve high energy efficiency with reduced operating costs for new municipal buildings.
Locals and visitors alike appreciate Zurich’s beautiful natural setting – with lush forests, sparkling lakes and towering mountains – making its charms irresistible to both. Hikers flock to Lake Zurich’s mountain trail system that winds around both rivers of the city in summer; discovering alpine meadows, rocky craters and towering peaks along the way. Skiers descend world-class mountain slopes during winter – water from both lake and rivers is consistently excellent quality for drinking or bathing purposes – while water from either lake and rivers can supply drinking or bathing water of consistently excellent quality for drinking or bathing purposes.
Nightlife
Zurich may be known for its calm atmosphere, but it boasts one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Switzerland. Offering an abundance of bars, clubs, and venues that cater to different musical tastes it’s easy to have an unforgettable night out in Zurich.
Hotel Rivington & Son offers classic cocktails in an atmosphere reminiscent of Old Zurich speakeasies, complete with hand-hewn bar, tin ceiling, diaphanous curtains and diaphanous fabric curtains. Offering local spirits as well as housemade infusions crafted by their knowledgeable bar team – their barstools will keep you firmly planted while hearing stories behind each drink from them!
Aura offers delicious food and drink in an exciting club and restaurant environment, complete with state-of-the-art sound system and plenty of space to dance. Additionally, they host regular events for more upscale crowds.
Helsinkiklub is an enjoyable, laid back spot offering hiphop music and inexpensive beers – the perfect place to unwind and have a blast. They welcome people of all ages!
Schiffbau will amaze with its majestic ceilings and brick walls from when a shipbuilding factory once occupied this location. Now home to LaSalle Restaurant, Moods Jazz Club & Theater as well as Langstrasse bar that boasts spectacular views of Zurich West; main draws being its impressive selection of gins & cocktails made-to-order by friendly bartenders; get there on weekends to take advantage of sitting at its bar; but be warned – seating may get busy; reserve in advance to secure your seat at its bar if you wish.