City life in Switzerland is renowned for being a hotbed of creativity and reinvention, giving birth to such world-renowned companies as Nescafe, Lindt and Rolex – products of innovation driven by Swiss roots.
Visitors to Zurich can experience an opulence in culinary delight at Markthalle, an expansive complex of food shops, markets and counters created to showcase what ingredients were available at its establishment in 1837.
Oepfelchammer
Zurich is a global hub of finance, banking, and trade. Situated on the northern shores of Lake Zurich with picturesque waterways flowing into it and an iconic 17th-century town hall as its backdrop. Zurich boasts charming compact medieval lanes alongside bustling modern life – all while boasting breathtaking views of snow-covered Swiss Alps!
Wealth in this city has brought with it first-rate public and private healthcare and schools. Streets are safe from crime; petty theft is almost nonexistent. Additionally, Switzerland’s train system works flawlessly – many residents opting out of owning cars in favor of efficient trains that take them everywhere from work to school and back again.
One of the top activities in Zurich is tasting its world-famous chocolates. Make sure to sample some during your visit and bring home a few to share with family and friends back home. In addition, Zurich boasts an active nightlife scene where many enjoy going out dancing.
Discover Zurich’s culture through visiting its museums and galleries, such as the Rietberg Museum and Kunsthaus Zurich. Notable examples are located at Gablerstrasse where it houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures, artifacts and archaeological remains curated by Wilhelm von Humboldt himself in 1855 – who had the idea to use this institution to showcase Switzerland’s cultural heritage.
Zurich Zoo is another must-visit, housing over 3,500 animals from all corners of the globe. Visitors can learn about each species while watching them interact with one another and observe them interact. Furthermore, this zoo offers numerous activities designed specifically for families such as animal shows and educational workshops.
Zurich offers some delicious traditional Swiss cuisine, from fondue and raclette to its famed wines which pair beautifully with any meal.
Zurich is best visited during winter months when it’s popularly used as a destination for skiing. December-February are peak ski travel months; however, you can often find better accommodation deals if visiting March-May or September-November shoulder seasons instead.
Atelierhaus
The Atelierhaus Hilmsen is a center for artistic research and exploration. Offering artists and scholars from around the globe a place where they can work uninterrupted, creating and exploring their surroundings, this vibrant center also hosts collaboration and exchange programs for easy accessibility from within the city itself. Conveniently situated in Lindenhof’s historic district it makes access easy from any direction in Berlin.
Grossmunster Church, commonly referred to as the Twin Towers, is one of Zurich’s most beloved landmarks and one of its defining features. Dating back to 12th-century construction, this Gothic-style masterpiece boasts an intriguing history that must be experienced first-hand when visiting this vibrant city. A must see attraction, the church boasts beautiful exterior architecture that attracts architecture enthusiasts while its small entrance fee can help provide respite from busy city streets.
Fraumunster Church is another must-see spot, featuring stunning neoclassical architecture. As one of the city’s defining symbols and landmarks, its stained glass windows cast mesmerizing hues of color across its interior space.
This cathedral is a must-see destination for architectural enthusiasts and photographers. The doors are particularly striking while the towers offer breathtaking views over the city. Traveling by tram takes only 10 minutes – providing another great photo op!
Zurich offers an incredible variety of activities, ranging from shopping and nightlife to scenic lake and river cruises and cruises of its picturesque scenery. Perfect for family vacations, romantic getaways or solo travel adventures alike – not to mention many award-winning restaurants serving classic Swiss fare! Zurich also features parks with laid-back bars that help to provide ample relaxation space – making this city by the water unmatched in combining its cosmopolitan flair with nature!
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich is home to one of Switzerland’s finest fine arts galleries, boasting one of its richest collections from Middle Ages pieces to Old Masters and contemporary works. Admission to its permanent collection is free; temporary exhibitions require a small fee; opening hours vary between Tuesday and Friday and can be reached by train, tram, bus.
This art museum, designed by David Chipperfield and lit from within by its light-filled cuboid form, makes an organic connection with its surrounding neighborhood. With cafe, design store and banqueting hall all providing perfect spots to enjoy its works on display; while hosting several public events like lectures series and artist talks.
The museum archive is extensive, preserving nearly all administration files created during Wilhelm Wartmann’s time as director – from exhibitions, purchases, loans of artworks, items deposited and more – created during Wilhelm Wartmann’s directorship and organized alphabetically according to addressee registers – making these documents easily available for viewing in the reading room.
In addition to its impressive collection, the Kunsthaus features several exhibits that highlight Zurich’s rich culture and history. These include an exhibit showcasing 9th-century stone heads carved with carving tools as well as guild houses that display decorative arts such as porcelain or faience ware. Furthermore, prints, drawings and photographs detailing modern art history are on display as well.
The Kunsthaus is an invaluable destination for art enthusiasts and students. Boasting one of the country’s premier modern art collections, as well as numerous educational programs tailored to adults and children. Museum staff provide guided tours through permanent and temporary exhibitions or give art talks on specific subjects; additionally there is an impressive library with books about art as well as an audiovisual archive collection; there are workshops for adults as well as classes tailored towards children.
Artisan
Zurich was an important merchant city during the 16th and 17th Centuries, giving rise to confidence enough for it to declare itself a Republic in 1648. While Catholicism waned in popularity, Protestant reform and trade became its religion; political power shifted away from burgher families towards guilds. At this time local intellectuals such as education reformer Heinrich Pestalozzi and historian Johann Jakob Bodmer with strong connections with Jean-Jacques Rousseau emerged. Zurich remained neutral during World War 1, becoming home for artists such as James Joyce who founded Dada movement.
Zurich offers an abundance of culinary offerings. While you’ll find many upscale restaurants here, traditional Swiss fare can also be enjoyed at numerous cafes, bakeries and delis serving fresh bread, cured meats and cheese. Plus there are stores selling locally grown veggies and herbs!
Many of these establishments also boast excellent wine bars. One such bar is The Artisan, featuring wines with honest, careful preparation that honor the terroir. Furthermore, this restaurant relies solely on natural ingredients for their menu and supports farmers who place great importance on gentle vinification processes.
Schweizer Heimatwerk is another Zurich attraction worth seeing; this shop sells handmade products like wooden toys, Swiss watches and clothing at Uraniastrasse 1. English-speaking staff can assist visitors when making selections; making this an excellent stop for anyone wanting a souvenir that showcases Switzerland’s rich cultural diversity.
Zurich offers some fantastic street food experiences, from juicy bratwurst and the more exotic Servalat curry sausage, to koufli (an omelette-based meal filled with vegetables served with either sourdough or rye toast).
There are also countless restaurants serving traditional Swiss cuisine such as rosti and schweizbier, as well as popular dishes such as huppen (thin, brittle wafer biscuits filled with chocolate or other flavors), as well as sweets such as pralines and marzipans.