Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland located in the German speaking part of the country. It’s known for its banking and being the financial capital of Switzerland.

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The main shopping street (Bahnhofstrasse) is lined with very expensive upmarket shops, which is great to look at, but not for the limited budget! The old part of Zurich has several famous churches Fraumünster Church, Grossmünster Church and St Peters with the largest clock face in Europe (bigger than big ben).

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At the end of the Bahnhofstrasse is Lake Zurich, a 20 mile long lake which stretches down to the mountains. During the summer Lake Zurich is full of pleasure boats, sailing boats and has numerous beaches and parks which are great to hang out with friends.

It’s not as famous as Geneva for tourism but has many of great things to do which makes the city special.

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What's going on?

 

There is a great summer scene with one of the largest free festivals in Europe taking place in August (Street Parade) with nearly a 1/2 million visitors (when there is no pandemic)!

 

There is also the Zurich Fest which is held every 3 years in the city and the lake. Events are spread out over 3 days including fireworks, fair ground rides and fly past from the Swiss Red Arrows!

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Where to eat?

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The food scene in Zurich is from the super expensive to the very affordable, there are some excellent food choices at great prices for the traveller.

 

The food is varied from Asian Cuisine, European and especially Swiss specialities! There are a number of amazing burger joints such as Holy Cow and BlackTap burgers from New York!

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The Zeughaus Keller in the middle of the Bahnhofstrasse is the old military armoury for Zurich. Today it’s a great restaurant serving things from 1meter long sausages through to the Zurich speciality of Zürcher Geschnetzeltes which is Rosti (like a hash brown) served with Veal and Cream – it’s fantastic!

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If you love vegetarian and vegan food, then the Hiltl is for you. This is the worlds oldest vegetarian restaurant, and it simply delicious.

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Winter time and out and about​

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Winter in Zurich is simply magical. There main streets are lit with millions of lights, it looks like its snowing on the shoppers! In the main station (Zurich HauptbahnHof) there is a large indoor Christmas Market which is surrounding a huge Christmas Tree which is laden with Swarovski crystals. Also at the Theatre Platz, there is an outdoor Christmas Market which has some of the best food stands of the year!

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Getting around is super simple with a fantastic tram line, buses, electric scooters and small boats which take you up and down the Limat (the small river which is fed from the lake).

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There are a number of very good galleries and museums around Zurich. From the FIFA world cup museum, Swiss museum and fine works of arts can be found at the Kunsthaus Zurich.

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Staying in Zurich is not cheap, but there are some bargains to be had in the old part of town around the Neiderdorf - prices would start around 100CHFs per night.

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It is also such a great hub for Europe. You can catch direct trains to Geneva, Paris, Milan, Berlin and even Vienna. It has a very modern international airport.

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Outside of Zurich

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On the outskirts of Zurich there are many things to see and do.

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The Zurich Zoo is one of the best Zoo’s I’ve visited in Europe. They have spent years changing the zoo from a “old school” concrete pens for animals, to an immersive zoo with the animal’s wellbeing at heart.

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Zurich is also surrounded with hills and nature, there are so many places you can get too within a short drive or trip on the tram (or boat for that matter). The Uetliberg is a little mountain overlooking Zurich. Head up here for an amazing view of the city, the lake and mountains in the back ground.

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At the other end of lake Zurich is my hometown of Rapperswil. This is a medieval town which fought against the Zurich people in the 1600 century but lost. Today there is a beautiful castle, an old town with harbour to be explored and a small children’s Zoo.