Best of Zurich

Bahnhofstrasse
The main shopping zone is concentrated in the city centre within one square kilometre, just beside Zurich's main station, which makes it ideal for pedestrians. It leads you towards the Paradeplatz and the lake. This elegant street was built on the site of the city walls which were torn down 150 years ago. Since the Bahnhofstrasse is home to some of the world's most important banks, underfoot there are bank vaults full of gold and silver. You can find elegant fashion stores, department stores, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. But pay attention, this street the most expensive street in Switzerland!

Niederdorf
A cheaper alternative is Zurich's Old Town, the so-called Niederdorf beside the Limmatquai on the right bank of the river. This pedestrian zone is a shopper's paradise. Not only in the main alley with its guild houses, but also in all the small corners and side-streets with its hidden shops. At night, this place turns into a nightlife and entertainment centre with it's many pubs, bars and street artists.

Musée Suisse- Swiss National Museum
The museum is set in an imposing imitation castle surrounded by a romantic courtyard, close to the Main Station. The permanent collection on Swiss history gives information about Swiss life and times from the prehistoric to the present, with a good selection of church art, weapons, coins, room interiors, costumes and utensils. In addition, they have special exhibitions with topics relevant to society from time to time. In general, in Switzerland museums are closed on Mondays.

Opera House
When people think of Zurich, the first thing that occurs to them is a business and banking city, rather than a cultural centre. Those who really know Zurich, however, know that it has much more to offer. For example the Zurich Schauspielhaus (theatre), and above all the Opera House, a splendid late baroque style building. It's the best known in Switzerland and it's reputation has grown steadily throughout the world since it opened in 1891. The Opera House is the city's most frequent cultural institution with a varied program of productions.

St. Peterskirche
The St. Peter's church is one of the oldest churches in Zurich and is best known for having the largest clock face in Europe with a diameter of 8.7 metres. It was rebuilt in 1705 and adopted the baroque style. The oriels built in the roof of the tower served as a lookout post. In the wall at the front of the church, there are some gravestones of significant persons in Zurich's history.

Grossmünster
With it's unique dual towers, this cathedral dominates Zurich's skyline. It has both, historical and architectural significance. Its oldest parts date back to the 11 th century. At that time, the north tower was higher than its twin, because it holds the bells. The south tower was brought to the same height in the late 15 th century with a grotesque seated Charlemagne statue. In the 16 th century, the Grossmünster was the starting point of the Swiss-German Protestant Reformation, led by Huldrych Zwingli. The cloister became the germinal of the present University building.

You can climb the south tower for a spectacular view over the city.

Fraumünster
The Fraumünster Church is famous for its distincitive stained glass windows in its Romanesque choir, created by Marc Chagall in 1970. The interior of the church is remarkable as well. To the left of the portal, there is the memorial slab to Mayor Hans Waldmann. The Gothic building itself dates from the 13 th century.

Chinagarten
Around lake Zurich, lawns with walkways and trees in the Arboretum on the west bank make this zone ideal for strolling. In summer, the famous “Chinawiese” (Chinese Garden) turns into a meeting point for mostly young people, who chill or play sport games. Many street artists and musicians give a special flavour to this lively spot. Designated areas for outdoor swimming and sunbathing, such as Mythen- and Utoquai are open from May to September.

Kunsthaus
In 1787, a number of Swiss artists came together and formed an association. It was not until 1847 that they set up their first museum, which is today the Kunsthaus (Museum of Fine Arts). It differs from older museums because it concentrates its efforts on expanding in areas which the purchases and donations of the past decades have laid solid foundations. Also the organisation of exhibitions is of great importance, even at an international level.

Zoo Dolder
Zoo Dolder is one of Europe's leading zoos, located on the Zürichberg woods (where many celebrities have their residences), ideal for walks away from the noise of the city. The expansive location gives its animals plenty of space. Recently, the zoo has built a Madagascan rainforest environment. There are 350 animal species from all around the world, in all about 2500 animals. If you are lucky, you can see for example emperor penguins strolling free around. A good idea especially for children!

Alpamare
Half an hour away from Zurich city, Alpamare is definitely worth a visit, especially for families. It's the biggest covered aqua park in Europe. It offers you nine exciting water slides, such as “Thriller” or “Grand Canyon”, with many special light and water effects. You can find many different pools. Relax in the 30°C warm Iodine thermae, jump into high waves, let yourself drift downstream in a rubber tyre, swim against the strong current or join the water gymnastic program. In addition, they have suna, solarium, restaurants and much more.

Uetliberg
Zurich lies on the foot of the Uetliberg (mountain, 871 meters above sea level). You can reach the summit in only 23 minutes with the Uetliberg Railway, built in 1875. From here, you have a panoramic view over Zurich in all directions. A two-hour Planetary Path (Planetenweg) runs along the mountain ridge overlooking the lake. You pass models of the planets in the solar system, on a scale of one to 1000 millions.