The atmospheric Zurich offers a varied city break. If you are looking for a destination for a relaxing city break, Zurich is a great choice. Zurich has a reputation as a clean and rich center of the money world. However, the other side of the city is a lively and trendy center with its many interesting bars and restaurants.
Zurich is sympathetic and suitably small so that the tourist can quickly embrace it. Zurich is undoubtedly wealthy, but not be arrogant or difficult to approach. It is easy to indulge in the lively and elegant city life in Zurich.
ZURICH AS A DESTINATION
Alps on the horizon
Zurich, located in the north of Switzerland, is the largest city in the country. It has a population of about 380,000. Zurich is located on the shores of the lake of the same name and along the Limmat River in scenic scenery. Zurich is a typical urban destination, but there are also many opportunities for various nature activities in the area.
Zurich has many high-quality museums and galleries, good shopping and great parkland. Zurich also has an excellent restaurant culture and good bars, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes. Zurich is an excellent destination for a relaxed city break, the main purpose of which is not to run from one attraction to another, but to enjoy the cost of living.
A year-round and affordable destination
The climate in Zurich is typical of Central Europe. Summers are warm but not suffocatingly hot. The temperature revolves around an average of +20 degrees. It can be frosty in winter. Rainfall comes most in the summer, but still fairly evenly in all seasons. Zurich is a suitable destination all year round.
Zurich is quite an expensive city and especially the restaurant and hotel prices are quite high. Zurich belongs to German-speaking Switzerland, but the Swiss are fluent in English and generally do well in English.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN ZURICH
Flying from Helsinki to Zurich
Blue1 and Finnair fly directly from Helsinki to Helsinki. Air ticket prices vary on average between € 200 and € 400.
Zurich Airport is less than ten kilometers from the city center. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is by train. The journey takes about ten minutes. There are also buses to the airport and some hotels have their own regular buses.
Long-distance trains also stop at Zurich Airport, making it very easy to get to other cities in Switzerland or even the Alpine ski resorts.
There are many different types of accommodation in Zurich. Most are in traditional hotels. However, there are also several hostels and lots of apartments for rent in the city. The price level is generally quite high, but affordable accommodation is also available, especially in the low season.
Public transport works great
Getting around Zurich is largely possible on foot, as the city is reasonably small. Public transport is very efficient. There are buses and trams in the center and you can easily get further by train. There are also ships on the lake.
If you want to get around Switzerland more widely, car rental is a good option. Although the train service also works excellently, so the public can easily get from one place to another.
SIGHTSEEING IN ZURICH
Fraumünster and Grossmünster
The construction of Zurich’s most famous churches, Fraumünster and Grossmünster, began as early as the 800s and 100s.
Some of Fraumünster’s windows were designed by Marc Chagall. The Grossmünster is located on the side of Zurich’s Old Town, close to the banks of the Limmat River. Fraumünster is located on the opposite side of the river.
Art, parks and gardens
There are several high-quality museums and galleries in Zurich that are definitely worth a visit for an art lover. Switzerland’s most notable museum, the Zurich Art Museum Kunsthaus, offers a comprehensive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the last century. Works can be found from Van Gogh and Monet, among others.
Zurich also has many charming parks and gardens where you can breathe in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. The Chinese Garden is a gift from the Chinese city of Kunming and is one of the finest Chinese gardens outside of China. The garden is located on the shores of Lake Zurich near Zurichhorn.
The youngest members of the family will certainly enjoy the Zurich Zoo and the rainforest built next to it. The zoo has more than 1,800 animals and is located just outside the city center in Zurichberg. You can get there by tram.
Bahnhofstrasse shopping paradise
Bahnhofstrasse is one of the world-famous shopping streets in the center of Zurich. Seekers of high fashion, Swiss watches and chocolate or quality home decor make their credit cards whine here.
Cheaper shopping and chain stores can also be found on the elegant street. Just window shopping and street-to-street walking provide a glimpse into the elegant and affluent way of life in Zurich.