TRAVEL TIPS
ZURICH
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland (the
Zurich has long been known for being clean and
Helvetian Confederation). Contrary to some
efficient. Due to this, it has been continuously
belief, Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland.
ranked as one of the cities with the highest
Berne is the capital. However, Zurich is the
living standard in the world. The Zurich dialect
country’s financial centre, houses the stock
of German (which sounds very different from
exchange and the headquarters of a large
standard German) is the city’s main spoken
number of national and international companies.
language, but speakers of this dialect invariably
As Zurich is the central node of the Swiss-wide
also understand and speak standard German.
train network and also has the biggest and
Much of Zurich’s population will understand
busiest international airport in the country, it
English, French, or Italian as well.
is generally the first Swiss city tourists visit. Modern Zurich blends old-world charm and
The city is broadly planned into 12 Kreise
avant-garde infrastructure and, because of the
(districts) arranged clockwise around the city
city’s close distance to tourist resorts in the
centre, making it quite simple for tourists to
Swiss Alps and its mountainous scenery, it often
read maps and follow directions.
gets referred to as the “portal to the alps”.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ZURICH
The climate in Switzerland is moderate through the year though winters will seem severe to tourists from warmer climes. The weather is not excessively hot, cold or humid. The temperature ranges from 65° to 82°F (18 to 28°C) during the day in the summer months of July and August. The Autumn and Spring day temperature is between 46° and 59°F (8 and 15°C) and the winter is colder with temperatures from 28° to 45°F (-2 to 7°C ) during January and February. If you’re on a walking tour of Switzerland, remember to wear comfortable shoes and weatherproof clothing. Carrying sunglasses to protect your eyes against the glare, from light reflecting off the snow and a raincoat are also advisable.
TRANSPORT
public transport in Zurich, you purchase and validate tickets before boarding. The most surprising thing about trams and buses in
Zurich is famous for its highly efficient, clean
Switzerland is that they are extremely punctual
and safe public transport system. The network
and you can find a schedule at every stop
includes trams, buses, S-Bahn (local trains) and
accurate to within a couple of minutes.
even boats for the lake and river. Tickets must be purchased from a ticket machine before boarding or a ticket selling kiosks. The ticket covers the city and should be enough for most tourists’ needs. This ticket is valid for all trains, trams, buses, boats and cable cars in Zone 10 (Zurich municipal zone).
TRAMS AND BUSES Several tram lines and buses (some electrified) cover the city at street level. Like all other
TRAIN The S-Bahn is Zürich’s regional rail system, used mainly by commuters but also a good way to get to many destinations outside the city centre. Zurich’s S-Bahn system provides convenient and fast service throughout the region. The S-symbol stands for Selbskontrolle (i.e. Self-controlled). You must have a validated ticket before you board. If you do not have a ticket you will be liable for an on-the-spot fine of 80CHF.
ON FOOT The main train station, old town and the lake promenade and all nearby tourist attractions are easily walkable. You may find that you don’t need transportation for most of your tourist needs once you get into the city.
BIKE You can get bikes, skateboards etc. for free from 7 a.m. to 9:20 p.m. daily from May to October at several places in Zurich and yearround at the central train station.
BY CAR Driving in Zurich is possible but it is painful as the city centre is not easy to navigate by car.
ATTRACTIONS BOATS There are two types of boat-based public
THE LINDENHOF HILL
transportation operated in Zurich: river
In 15 BC, the Romans constructed a customs
buses and lake steamers. The river buses
outpost on this site, thereby founding
operate between the Landesmuseum (near
Turicum, which is now Zürich. The Lindenhof
the Hauptbahnhof) along the Limmat River
remained a place of civil assembly into
and out in the Zurichsee (Zurich Lake) to
modern times. In 1798, the citizens of Zürich
Tiefenbrunnen. There are several stops along
swore the oath on the constitution of the
the Limmat River.
Helvetic Republic on the Lindenhof. Today it serves as a recreational space, a green
The lake steamers which leave from Burkliplatz
oasis and automobile free public space of the
(at the end of Bahnhofstrasse). There is variety
old historic city centre. Its elevated position
of tourist-oriented trips available (including
makes it a favourite point for tourists to get
Jazz Brunch, and trips aboard historic restored
an overview of the geography of old Zürich.
steam ships). A popular trip is to Rapperswil at the south end of the Zurichsee. The town
CHURCHES
has a beautiful castle overlooking the lake
The striking towers of three churches
surrounded by a medieval town.
dominate the city’s skyline: the Grossmünster, commissioned by Charlemagne, St. Peter’s
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ZURICH
Kirche with the largest clock face in Europe
POLYBAHN
(8.7m, or 28.5 feet), and the Fraumünster, much
From the tram station Central, take the
admired for its glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Polybahn, a 19th century funicular, up the
BAHNHOFSTRASSE
steep hill to the ETH Zurich (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) a science and
The world’s most exclusive and expensive
technology university referred to by locals as
stores gather on this street, one next to the
the Poly. From the ETH terrace you will have a
other, for the enjoyment of the voracious
spectacular view of the city.
shopper or storefront admirer. Technology, tradition and design abound in watches,
SKIING
clothes, accessories and chocolate around
Buy a snow’n’rail ticket (train and skipass)
Paradeplatz, the headquarters of the largest
at the Hauptbahnhof. Flumserberg is the
Swiss banks, including UBS and Credit Suisse,
closest large ski-resort, popular with people
whose atrium houses art exhibits, cafes and
from Zurich, with a good range of runs for
more boutiques. The street is a few steps away
beginners and experts.
from Hauptbanhof, the city’s main station, and a hub for almost every tram line in Zurich.
ZÜRICH ZOO
ZÜRICHSEE Take a trip on the Zürichsee on one of the two old steam ships. There are a few different
How about seeing a tropical forest in
routes you can choose from, which will vary
Switzerland? This is the main attraction at
mainly in the distance.
Zoo Zurich, set inside a vast natural park just a few minutes from downtown on trams 5 or
UETLIBERG
6. A huge greenhouse replicates the warm,
Go up Uetliberg (871 m/2,858 ft) the most
moist tropical climate and encloses typical
northerly summit in the Albis ridge. You can
species. Like every modern zoo, the one
hike up, or take a train from the main station.
in Zurich takes advantage of the crowds to
Enjoy the 360 degree view from a tall viewing
address serious issues like the endangered
tower. This is also the start of the Planetenweg
species and human responsibility.
(Planetary Path), an 8 mile walk with models of the planets along the way. These are scaled down in true proportion to the solar system.
GO CLUB-HOPPING Zürich has proportionately the largest number of clubs per capita in Europe. Pick up a free copy of the 20 Minuten (20 Minutes) paper and start exploring.
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STREET PARADE Currently the biggest open air techno rave in Europe. It happens once a year on the second
WHERE TO STAY
Saturday of August, during which trucks which function as mobile sound systems start driving
Zurich is an expensive city to stay in; however,
along the lakeside, starting from the east at
the quality of accommodation there is generally
Utoquai and ending in the west at Hafen Enge.
very good. Larger chain hotels on the outskirts
After the Streetparade, the party doesn’t stop.
of town provide good value for money, as do
There are open air parties along the route until
smaller establishments with fewer amenities
midnight and club parties at various locations
than downtown four and five star hotels.
in town until late the next day.
SWISS NATIONAL DAY, AUGUST 1ST
When deciding on a neighbourhood, it’s important to consider general location. The
Celebrations are carried out in many cities during
city’s most expensive hotels are located in and
the day and there are fireworks displays at night.
around the Old Town, with those close to the Limmat River, Grossmünster, Fraumünster and Bahnhofstrasse carrying a price premium. Choosing Zurich hotels slightly further afield will save you money. Fortunately, as Zurich has a first-class bus, tram and S-Bahn network, even hotels in outlying districts enjoy good connections to the city centre.
The bread available in Zürich is generally delicious. There are many varieties, and your best bet is to go to a bakery or a supermarket in the morning or just after work hours, when most people are doing their shopping and bread is coming out fresh. Combine it with a trip to the supermarket to assemble your own lunch with authentic cheeses. A typically Swiss bread is the Zopf, a braided soft bread that is commonly served on Sundays (it is also called Sonntagszopf).
DINING OUT
Also enjoy pastries and cakes from the various pastry shops scattered around the city. The most famous of Zurich’s pastries is probably the Tirggel, a rather hard
Zürich has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine.
pastry made of flour and honey. Although
From world-class dining, to good down-
traditionally made and eaten during the
home cooking and national and international
winter holidays, many pastry shops sell them
specialties, right up to fast-food restaurants –
throughout the year. Often, they’ve got sights
Zürich has it all.
of Zurich printed on the top, and can be stored for months thus making a good gift.
The quintessential Zürich dish is Zürigschnätzlets, veal in a cream and wine
Try grilled Bratwurst (sausage made of pork,
sauce. Various kinds of grilled Wurst (sausages)
beef, or veal) from street stands, served with
are also popular. These are most often
a large crusty roll of sourdough bread and
accompanied by boiled potatoes, Rösti, a Swiss
optional mustard, or sandwiches made with
potato pancake (grated potato, formed into a
fresh baked Bretzeln (large, soft pretzels).
pancake then pan fried until crisp in butter or oil) or Chnöpfli, in German sometimes called
For breakfast, try a bowl of Muesli, which
Spätzle, (small noodle dumplings). Veal is still
was invented as a health food in Switzerland.
very popular, though the use of turkey and
And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s a
other meats as a substitute is growing.
huge variety of chocolates to enjoy, from the cheapest chocolate bar to individually hand-
While Fondue (bread dipped in melted
made truffles. The chocolate bar displays at
cheese from a central pot) and Raclette
the supermarkets will overwhelm you!
(cheese melted in small portions, served with potatoes and pickles) are not really local to Zürich, they are commonly available in the city’s restaurants.
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SHOPPING For shopping in Zürich there are three different areas in the centre: Bahnhofstrasse, which runs from the Zürich Train Main station Hauptbahnhof right down to the lake. Bahnhofsstrasse is famous for being one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in the world. Here you can get anything from diamond rings to chocolate and fur coats. Globus and Jelmoli are two fiercely competitive department stores, both of whom carry many high-end brands. Niederdorf is the Old Part of Zurich and expands from Bellevue by the Lake right to Central. The Niederdorf is more for young people. Aside from a lot of fast food places you will find a lot of trendy clothes stores here. Löwenstrasse, which runs west of Bahnhofstrasse from the main train station, has lower range shops and a large branch of Migros, a department store chain.
STREET MARKETS Bürkliplatz Flea Market (in the Bellevue area near the Stadelhofen station) — this is the place to rummage for rarities and antiques. Apart from the usual flea market items, this is also a popular place to acquire second-hand jewellery. The market is open on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the months of May to October.
Kanzlei Flea Market (Helvetiaplatz) — The flea market at the Kanzlei is one of the biggest
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
regular flea markets in Switzerland. Every Saturday between up to 400 sellers offer their goods here. They sell typical Swiss goods such as knives, chocolate, porcelain, clocks, wooden toys and embroidery. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CURRENCY Switzerland uses the common European currency, the Euro and also has its own currency the Swiss Franc, one of the world’s most stable currencies, thanks to the Switzerland’s neutrality, its fiercely conservative monetary policy and the ample gold reserves of the Swiss national bank. Swiss francs are shortened either with the official banking name CHF (from the Latin name of the country Confederation Helvetica, CH) or sometimes just Fr. or Sfr. The Swiss Franc is available in banknotes, which bear the value of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1000 Francs. Each Swiss Franc is equal to 100 Centimes. Centimes are available in coins of 1, 20 and 50 Centimes.
41
COUNTRY CODE
or
43 1 144 117 118
CITY CODE EMERGENCY POLICE FIRE STATION
TOURIST INFORMATION
41 44 215 40 80 INTERNACIONAL AIRPORT
41 397 1128