8 minute read

Zurich Unplugged

Chocolate, watches, art and more – the ‘Little Big City’ has so much to offer visitors. Here, 10 best things to do when visiting this Swiss gem

WORDS BY VANESSA MULQUINEY
Stadtführung cycling

1. FOR ART

The largest art museum in Switzerland, Zürich’s Kunsthaus boasts a collection from the 13th century to the present. There are rooms dedicated to Swiss artist and sculptor, Alberto Giacometti, while Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, are housed on the top floor. The permanent collection can be viewed for free on Wednesdays.

2. FOR SHOPPING

Known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Bahnhofstrasse is worth a visit for the window shopping (and people-watching) alone. You’ll find luxury brand stores closer to the Lake, and at the other end, more wallet-friendly high street brands. When you need to rest your feet, grab an outdoor marble-topped table at the iconic Café Sprüngli and continue the peoplewatching. Serving coffee since 1883, Sprüngli is best known for its opulent hot chocolate and pastries and in December, its spectacular Christmas lights.

3. FOR VIEWS

Sipping on a cocktail or wine at the Jules Verne Panorama Bar with 360-degree views of the city may seem a little touristy, but once you see the views across the rooftops of Zürich, Lake Zürich, and to the Alps, you won’t regret it. Jules Verne is located below the Urania Sternwarte Observatory which opened in 1907 and is one of the Old Town’s most beautiful buildings. To stargaze in real time, check out the Observatory’s tours and events.

4. ZÜRICH BY TRAM

Enjoy views of the Old Town and the Limmat on a pleasant tram ride on the number 4 or number 15 (tram 10 takes you to the airport). Super fans should head to the tram museum to view original models from 1897 onwards. Fun, seasonal trams like the fondue tram (winter, from November to February), the sushi tram (summer, from August until late September), and the wine tram (summer, from May to late June) all run through the Old Town and the city’s hot spots.

5. RENT A BIKE

Exploring from two wheels in a city like Zürich is really something special – there’s a cycling route (in fact 386 of them) for everyone. Our picks include Rhine to the Linth Canal (a comfortable route), Rapperswil to the spa town of Baden (a medium route), and more strenuous routes such as the 60km Ibergeregg to Sattelegg and ending in Linth.

6. FOR SWIMMING

Talk about bragging rights – not all capital cities have a river that is clean and clear, let alone swimmable but this is Switzerland, and the water quality of Lake Zürich is impeccable so take advantage. There are a couple of swimming areas, but the most centrally located are Frauenbad am Stadthausquai (women only), and Schanzengraben for men. By night, these spots double as bars in the summer months.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Christmas tram; Inside Lindt; Botanischer Garten; Zürich view; Shopping at Bahnhofstrasse; Badi, Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen; Badi, Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen; Stadtführung cycling

7. FOR GARDENS

Enjoy an early morning stroll before breakfast?

The Botanischer Garten (botanical gardens) is the perfect spot to start the day. You’ll be greeted by three futuristic glass domes and over 7,000 different types of plant species. There’s a calendar of events (including educational tours) so check the website ahead of your visit.

8. FOR WATCHES

Switzerland is known for its quality watch making and there’s nowhere better to head than Beyer Watches & Jewels on Bahnhofstrasse, the oldest watch shop in the world, to learn more. Founded in 1760, the basement of the store now houses a watch museum. You’ll find details about each timepiece (the oldest dating back 3,400 years) as well as pendulum clocks, beautifully crafted pocket watches and more.

9. FOR CHOCOLATE

You can’t leave Switzerland without going on a chocolate tour, and one of the most in-depth and attractive (unlimited chocolate tastings!) is at Lindt. You’ll travel to Ghana and learn all about the cultivation of cocoa and in the production plant, witness master chocolatiers transform beans into cocoa liquor, then into liquid chocolate, and finally the Lindt bars and pralines we know and love. You can either visit on a guided or audio tour, and booking ahead is a must.

Hürlimannbad & Spa

10. FOR SPAS

Like watches and chocolate, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a thermal spa in Zürich, but for a spa with killer views, you can’t go past Hürlimannbad & Spa. Housed in a former brewery, relax in huge wooden water-filled tubs or head for the Irish-Roman spa with steam baths and shallow pools. For Turkish-style hammam, Hammam Basar + Salon offers massages, facials and more, plus there’s a delicious organic, vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free menu to enjoy.

Views from Hürlimannbad
Zürich, Grossmünster
Bahnhof, Bahnhofstrasse

Planning a Swiss getaway? Don’t miss these events!

EXPOVINA WINE FAIR (NOVEMBER 2–16)

Held on-board 12 Lake Zürich boats, wine enthusiasts look forward to this event all year.

INTERNATIONALE KURZFILMTAGE WINTERTHUR (NOVEMBER 7–12)

The international festival celebrating short films attracts thousands of fans to Winterthur every year.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS (NOVEMBER 23–DECEMBER 24)

Is there anything better than the enchanting atmosphere of a Christmas market? The markets in Zürich will transport you back to childhood!

SAMICHLAUS SCHWIMMEN (DECEMBER 3)

Not for the fainthearted, Zürich’s Limmat river is the scene of this winter fundraiser where hundreds swim from one bank to the other, dressed in swimming costumes and Santa hats.

Samichlaus Schwimmen

A visit to Switzerland

Inspiring Vacations’ Email Marketing Coordinator, Scott, visited Switzerland in June. Here, he shares his travel tips

What is your best Switzerland travel tip?

Prepare for every type of weather. Although Switzerland is a small country, the diversity of altitude does mean you could be applying sunscreen one day and wearing a couple of layers of clothing the next. In places like Zürich and Lucerne it was entering the start of summer with our arrival in early June, which meant short sleeves were fine, whereas in places like St. Moritz and the Jungfrau, you may need a decent jumper and maybe a jacket. Thankfully most days were hot and pleasant, and the landscape remained stunning no matter the weather.

What do you wish you’d have known before your first visit?

Expect higher than average prices, especially when eating out. Thankfully I found this pretty manageable and it all depends on your budget. If you’re more relaxed about this you’ll have a fantastic time trying all the amazing local food coupled with excellent service. If you’re a little more budget conscious like myself, you can always try to fill up on the buffet breakfasts in the morning and have an earlier dinner. Things like cheese were surprisingly more affordable than home, so a nice picnic in the park is one way you could eat amazing food without breaking the bank.

What is your one must-see sight or must-do experience?

Visiting the Jungfrau is an absolute must during any trip through Switzerland. Even just the journey up is incredible. The cable car that takes you from Grindelwald to the train (which takes you to the peak is absolutely breathtaking), with an incredible view of the north face of the Eiger, which is a famous mountaineering route known to be especially challenging, and you’ll see exactly why. Once you reach the top you can then look down on the amazing snowy mountainous landscape.

Best way to spend a free afternoon in Zürich?

I would definitely recommend taking a boat ride around Lake Zürich. Our tour included a 24 hour Zürich card, which meant that transport by boat was included. Although it is technically just another form of public transport, the route goes in an anticlockwise direction around the lake before arriving back in Zürich. If you’re visiting the Lindt Chocolate Factory, there’s a boat station not too far, meaning you can take the scenic route home via boat back into town rather than getting on the same train you came in on.

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