Overview
GRÜEZI ZÜRI
WORTH SEEING
ATTRACTIONS
FOOD & DRINK
DAY TRIPS
LOCAL TRANSPORT
IMPRINT
Grüezi Züri
Grüezi Züri
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Worth Seeing
Bahnhofstrasse
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Fraumünster
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Fraumünster
Münsterhof Fountain
Lenin Apartment
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Apartment 1916-1917
The Lindenhof, together with the Rathaus quarter, forms the oldest part of Zurich and was already the site of the first settlements around the time of 1500 BC. During the Roman era, the hill developed into the settlement of Turicum. The Roman term for Zurich, Turicum, was first documented in the 2nd century AD. At the National Museum, visitors can view finds
from the Roman period. During the Middle Ages, the hill was levelled.
The retaining wall of the Lindenhof terrace has remained unchanged since then. From this vantage point, you will experience an excellent view over the city.
Lindenhof
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At the Lindenhof
districts 4 and 5. On one side of the path is Europaallee, while Zollstrasse runs on the opposite side. Numerous dining establishments have settled in Europaallee. The lift towers are highlighted by spiral staircases. The bridge is named after Alois von Negrelli
Switzerland's first railway, known as the "SpanishBrötli-Bahn". Negrelli was the General Inspector of the Austrian State Railways and also the planner of the Suez Canal.
Negrellisteg
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with the OBB nightjet to Zurich
Zurich Opera House
The first theatre in Zurich was the "Actien Theater," which opened in the year 1834. Mozart's famous opera, The Magic Flute, was performed at the grand opening. After the building fell victim to a fire in the year 1890, it was replaced by a new structure. The
Viennese architectural fi rm Fellner and Helmer designed the new city theatre.
In the year 1964, the Stadttheater was renamed the Opera House. The Zurich Opera House has a capacity of 1,100 spectators.
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Zurich Town Hall
The construction of Zurich's Town Hall, designed in the German Renaissance style, began in the year 1694.
After a four-year construction period, the building became the official seat of the government and administration of the city republic of Zurich in 1798.
Above the entrance, two gilded lions are placed on either side, serving as the city's heraldic animals.
As it was extremely challenging to store coal on the shore, one of the world's first heat pumps was put into operation in the year 1938.
Schiffbau
Schiffbau has been an integral part of the Zurich Schauspielhaus since the year 2000.
This historically protected building was used to construct ships - hence the name Schiffbau (which means shipbuilding).Currently, there are three venues
available: the Schiffbauhalle, the Box, and the Matchbox. These halls can accommodate between 70 and 600 visitors.
Additionally, the venue accommodates the Jazz Club Moods as well as the trendy restaurant La-Salle.
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Ship propeller in front of Schiffbau
UBS Polybahn
In 1889, the Polybahn, originally known as the Zürichbergbahn, was officially opened. In the year 1897, the railway, which was initially water-powered, was converted to electric operation. Each year, the Polybahn transports around two million passengers.
The train operates fully automatically and runs from Monday to Saturday between 6:45 AM and 7:15 PM, and on Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Even if you have to wait for the next train, the intervals between trains are less than five minutes.
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Don't forget your ticket!
Attractions
Attractions
be something truly special and unique that is covered in this section. Travellers in the metropolis on Lake Zurich will discover unique places that make a visit worthwhile. However, there are even more extraordinary attractions in Zurich. Where else can you find a police station that justifies a visit simply because of its murals? What's more: Switzerland and chocolate are inseparable. The "Lindt Home of Chocolate" is a paradise for chocolate lovers, offering a taste of heaven. The
passionate about the sport. Football enthusiasts consider the FIFA Museum the ultimate attraction. Public art, found on nearly every street corner, is another attraction in Zurich.
Besides the many museums, art in Zurich is practically everywhere. From painted chewing gum to impressive statues –art is omnipresent.
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When it comes to financial matters, especially those involving substantial sums, Switzerland plays a significant role in the business world. The billion-dollar corporation FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) not only has its headquarters in Zurich but also the extraordinary FIFA Museum, which delights football fans. In the context of the FIFA World Cup™ Gallery, the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy, the original of the football tournament, is displayed.
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FIFA Museum
Giacometti Hall
The murals by Augusto Giacometti in the City Police Station of Zurich are a hidden gem for all city visitors. The residents of the city have affectionately named the Giacometti Hall (Zurich City Police) the "Blüemlihalle" due to its numerous floral patterns.
The renovation of the former orphanage led to a competition for redesigning the entrance hall, which Augusto Giacometti won. With his impressive paintings in red and ochre tones on the ceilings and vaults, he created a remarkable work of art. By presenting an ID, the room can be admired daily from 9 to 11 AM and from 2 to 4 PM.
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Art in Zurich
Chewing Gum Art in Zurich
In June 2022, Ben Wilson, known as the "Chewing Gum Man" from London, was invited to Zurich by the Musée Visionnaire. During his stay, he restored the miniatures he had created during his first visit in 2019. Ben Wilson adds vibrant colour accents to flattened chewing gum on the grey pavement
Musée Visionnaire
In the heart of Zurich, guests can discover artworks at the Musée Visionnaire that go beyond conventional norms. Two rotating exhibitions are presented annually.
Ben Wilson
One of the artworks by the "chewing gum artist" can be found in the courtyard of the Flickbar, located at Predigergasse 4.
through his painting. The Musée Visionnaire also organises guided tours to Ben Wilson's works in Niederdorf. A special "chewing gum map" shows the locations where these fascinating miniature artworks can be discovered.
On the first Sunday of every month, free guided tours of the museum are offered at 2:00 PM.
Art at Zurich Main Station
«L’ange protecteur» by Niki
Modern Mathematics - "The Philosophical Egg" by Mario Merz.
de Saint Phalle.
Lindt
Home of Chocolate
This is truly an event for all chocolate lovers and showcases the Swiss chocolate heritage in a very special way. The interactive chocolate world allows visitors to discover everything related to chocolate. Naturally, there are numerous opportunities to sample Lindt's delicious
treats. The attraction is very popular and was visited by over 750,000 guests in the year 2023.
To avoid unexpected surprises, it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
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with the OBB nightjet to Zurich
Design: Santiago Calatrava
The long oval glass dome
Food & Drink
Cabaret Voltaire
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CLOUDS Bistro
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Felix Café at Bellevue
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Ouside area of Felix
Frau Gerolds Garden
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Kronenhalle
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The Kronenhalle
Les halles
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Café Bar ODEON
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Öpfelchammer
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Café & Conditorei
1842
The history of the café began in the year 1842 as "Eberle's Sweets Shop." The confectioner Theodor Schober took over the business about three decades later. Over the years, a renowned confectionery with an attached café developed at Napfgasse 4. Until the year 1975, the Schober family independently managed the confectionery. From 1975 onwards, various tenants followed.
Since 2019, Café & Conditorei 1842 has been run by the Arbeitskette Foundation. This foundation has been operating its own gastronomic establishments since the year 1994. It promotes the integration of young people and adults with physical and/or mental disabilities.
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Rivington & Sons
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Garden in front of the bar
The bar might as well be in Manhatten
In the heart of Zurich's vibrant District 5, known for its lively nightlife, galleries, cinemas, and boutiques, lies the Restaurant Viadukt in a listed viaduct arch. This eatery is open daily and offers its guests a diverse selection of seasonal delicacies.
The Restaurant Viadukt offers three different lunch menus daily. In the evening, exquisite dishes are featured on the menu, which changes four times a year. For late risers, it's worth noting that breakfast is served here every day until 5:00 PM. On sunny days, guests can also enjoy their meals in the garden at the idyllic Josefswiese.
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Viadukt
In the green
Wide range of leisure activities
The
train and the entertainment
Zeughauskeller
The Zeughauskeller has a long tradition and history. As early as the year 1487, even before the discovery of America, the building was constructed as a storage facility for weapons and war materials. According to legend, the crossbow of the national hero Wilhelm Tell was also housed in the Zeughaus. A replica of the weapon, recorded in an inventory in the year 1644, has been on display in the restaurant since 2006. Since the year 1926, the Zeughauskeller has served as a place of conviviality and peace. A visit to this restaurant is an absolute must for lovers of traditional Swiss cuisine.
In a rustic setting, you can enjoy specialties such as the Mayor's Sword or Zurich-style sliced meat here.
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© Zeughauskeller
© Zeughauskeller
guete!
© Zeughauskeller
Zunfthaus zur Waag
The restaurant impresses with its exceptionally friendly service and a festive atmosphere. During the warm season, you can also indulge yourself on the summer terrace at Münsterhof. The Zunfthaus zur Waag was built in the year 1315.
At the Zunfthaus zur Waag, classic dishes are served, including Zurich-style sliced veal with butter rösti and fried Swiss whitefish fillets with potato and leek ragout.
The selection of desserts changes regularly and is the triumphant closure to a delicious and impressive meal.
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Elegant and homely
Glass windows in the Zunftstube
Day Trips
Rapperswil-Jona
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The City of Roses
Bridge Rapperswil-Hurden
Winter quarters of the Circus Knie
Town Museum Rapperswil-Jona
In the idyllic old town of Rapperswil, one finds the town museum. The historic tower and the Breny House, dating back to the year 1492, are connected by an impressive new building called Janus. The striking facade of the Janus House is made of architectural bronze.
The museum was established as the cultural and historical memory of the town. In a total of 18 rooms, the 800-year history of the town and culture of Rapperswil-Jona is presented. Changing special exhibitions make the museum an ever-interesting destination for tourists.
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Office equipment back in the day
Wappenstein der Stadt (1450)
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Shining deer (Bruno Weber)
Schaffhausen
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Rhine Falls Rock, also called Soul Dance
Panorama lift to the castle
Laufen
Schlössli Wörth
Stein am Rhein
Starting in Schaffhausen, it takes about 25 minutes to reach the station at Stein am Rhein. Stein am Rhein is also located north of the High Rhine. From the station, one crosses the Rhine to reach the town centre. The outlines of the town already hint that this picturesque place is something truly special.
The historic buildings are excellently preserved and in outstanding condition. As you wander through the narrow alleys and squares, you can hardly help but marvel. Visitors feel as if they are on a journey through time, stopping in the Middle Ages. The region's characteristic hospitality is evident in the numerous inns.
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town hall
Winterthur
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Birch trees in the Sulzer area
Photo Foundation Switzerland
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Historic photos of Switzerland
Local Transport
Limmat shipping
Near the main station is the National Museum, where the boat tour on the Limmat begins. The entire trip lasts about 50 minutes. The Zurich river Limmat originates in the canton of Glarus, where it is called the Linth. From Zurich onwards, the waterway is known as the Limmat.
The tour runs along the Limmatquai, offering a spectacular view of the old town and Zurich's most impressive sights, before finally ending in Lake Zurich. Since the year 2023, three new electric boats, named Fluvius, Navalis, and Pontus, have been in operation on this route.
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© ZSG.ch
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Karte/Map © ZSG.ch
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Lake Zurich shipping
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Text hier eingeben Karte/Map © ZSG.ch
Tram and Bus
The ancient Egyptians believed that blue represented the colour of the gods. With this knowledge in mind, the vehicles of the Zurich Transport Authority (VBZ) were painted in radiant Zurich blue. The city banner of Zurich first appeared in Zurich blue as early as the year 1437.
The VBZ network spans more than 400 stops and has a total length of over 280 kilometres. The high density of the public transport network ensures that there is an opportunity to travel publicly approximately every 300 metres.
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S-Bahn trains - SBB CFF FFS
Switzerland is renowned for its excellent rail network. In the Zurich metropolitan area, there is no more efficient way to reach your destination than the S-Bahn trains, which run at short intervals. All public transport in this region is coordinated by the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV).
The ZVV comprises 30 transport companies and carries more than 650 million passengers annually. With the modern doubledecker trains, numerous options for a day trip around Zurich open up. Explorers can easily reach the idyllic lakes, picturesque villages, and impressive landscapes surrounding the city.
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Route Overview
OBB Nightjet and OBB Nightjet Partner
CH01_EN_Zürich © 2025
The team
This e-book was made possible through the kind support of the regional tourist offices and the OBB. German proofreading and editorial:Martin Andergassen. English version: Katie Lang
References
Text, videos and photos by Rudolf J. Strutz unless otherwise stated. Timetables and travel information: OBB
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This book was licensed under the Creative Commons License. Conditions of use: attribution, non-commercial, no editing and distribution under the same conditions only as a complete work! The use of individual photos and text is not permitted. This eBook is available free of charge.
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