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TRAVEL TIPS |
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| ZURICH |
| SWITZERLAND |
| "Metropolis of Experiences", cheeses and chocolates, clocks and pocket knives, art and shopping. The city on the Limmat River, in the designated region of Mittelland, is the largest in the country and one of the cities that receives more Nobel prizes in the world. |
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Places to visit |
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| Overlooking the Alps, with the most famous railway station located in the heart of the city: Hauptbahnhof - the connection to the Airport takes 10 minutes - Zurich is multicultural city and it is considered the main central axis of Europe. In the commercial avenue, which has the same name as the station, you will find international brands’ stores, cafes, watchmakers and banks that contribute to its title. There are other spaces that validate its reputation, such as Zurich West or Niederdorf. The University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (19th century) were already doing it, associating the city with one of the most important centres of business, science, information and art. There are more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries, such as the Rietberg Museum, with non-European works of art, especially from India, China and Africa; the Swiss National Museum, housed in a building with more than 100 years that exhibits the complete collection of the country's cultural history; the Kunsthaus, an art gallery where one can find collections regarding all important periods of European art - from the Middle Ages to the present. The historic centre is full of galleries, antique shops and bookstores, transforming itself, from 11 pm, into an entertainment district which meets all tastes until dawn, as in Langstrasse. Visiting the fishing and seafaring neighbourhoods (Schipfe) and the oldest bridge in town (Rathaus-Brücke), where the Town Hall is located, is also worthwhile. Then dare to wander the streets where civility and organization are imperial, and discover details that will make a difference, such as Europe's largest clock display (16th century) in St Peter's Church (13th century), which is the oldest in the city and where, in its interior, the baroque predominates. You will notice the high number of churches - particularly the Fraumünster, founded in 853 - that dominate the scenery by the river, where cruise ships go through and in the summer you can bathe or, with luck, attend a concert. Climbing the 187 steps of Grossmünster, which served as headquarters for the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, will have the best view of Zurich. For a wider and less urban view, get on the cable car in Felsenegg. |
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Eating: what and where? |
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Here you can find the true concept of fusion cuisine, since there is no particular personal style but its influences come from all over the world, predominantly from Italy and Asia. However, the typical cheese fondue (especially in the winter), raclette and rosti with veal are inescapable. The snacks cervelat, brastwurst and kebabs are common on the streets of Zurich. In winter, it is mandatory to try the famous hot spiced wine - Glühwein.
- Spaghetti Factory – Italian, european, vegetarian | Schifflaende 6, Zurich 8001 | €12 - €24
- Papa Joe’s – Mexican and American | Schifflaende 18, Zurich 8001 | €13 - € 57
- Zeughauskeller (Excellence) - German, swiss, european, Central European, vegetarian | Bahnhofstrasse 28a, Zurich 8001 | €18 - €32
- Pulcino - Italian, mediterranean, european, vegetarian | Niederdorfstrasse 7 - 8001 | €21 - €84
- Quai 61 - Swiss, european, Central European, international, grill, contemporary, vegetarian | Mythenquai 61 - 8002 Zurich | €49 - €94 |
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Curiosities |
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At the World Exposition of Seville 1992, the country presented itself with the theme: "La Suisse n'existe pas". This motto is binding because it is not the unity but the diversity that characterizes Switzerland, as one can tell by the four national languages (German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic), to which dialects are added; the contrast of landscapes and lifestyles, from the mountains to the cities, or simply the multiculturalism. In fact, the cultural and traditional variety and even the eating habits are so disparate that the Swiss themselves have difficulty in pointing out common points among themselves, saying that the nation was formed of free will, even without homogeneity. And speaking of nation let it be said that Switzerland has less time of existence than the Abreu Group (1840), with a constitution dating from 1848. Until then an alliance of independent cantons ruled the territory. Today it is a federative state with a direct democracy.
Diversity is once again evident in festivals that organize and match all tastes. The Sechseläuten (April) is dedicated to spring; Tropical Caliente (June) to Latin music; The Street Parade (August) is one of the largest in techno music; and the Zürich Festival (June and July) combines operas, concerts, theatre, dance and outdoor theatre.
80% of the water consumed in Switzerland comes from natural sources, groundwater and lakes, which means you can freely drink tap water. In fact, there are even those who say that in some areas you can drink directly from the lake. And as water is essential, you can count 1 224 sources in Zurich only. |
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Advices |
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| The city is flat so we advise that visits are made on foot. Not being an intense climate, neither too cold nor too hot, it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear, sunglasses and sunscreen in the summer, and a hat or raincoat in the winter. Organization and punctuality are key words in Zurich and amongst the Swiss, so it will be strange if there is a delay in public transport and, if it happens, it will probably be winter when there are more traffic difficulties. Note that the transport network is considered as one of the most efficient, safe and clean. In restaurants, gratuities are already included in the price, but do not be shy to thank the service provided because they like to be recognized. To make phone calls you can purchase Taxcard, available on Swisscom stores, post offices and gas stations. Since 2010 it is forbidden to smoke in enclosed spaces and be careful where you leave the butts when you finish smoking. Those who travel to the country must have a valid passport. |
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