A financial metropolis on the lake
The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich is known as a commercial and financial leader. Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz located in the downtown area are testament to this success with elegant boutiques, expensive jewellers and traditional watchmakers lining both streets. That aside Zurich is a city of culture and history; admire the grand Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches as they stand proudly on either side of the River Limmat. Spend an afternoon by the waters of Zürichsee and walk along the promenade. Tour the galleries, opera houses and exhibits of the Old Town; see work by Monet and Edvard Munch in the Kunsthaus, watch a performance at the Schauspielhaus theatre and view the archives at the Swiss National Museum. In the evening head to the city’s trendy bars and clubs and choose from over 100 Swiss-produced beers.
Why Go?
Zurich is much more than a city of banks and financial headquarters. Take a tour of the self-proclaimed cultural capital of Switzerland and discover the museums, art galleries, theatre productions and vibrant music scene. Relax in a bar with a Schnitzel and a glass of beer.
When To Go?
The seasons play out traditionally in Zurich with warm summers and cold winters.
From May-August Zurich enjoys highs of 24°C. September is the wettest month of the year and summer sees more rainfall than the winter months. Travel to Zurich in early spring for bright weather and mild temperatures of 12°C.
How To Get There?
Zurich is served by Zurich Airport (ZRH) providing direct flights to the UK and other European destinations. Transatlantic flights operate seasonally. The Swiss Federal Railway and Glattalbahn tram service offer fast and convenient transport into the city centre from the airport terminal. A regional bus service is also available but can take longer. Flights from the UK to Zurich can take 1 hour 45 minutes.
Must See
The Old Town of Zurich is also known as the cultural centre of the city and should top the list on a first time visit. Frequent the cellar bars and beer halls to meet the people and get a taste of the locally produced beer. Head to Cabaret Voltaire on Spiegelgasse to experience the place where Tristan Tzara and collaborators formulated their ideas on the Dadaist movement. Trendy art galleries can be found in this district and house contemporary paintings and sculpture - visit an exhibition to see the work of local artists.
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