Zürich

Zürich, Switzerland

Zürich is distinguished by its unparalleled selection of stores lining the world-famous shopping mile, the Bahnhofstrasse, not to mention its broad choice of leisure activities. Numerous gastronomic establishments in the surrounding region pamper food lovers with all manner of culinary delights. Almost 500 bars and clubs provide a wide variety of entertainment. Zürich is also the ideal departure point for all kinds of excursions, such as to the Rhine Falls or the chocolate factory.

Population:

402,762 (2017)

Currency:

Swiss Franc (CHF) 1 = 100 Rappen

Emergency Numbers:

European SOS: 112
Ambulance: 144
Police: 117
Fire&Rescue: 118

Opening Hours:

Most shops are generally open Mon–Fri from 9am–6:30pm, while the shops on Bahnhofstrasse are open as late as 7/8pm. The opening hours on Saturdays are from 9am–5pm. Shops are open on Sundays at their own discretion. Banking hours on weekdays are from 8:30am–4:30pm.

Newspapers:

20 Minuten
Die Weltwoche
Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Tages Anzeiger
ZuriTipp (special supplement of Tages Anzeiger every Thursday)
Zurich News (A leaflet with listings which is available from the tourist office)

The City

The River Limmat divides the city of Zürich into two distinct halves. It makes more sense to speak about the two banks rather than the new town/old town split. Niederdorf, on the east bank, is full of shops and cafés, but also home to the twin towers of the Grossmunster and the grandiose architecture of the university. The west bank is the old part of town, which is centred around the Lindenhof area where the streets are characterised by fashion outlets and offices. The beautiful spires of St. Peters Church and Fraumunster church, decorated by Marc Chagall, are nearby as well.

The curving Bahnhofstrasse follows the course of the ancient city walls and is one of Europe’s most prestigious shopping streets. As Switzerland has cultivated stability and neutrality during both World Wars, the country has built up a reputation for its banking system, which for decades has been one of Zürich’s biggest industries. It is also for these reasons that today the stock market in Zürich is the fourth biggest in the world.

Do & See

There is so much to see in Zürich. This charming city is largely an intact medieval town with a beautiful natural setting. Here you can find something amazing at every corner: architectural highlights, historic squares, streets and districts, churches, works of art and much more.

Dining

The traditional Zürich cuisine is very rich and usually includes plenty of meat. The city’s trademark dish is the Züri Gschnetzlets -- diced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce served with Rösti. There are plenty of very good quality restaurants on every corner throughout the city. The area around Bahnhofstrasse generally provides the best atmosphere in the afternoon, while Niederdorf is the place to be for an evening meal.

Cafes

Zürich has a lot of nice stylish cafes where you can enjoy all the chocolate specialities and homemade cakes that Switzerland has to offer. The cafes here do not only serve coffees and sweets, so do not be surprised if you find full meals and alcoholic beverages on the menu.