Introduction

Zurich is one of the world’s most picturesque cities, surrounded by a large lake, two rivers and tree covered hills. Zurich is the largest city and the financial centre of the Helvetian Confederation (Switzerland) with a population close to one million including the suburbs. The city is located at the northwestern end of Lake Zurich, at the mouth of the Limmat River which divides the city in two. The modern heart of the city including the train station and most churches is on the west side of the river. The hillier east side is home to the little alleys of the Old Town and the trendy drinking spots of Niederdorfstrasse. German is the official language but many people will understand English, French, or Italian as well.

Travel to Zurich

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland's largest and busiest airport. Most major airlines offer flights to Zurich. The national carrier Swiss Airlines is a Star Alliance Member.

Trains from the airport to central Zurich take only 12 minutes with trains departing about every 10-15 minutes.

To Zurich by Train services from other Swiss and European cities leave from and arrive at the Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, located in the city centre at the end of Bahnhofstrasse. The Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) is serviced by local S-Bahn commuter trains, InterCity (IC and ICN) connections throughout Switzerland, Italy's Cisalpino, Germany's ICE, France's TGV, and various other train services from all over Europe.

Local Transport

Walking is the best way to explore the city, the old town, the lake promenade and all nearby Zurich tourist attractions. In conjunction with short tram rides, visitors can easily reach most areas of the city by walking.

Tram services operate over most of the city and are very frequent and inexpensive. Zurich is famous for its highly efficient, clean and safe public transport system. There is a time schedule at every tram stop accurate to within a couple of minutes. As with all other public transport in Zurich, purchase and validate tickets before boarding.

Cycles can be used for free year-round at the bikegate at the central train station. Visitors can pickup and return the bikes at several locations around Zurich.

Zurich Attractions

Zurich City Tour is a half day tour that combines culture and nature on this guided coach tour through Zurich and surrounding areas. See the Opera House, China Garden, National Museum, Patriarchal Guild Houses, Limmatguai and its medieval Old Town, Shopping and business centre on Bahnhofstrasse, the clock face at St Peter's Church (the largest in Europe) and incredible views of Lake Zurich. The tour continues to Adiswil for a cable car ride to Felsenegg (2600 ft / 800 m). At the landing platform enjoy spectacular views over small towns on Lake Zürich and the white tipped peaks of the Alps. After your return cable car back down, head for the lake and appreciate the sites of Zürich by ferry. Today's tour concludes with a bus ride along Zurich's Golden Coast.

Zurich Trolley Tour lets visitors discover the sights of Zurich aboard the unique Classic Trolley. The trolley is styled on those of yesteryear, but with all the comforts for today's discerning traveller. A commentary is provided by state-of-the-art headsets and you can choose from eight languages.In two hours you will be taken through this beautiful city and shown the business and financial center, Bahnhofstrasse, the most important museums, a section of the Old Town, Fraumunster Church with its famous Chagall windows, historical Limmatquai, the University district, residential areas, beautiful hillside villas on the Zurichberg, as well as recreation areas and views of the Alps from Zurich's vantage point on the lake.

Zurich Zoo is situated in a beautiful natural park where visitors can admire up to 360 species of animals from all over the world. Visitors can see everything from the popular penguin parade to gorillas, a giant tortoise and tigers. Take a visit to the Masoala hall, set in a glass house to give you the feeling of being in a tropical rain forest. You will see red ruffed lemurs, chameleons, bats and much more!

Lake Promenade is a boardwalk starting from Bellevue that travels for about three kilometers along the lake towards Tiefenbrunnen. During the summer, the boardwalk is very popular for an evening stroll.

Uetliberg is a hill overlooking Zurich rising to 873 m (2864 ft). The Uetliberg offers a panoramic 360 degree view of the entire city of Zürich and the Lake of Zürich. Take a train from the main station to the top of the hill to enjoy view from the viewing tower. This is also the start of the Planetenweg (planetary walk), an 8 mile walk along the ridge with models of the planets along the way.

Heidiland and Liechtenstein Tour immerses visitors in a world of mountains and valleys, alpine lakes and meadows, waterfalls, gorges, caves and fascinating scenic reserves on a guided coach tour to Heidiland. Start the morning with a city tour of Zurich, then follow Lake Zurich to Rapperswil's (the city of roses) picturesque Old Town and its medieval castle. After crossing the Ricken Pass with its panoramic views of the Alps we reach the lovely Toggenberg region with its pretty hill and valley scenery. Next visit Vaduz, the capital of the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. A visit to the Post Office is recommended; the famous stamps from this tiny state are coveted worldwide by philatelists and amateur stamp lovers alike. Finally we arrive at Maienfeld, the setting for the Heidi stories. In the summer months we can visit Heidi's village. A pleasant short walk leads to a collection of typical mountain houses, a village shop, and lots of goats. Entry into the authentic Heidi House is optional.

Rhine Falls is Europe's biggest waterfall and a pleasant half day tour from Zurich. Venture to Northern Switzerland close to the German border, as well as driving through the renaissance inspired Schaffhausen. Originating from the 16th century, view the medieval Munot Fortress towering over the city. Embark on an optional boat ride to view the falls from the water. The Rhine Falls tour offers added value for transiting guests who need to return to Zurich airport for flights departing after 2pm. Check in luggage is permitted on the coach and your airport return will be approximately 12:15pm. See the sites with an airport drop off included. There's no need to purchase an additional airport transfer!

Maestrani Chocolate Factory lets visitors discover the art of chocolate making and, of course, sampling the delectable treats in the store. Make a purchase and take home your own selection of carefully crafted Swiss chocolate.

Lucerne City Tour allows visitors to sit back and enjoy a beautiful coach ride over the Albis Pass and along the shores of the Lake of the Four Cantons to Lucerne. Upon your arrival, a short city tour will introduce you to the main highlights including the Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge and the new Concert and Congress Hall. Then explore Lucerne and wander through the streets, over bridges and into Lucerne’s museums at your leisure. Other optional activities are ride the new City Train, Swiss lunch with Folklore Show (reservations necessary), Transport Museum, Picasso Museum or take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne.

Mount Rigi - Depart Zurich on this full day coach tour and visit the towering Mount Rigi in the heart of the Swiss Alps before enjoying free time in the lakeside Lucerne. See the main sites as you walk the lake's promenade, including Old Town and Chapel Bridge. The tour continues with a panoramic drive over Albis Pass. View the charming landscapes along the shores of the Lake of the Four Cantons until reaching the summer resort town of Weggis. Board Europe's oldest cog-wheel train from Weggis to the top of Mount Rigi or 'Queen of the Mountains' as the locals would say. At 6000 feet (1800 meters), you'll feel as though you're on top of the world. Upon reaching the sun terrace take in the Mountain air, gazing out across snow-capped Alps and the picturesque Lake Lucerne below. Don't miss the short walk to the mountain's peak for majestic vistas.

Flumserberg is the closest large ski-resort, popular with people from Zurich, with a good range of runs for beginners and experts. Take a train in the morning and come back in the evening.

Great Alpine Railway Journeys

The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt is 8 hours travel in the beautiful Swiss Alps.

The Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano is the highest mountain crossing in the Swiss Alps with beautiful alpine scenery.

The Jungfraujoch Railway from Interlaken (560 meters) to the Jungfraujoch station (3450 meters) takes two hours and is one of the most impressive journey in the Alps.

The Gornergrat Railway departures from Zermatt to the top of the Gornergrat at 3090 meters(10,000ft).

Shopping in Zurich

Switzerland is famous watches, chocolate, cheese, and Swiss Army knives.

Watches - Switzerland is the watch-making capital of the world. The French-speaking regions of Switzerland are associated with famous watchmakers like Rolex and Omega. The Bucherer store on Bahnhofstrasse sell all the top watch brands such as Rolex.

Chocolate - Switzerland is famous for its chocolate such as Lindt and Nestlé.

Cheese - The most well-known cheeses are Gruyère and Emmentaler. The Emmentaler cheese has holes through it caused by bacteria excreting carbon dioxide bubbles in the cheese-making process.

Swiss Army knives - There are two brands Victorinox and Wenger that are available in many stores across Switzerland.

There are three shopping areas in the city centre:

Bahnhofstrasse, which runs from the Zürich Train Main station "Hauptbahnhof" right down to the lake. Bahnhofstrasse is famous for being one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in the world. Globus and Jelmoli are two department stores on the Bahnhofsstrasse.

Niederdorf, which is the Old Part of Zurich and expands from "Bellevue" by the Lake right to "Central" which is just over the River from the train station. The Niederdorf has a lot of fast food places and clothes stores.

Löwenstrasse, which runs west of Bahnhofstrasse from the main train station, has a lower range shops and a large branch of Migros, a department store chain.

Beyond Zurich

Lucerne (Luzern) is one of Switzerland's most charming medieval cities, nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, surrounded by a beautiful lake and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Lucerne is the gateway to Central Switzerland with all its marvelous alpine scenery and is less than one hour by train or road from Zurich.

Berne is the capital of Switzerland and is only one hour by train from Zurich.

Geneva is three hours away from Zurich by train.