MY FIRST TIME IN SWITZERLAND!
I have always wanted to visit Switzerland. Although it is known to be a really expensive country, I know I wouldn’t want to miss its amazing mountains, crystal clear lakes, beautiful villages, and delicious chocolates!
Zürich
Zürich is located in the heart of Switzerland. It is the Swiss financial capital and the largest city in Switzerland.
Official Language: German
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Arrival:
By Train From: Zürich Airport Railway Station (Bahnhof Zürich Flughafen) to Zürich HB Main Station
(10-15 mins): Direct Single Standard Ticket – CHF 6.80
Places to see:
- Lindenhof
- Augustinergasse
- St. Peter’s Church
- Fraumünster
- Grossmünster
- Zürich Opera House
- Paradeplatz
- Sprüngli Chocolate Shop
- Bürkliplatz
- Lake Zürich
The best place to start the tour of the Old Town is by going to Lindenhof, a historical Roman site situated on a hill. Here is a beautiful free spot where you can embrace the panoramic view of the city and the river Limmat.
Continue exploring the colourful medieval lane of Augustinergasse. This narrow street is packed with small shops, cafes, and restaurants, characterised by their charming facade with carved wooden bay windows waiting to be discovered.
St. Peter’s Church is one of the main churches in Zürich. It is famous for its tower clock which is considered the largest tower clock face in Europe.
One of Zurich’s important landmarks is Fraumünster with its green clock tower. The church was built on the remains of a former abbey for aristocratic women.
Another famous landmark in Zürich is the twin tower of the Romanesque-style church of Grossmünster. You can climb these towers to access a panoramic view over the city.
Sechseläutenplatz is the biggest square in Zürich. A place you can enjoy during a nice day, where you can hang out, relax and eat your takeaway food. This square is next to the Zürich Opera House.
Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s main high-end shopping street. Whether you are just going window shopping or purchasing something, it is worth a visit. This shopping paradise has lots of luxury designer shops, jewellers, department stores, and watch shops.
Paradeplatz is situated at the end of Bahnhofstrasse near Lake Zürich. Here you can find the headquarters of UBS and Credit Suisse Group, the two biggest Swiss banks. In this square, you can also find Confiserie Sprüngli, one of the best Swiss chocolatiers. They make really good chocolate, so I highly recommend visiting the shop and get yourself some truffles or a bar of chocolate!
Wander around Bürkliplatz. A nice area by the lake where you can go for a boat trip around Lake Zürich.
Stroll along Lake Zürich or just simply watch the sunset.
Food to try:
- Cheese Fondue
- Raclette
- Rösti – fried grated potatoes
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – a traditional Zurich dish, thin strips of veal cooked in a cream sauce, often with mushrooms
Places to eat:
- Francis Sausage Company £
- Swiss Chuchi ££
- Veltliner Keller £££
- Confiserie Sprüngli £££
Although Zurich is expensive, there are a lot of ways you can save your money. There is more than 1200 drinking fountain all over the city, so I will suggest bringing your water bottle. Instead of eating in a restaurant, try going to local supermarkets such as Migros and Coop where aside from sandwiches, they also sell pre-made hot meals. Most places of interest are just within walking distance so you can just explore the city centre on foot.
Have you been to Zurich before? Is Zürich expensive? What do you think of the city?
Allen In Wanderlust 