Zürich is often overlooked as a destination in Switzerland and people head off to the more scenic regions around Lucerne and Berne. That doens't mean there's nothing to do - these are few of my
quick tips for Zürich.
Grossmünster - The distinctive twin
spired Grossmünster (or Big Minster) has become
the symbol of Zürich city. At one end of the Niederdorf,
the imposing Romanesque church is, legend has it, where
the citys patron Saints Felix and Regula are buried.
Grossmünster was the starting point for the Reformation
in Switzerland when
Zwingli preached in Zürich.
St
Peters Church - Rather appropriately for Switzerland, St
Peters Church is home to the largest clock face
in Europe - boasting a 8.7 meter diameter. The
Baroque interior plays home to concerts and recitals
through the year.
Fraumünster -
The elegant Fraumünster, once the seat of the
Abbess who in effect ruled Zürich, is now perhaps
best known for the its stained glass windows which
were installed by Marc Chagall in 1970. Chagall added
a further Rose Window in the South Transept in 1978
opposite the windows in the Northern Transept by Augusto
Giacometti.
Niederdorf - The cobbled streets of the Niederdorf
play home to a substantial amount of Zürichs
nightlife. During the day an eclectic collection
of shops purvey an assortment of cheap(ish) clothing
and various nick-nacks.
Views at the Lindenhof - the Lindenhof, right
round the back of Bahnhofstrasse, offers a leafy retreat
from the hussle and bussle of the main city of Zürich
with fine views (and big chess sets) in what used to
be the Roman fortress.
Cruise on Lake Zürich - the Lake
Zürich Navigation Company runs a plethora
of cruise ships on the Lake. During the summer months,
one of the most pleasant cruises is to have lunch
(preferably with a beer and a newspaper on a sunny
Sunday afternoon) en route to historic
Rapperswil.
Shop on Banhofstrasse - One of Switzerlands most
presitgous shopping districts, Bahnhofstrasse is studded
with brands from Gucci, Bulgari and Cartier to name
but a few. Many of the watches which bear prices are
tagged at well over 10,000 Swiss Francs. Many aren't
priced. So don't ask.
Uetliberg -
Zürichs "House Mountain", at 871 meters
above sea level, affords excellent vistas over both
the city itself and the lake. Excellent views of the
Alps are the perfect backdrop for a spot of lunch or
a cup of coffee at the summit.
Indulge yourself at Sprüngli - Confisserie
Sprüngli is a Zürich institution with
some of the finest, most presitigous chocolates you
can find anywhere in Europe. The flagship store at Paradeplatz is
like a visit to Willy Wonkas very own Chocolate Outlet.
Stop for a cup of their fine hot chocolate and pick
up some fresh (and unique) Luxemburgeli for
heavenly treat.
Zürich - what not to miss
Zürich is often overlooked as a destination in Switzerland and people head off to the more scenic regions around Lucerne and Berne. That doens't mean there's nothing to do - these are few of my quick tips for Zürich.
Fraumünster - The elegant Fraumünster, once the seat of the Abbess who in effect ruled Zürich, is now perhaps best known for the its stained glass windows which were installed by Marc Chagall in 1970. Chagall added a further Rose Window in the South Transept in 1978 opposite the windows in the Northern Transept by Augusto Giacometti.
Niederdorf - The cobbled streets of the Niederdorf play home to a substantial amount of Zürichs nightlife. During the day an eclectic collection of shops purvey an assortment of cheap(ish) clothing and various nick-nacks.
Views at the Lindenhof - the Lindenhof, right round the back of Bahnhofstrasse, offers a leafy retreat from the hussle and bussle of the main city of Zürich with fine views (and big chess sets) in what used to be the Roman fortress.
Cruise on Lake Zürich - the Lake Zürich Navigation Company runs a plethora of cruise ships on the Lake. During the summer months, one of the most pleasant cruises is to have lunch (preferably with a beer and a newspaper on a sunny Sunday afternoon) en route to historic Rapperswil.
Shop on Banhofstrasse - One of Switzerlands most presitgous shopping districts, Bahnhofstrasse is studded with brands from Gucci, Bulgari and Cartier to name but a few. Many of the watches which bear prices are tagged at well over 10,000 Swiss Francs. Many aren't priced. So don't ask.
Indulge yourself at Sprüngli - Confisserie Sprüngli is a Zürich institution with some of the finest, most presitigous chocolates you can find anywhere in Europe. The flagship store at Paradeplatz is like a visit to Willy Wonkas very own Chocolate Outlet. Stop for a cup of their fine hot chocolate and pick up some fresh (and unique) Luxemburgeli for heavenly treat.
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