Starting at Central, walk
through the old Niederdorf district (along Niederdorfstrasse) to the impressive
twin-spired Grossmünster While the interior is spartan, you can
climb one of the towers (2 Francs.) The crypt boasts an original statue of
Charlemagne - a replica is visible high on the outside of one of the spires.
Descending the steps on the Limmat side of Grossmünster, cross the
bridge to Fraumünster with
its elegant spire. The interior boasts windows by Giacometti and Marc Chagall
- whose 5 part series was installed in 1970 followed by a rose window in
1978.
After your typically Zürcher luncheon, wander down the famous Bahnhofstrasse
for a spot of luxury shopping. Brands such as Bulgari, Gucci, Cartier are
some of the luxury brands on offer. Naturally, there are many purveyors of
fine Swiss watches and one popular game is to find the most expensive watch.
With a price tag.
Through the back streets leading off Bahnhofstrasse, you'll find the
Lindenhof - the old fort which the Romans called Turicum - with its excellent
vistas of the Limmat and the Niederdorf. Close by is St Peters Church which,
appropriately for Switzerland, boasts Europes largest clock face and an elegant
Baroque interior.
If you're after a dinner at a Zürich institution head back into the Niederdorf
area for Zur Oepfelchammer in the Niederdorf. "Oeli" is the
one-time hangout of Gottfried Keller - a well known Swiss writer of German
literature - who used to live across the road. The wood-panelled interior
is scratched full of names of people who managed to haul themselves over
the wooden beams. Dine on Zürich classics such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
(slice veal in a cream sauce) and regional wines in Gaststübe
Guide book
I've been using The
Rough Guide to Switzerland since I first moved
to Switzerland and it's been indispensable guide ever since.
It's strong on places of interest, history, Swiss culture
and festival information. Contains excellent hotel recommendations
to cover all budgets and dining information is decent -
although I tend to rely on theMichelin
Red Guidefor
dining information. Impossible to fault as general guide
to Switzerland.
Zürich - a short walking tour
Morning
Starting at Central, walk through the old Niederdorf district (along Niederdorfstrasse) to the impressive twin-spired Grossmünster While the interior is spartan, you can climb one of the towers (2 Francs.) The crypt boasts an original statue of Charlemagne - a replica is visible high on the outside of one of the spires.
Descending the steps on the Limmat side of Grossmünster, cross the bridge to Fraumünster with its elegant spire. The interior boasts windows by Giacometti and Marc Chagall - whose 5 part series was installed in 1970 followed by a rose window in 1978.
Lunch
Walking past the Savoy Baur En Ville, you arrive at Paradeplatz - a.k.a. Banker Central - which is one of the most presitgous addresses in Zürich. Take have lunch at the Zeughauskeller off Paradeplatz which offers an excellent range of sausages from around Switzerland. After lunch, pop over the road to Sprüngli for some coffee and luxembourglis for desert.
Afternoon
After your typically Zürcher luncheon, wander down the famous Bahnhofstrasse for a spot of luxury shopping. Brands such as Bulgari, Gucci, Cartier are some of the luxury brands on offer. Naturally, there are many purveyors of fine Swiss watches and one popular game is to find the most expensive watch. With a price tag.
Through the back streets leading off Bahnhofstrasse, you'll find the Lindenhof - the old fort which the Romans called Turicum - with its excellent vistas of the Limmat and the Niederdorf. Close by is St Peters Church which, appropriately for Switzerland, boasts Europes largest clock face and an elegant Baroque interior.
Having completed your hard days shopping, you'll be needing a fine glass of wine and panoramic view of Zürich at the Jules Verne Panorama Bar. Rest of day at leisure.
Evening meal
If you're after a dinner at a Zürich institution head back into the Niederdorf area for Zur Oepfelchammer in the Niederdorf. "Oeli" is the one-time hangout of Gottfried Keller - a well known Swiss writer of German literature - who used to live across the road. The wood-panelled interior is scratched full of names of people who managed to haul themselves over the wooden beams. Dine on Zürich classics such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (slice veal in a cream sauce) and regional wines in Gaststübe
Guide book
I've been using The Rough Guide to Switzerland since I first moved to Switzerland and it's been indispensable guide ever since. It's strong on places of interest, history, Swiss culture and festival information. Contains excellent hotel recommendations to cover all budgets and dining information is decent - although I tend to rely on the Michelin Red Guide
for
dining information. Impossible to fault as general guide
to Switzerland.
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