Zurich

Beyond its reputation as a global banking hub, Zurich is a city of surprising contrasts and rich history. The iconic twin towers of the Grossmünster church and the clock face of St. Peter’s—the largest in Europe—dominate the skyline. Culturally, the city was the birthplace of the Dada art movement in the early 20th century, a legacy kept alive at the Cabaret Voltaire. Modern Zurich buzzes in the industrial-turned-trendy district of Zurich-West, where old ship factories now house theaters, art galleries, and the unique Freitag Tower made of shipping containers. Nature is never far away; a short train ride takes you to Uetliberg mountain for panoramic views of the city, lake, and distant Alps.

Reasons to Visit

• Experience one of the world's most livable and efficient cities with punctual transport and spotless streets.
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich or the Limmat River right in the city center.
• Shop at some of the world's most exclusive boutiques along the famous Bahnhofstrasse.
• Enjoy a thriving culinary scene ranging from traditional Swiss guild houses to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Use the city as a perfect central base for day trips to Lucerne, Rhine Falls, or the Swiss Alps.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid taking taxis unless necessary; they are extremely expensive, and public transport is often faster.
• Do not buy bottled water; the water from the 1,200+ public fountains is fresh, clean, and free.
• Avoid shopping on Sundays, as almost all shops and supermarkets are closed (except at the main train station and airport).
• Do not be late for tours or reservations; punctuality is taken very seriously here.
• Avoid speaking loudly on public transport, as locals value a quiet and respectful commute.

Local Transportation Tips

Navigating Zurich is effortless thanks to the ZVV network, which integrates trams, buses, trains, and boats into a single system. The most convenient option for tourists is the Zurich Card, which offers unlimited travel in the city zones and free or discounted museum entry. Trams are the best way to get around the city center, running frequently from early morning until late at night. For travel from the airport to the city center (Hauptbahnhof), trains run every few minutes and take just 10-15 minutes. Download the SBB Mobile or ZVV app to check timetables and buy tickets instantly. Remember to validate physical tickets before boarding if they are not time-stamped.

Travel Etiquette:

• Greetings: It is polite to say "Grüezi" (hello) when entering a small shop or hiking on a trail, and "Merci" (thank you) when leaving.
• Tipping: Service is included in the price, but it is customary to round up to the nearest franc or leave 5-10% for exceptional service.
• Sundays: Sunday is a rest day; avoid making loud noises (such as mowing the lawn or vacuuming if staying in an apartment) and expect a slower pace.
• Jaywalking: Do not cross the street at a red light, even if no cars are coming; locals strictly enforce traffic rules and may frown on rule-breakers.

Did You Know?

Zurich is home to over 1,200 public fountains, and the water flowing from them is drinking quality. You can fill up your bottle at virtually any fountain you see—some of them are historical masterpieces, and one even flows with wine instead of water on special festival days!

Cool Zurich Stats:

• Clock Giant: The clock face on St. Peter’s Church measures 8.7 meters in diameter, making it the largest church clock face in Europe.
• Water City: Zurich has the highest density of swimming spots (Badis) in the world relative to its population, with over 40 distinct swimming facilities.
• Wealth Hub: Bahnhofstrasse is consistently ranked among the top 3 most expensive shopping streets in the world based on rent per square meter.

Recommended Age Group

Zurich is best suited for Adults and Seniors due to its focus on culture and history and its high costs.

• Babies (0-2 years): Recommended. The city is very stroller-friendly with clean facilities and parks, though cobblestones in the Old Town can be bumpy.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Attractions like the Zurich Zoo, Toy Museum, and many playgrounds make it fun, though dining out can be pricey for families.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Good for teens interested in shopping, swimming in the lake, or visiting the FIFA World Football Museum.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended. Perfect for enjoying nightlife, luxury shopping, fine dining, and cultural events.
• Seniors (65+ years): Highly Recommended. Excellent accessibility, safety, and efficient public transport make it an easy and comfortable city to explore.

Accessibility Level: High

• Most trams and buses offer low-floor entry and digital displays; verify specific stops on the ZVV app.
• Cobblestone streets in the Old Town (Niederdorf) can be challenging for wheelchairs; stick to the Limmatquai promenade for easier rolling.
• Many museums, including the Kunsthaus and National Museum, provide barrier-free access, elevators, and accessible restrooms.