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ZurichZurich'''Zurich''' (German: ''Zürich'', ''Zuerich'') is the largest city in Switzerland, with a population of some 364,500 in the city proper and close to 1 million in the greater metropolitan area. Zurich is on Lake Zurich, where the lake meets the Limmat River, in the north of Switzerland. Image:view_from_Grossmunster.jpg|thumb|center|800px|View across Zurich from Grossmünster ==Understand== Contrary to popular belief Zurich is '''not''' the capital of Switzerland (that would be Bern), just the largest city. Zurich has long been known as a clean and efficient city, but additionally has been quite a fascinating city for the last ten years. This has a lot to do with the liberalization of the culture, party and gastronomy sector and a much more cosmopolitan and hybrid population. The Swiss dialect of German is the city's main language. Many people will understand English, French, or Italian as well. ===Orientation=== Zurich is located at the northwestern end of '''Lake Zurich''' (''Zürichsee''), 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, while the hillier east is home to the little alleys of the Old Town and the hip drinking spots of Niederdorfstrasse. ==Get in== ===By plane=== '''Zurich International Airport''' is Switzerland's largest and busiest airport, run with Swiss efficiency. It is actually in the community of Kloten, 20 minutes by train to central Zurich, about every 15 minutes. Several bus lines connect at the airport and provide access to the hinterland. ===By train=== Regular trains to other major European cities from the '''Hauptbahnhof''' main train station, conveniently located downtown with easy access to mass transit. The train station and the connecting underground mall has shops, restaurants, and a grocery store which locals use when they need to do late night shopping, as it is not subject to the closing hours laws otherwise in force in the city. ===By car=== Almost every highway leads straight into Zurich. This might be quite easy for tourists, but is also really painful if you have to cross Zurich on a daily basis. ===By bus=== The main bus station is just next to the main train station, where the river Sihl is flowing into the river Limmat. Many busses from and to other European cities, mainly southern destinations like former Yugoslavia or Spain. ===By boat=== As Zurich is located at the "end" of lake Zurich, it can be reached by boat from other coastal villages, e.g. Rapperswil at the upper end of the lake. ==Get around== Zurich has an extensive and integrated system of public transport that includes trams, buses, S-bahn (local trains) and even boats for the lake and river. Tickets must be purchased from a ticket machine before boarding or from one of the ticket selling kiosks. The ticket machines are intimidating at first glance, but in general for most tourist your just need the green button for Tageskarte (day card - valid for 24 hours) for 7.20 Chf. This ticket is also valid for boats in Zone 10, so take a trip on the lake or river on the same ticket! There are many other special offers on tickets for tourists so ask at the tourist information or your hotel. Public transport information: [http://www.zvv.ch/ ZVV (German & English)] Online Maps (GIS): [http://www.gis.zh.ch/ GIS Zürich (German language)] ==See== Image:StPeter_Skyline_Cleanup.JPG|thumb|240px|Central Zurich and the St. Peter Church Most of the interesting sights are in the old town around the river and lakefront. * '''Grossmünster''' old Romanesque church * '''Fraumünster''' old Gothic church with window paintings by Chagal * '''Landesmuseum''' history museum * '''Kunsthaus''' art museum * '''Schanzengraben''' (a small canal that used to be part of the city fortifications between Limmat and Sihl): From the main station, go to Gessnerallee, find the stairways down to the tiny creek, and walk all the way to the lake. * '''Langstrasse''' Red light district of Zürich, with more drug dealers and police than usual, but interesting because even this most notorious spot in Switzerland is so clean and safe. But mind at night! *'''Zoo''' With the new '''Masoalahall''', the Zoo is really worth a visit! ==Do== * Take the '''Polybahn''', a 19th century funicular, up the steep hill for a fine view. * Go '''skiing''' by train - buy all-in tickets (train, skipass) at the Hauptbahnhof during winter months, train out in morning, back in evening * Take a '''trip on the Zürisee''' with one of the many old ships. There are a few different routes you can choose from, which will vary mainly in the distance. * Hike up the '''Uetliberg''' and enjoy the 360 degree view. There is also the possibility to take a train from the main station that will bring you directly to the top. * '''Dance at the Streetparade''' currently the biggest open air techno rave in Europe. Starting at 2 pm, trucks which function as mobile soundsystems start driving along the lake side, starting from the east at Utoquai and ending at the west at Hafen Enge. Every year this event attracts nearly a million visitors. After the Streetparade the party doesn't stop, there are open air parties along the route until midnight and club parties at various locations in town until late the next day. To keep the party going. http://www.streetparade.ch. ==Learn== '''[http://www.ethz.ch/ ETH Zürich]''' (''Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule'') is one of most renowned technical universities in Europe. ==Work== ==Buy== Image:Zurich bahnhofstrasse.JPG|thumb|240px|Bahnhofsstrasse For shopping in Zürich there are three different areas in the centre: * '''Bahnhofsstrasse''', which runs from the Zürich Train Mainstation "Hauptbahnhof" right down to the lake. Bahnhofsstrasse has many expensive shops. Here you can get anything from diamond rings to chocolate and fur coats. On Bahnhofsstrasse there are also a few bigger stores like '''Globus''' which have a big variety of items. * '''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 is more for young people. Aside from a lot of fast food places you will find a lot of trendy clothes stores here. * '''Löwenstrasse''', which runs west of Bahnhofstrasse from the main train station, has lower range shops and a large branch of Migros, a department store chain. ==Eat== Distinctive foods: '''Rösti''' (baked chipped potatoes), '''Fondue''' (melted cheese in a central pot, dip bread into it), '''Raclette''' (cheese melted in small portions, served with potatoes and pickles) and '''Bratwurst''' (a sausage usually made of veal sold on the street with mustard and a roll). What other people have noted: Swiss potato pancakes; sandwiches using fresh baked '''Bretzels''' as the bread. ===Budget=== * '''Lee's take-away''' (Preyergasse 8 in the Niederdorf). Stand-up place serving excellent large portions of Asian food. Special student dishes under 10CHF. * '''Molino''' at the Limmatquai and near Stauffacher for Italian Food * '''New-Point''' chain for the best kebab in town, (1) at Langstrasse, (2) near the police station by the Sihl between main station and Stauffacher (Kaserne), (3) at Albisriederplatz (4) at Hardstrasse near Pfingstweidstrasse * '''Sterne Foifi''' Zurich's most famous sausage stand next to the UBS bank building at Bellevue. Red or white sausage for 6CHF, piece of bread and (hot!) mustard is included. * '''Migros Gourmessa''' large choice of takeaway food in the Migros department store, Löwestrasse. * '''Jelmoli''' and '''Manor''' department store restaurant for a cheap buffet lunch, good salad and vegetables stands. Both at Bahnhofstrasse (not evenings). ===Mid-range=== * '''Rosalys''' near Bellevue for typical Swiss food including Älplermacrone (pasta with apple purée); excellent cocktail bar, too * '''Commercio''' near Stadelhofen station (Mühlebachstrasse) for excellent pasta and a busy atmosphere * '''Commi-Halle''' near Central for Italian food. * '''Swiss Chuchi''' in the Niederdorf. Classic Swiss food for tourists, but good none the less. * '''Zeughauskeller''' at Paradeplatz offers hearty sausages, stews, rösti potato etc. in a Brauhaus-like setting. Touristy, but good and large portions. * '''Masala''' near Stauffacher with Indian food * '''Tibits''' behind the Opera house at Seefeldstrasse is the fast-food outlet of Hiltl, Europe's oldest vegetarian restaurant. Offers a nice self-service buffet of fresh veggies and fruit and a surprising variety. Try the freshly squeezed juices. * '''Iroquois''' tex-mex food in the trendiest part of town, with the best margueritas in Zurich. Seefeldstrasse 120 * '''Tiffin's''' great place for Asian food. Crowded, closed on Sundays. Seefeldstrasse between Kreuzstrasse and Feldeggstrasse * '''Lily's''' great Thai and other Asian food. Especially recommended: huge portions of Thai curry. Langstrasse between the railway and Limmatplatz. Come before 19 or after 21 if you don't want to wait. * '''Nooba''' Pan-asian noodle bar at Kreuzplatz, a short walk up the hill from Stadelhofen station. Stylish setting, attentive and multi-lingual service and a broad selection of freshly prepared noodle, rice and curry dishes. * '''Zeughauskeller''' Traditional Zürich restaurant with a great historical past (built in 1487). Serves traditional Food. Near Paradeplatz. ===Splurge=== * '''Widder Hotel''' * '''Le Dezaley''' hidden in a small street from Limmatquai near the Grossmünster, with traditional Swiss food from the French-speaking Kanton Waadt (Vaud) * '''Blaue Ente''' at the far end of tram 2 and 4 near Bahnhof Tiefenbrunnen. * '''LaSalle''' in the Schiffbauhalle, stylish and romantic. * '''Hiltl''' the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Europe (from 1890). Behind Jelmoli department store (Sihlstrasse 102) * '''Kronenhalle''' at Bellevue is the city's most famous restaurant where all the glitterati go to see and be seen. Good Swiss food and heavenly chocolate mousse are one reason to go, the opportunity to dine among original artwork by famous Swiss and European artists (who payed in paintings instead of money) the other. Dress nicely, and treat yourself to a drink at the classy bar before or after your meal. * The restaurants at the top of the '''Uetliberg''' are great to combine a nice view of town (a hike in the sommer) and some great food. ==Drink== ===General=== Zurich has a lot of places to go out. There are a lot of clubs, restaurants, caf?s, bars but also many museums and theaters. Event calendar: [http://www.zueritipp.ch/ Züritipp (German language)] What to drink: Beer, Swiss white wine: e.g. Fendant. Swiss red wine is not overly recommended: Spanish red wine is generally good value here. At apéro time (after work), you will find many people drinking a Cüpli (glass of sparkling wine). ===Bars (centre)=== * '''Nachtflug''' stylish, coffee and some snacks during the day, large choice of drinks at night. Stüssihofstatt 4 (Niederdorf). * '''Outback Lodge''' near Stadelhofen station. Australian in theme, drinks and food, but also well visited by the locals. * '''Blue Note''' jazz club, quite exensive but good atmosphere. Stockerstrasse 45. * '''James Joyce bar''' where the writer himself used to go. Now mostly frequented by bankers. Pelikanstrasse 8. * '''Oliver Twist''' good atmosphere, many foreigners, own small court. Rindermarkt 6. * '''Öpfelchammere''' (apple chamber). Not a real pub or café: they only serve wine or water. But if you succeed in climbing over the roof beams, you get a free glass of wine to drink hanging upside down and you can mark your name into the wood afterwards. Rindermarkt 12. * '''Widder bar''' by far the best stocked whisky bar in town. In the famous hotel of the same name. Widdergasse 6. ===Bars (Kreis 4/5 and beyond)=== Newer going-out district starts at Escher-Wyss-Platz/Pfingstweidstrasse. * '''Riffraff''' cinema bar attracting a largely alternative crowd. Neugasse 57, near Langstrasse. * '''4. Akt''' for pretty young things * '''Hard One''' roof lounge on top the Cinemax complex, older crowd, very expensive but stylish. * '''Moods''' jazz club in the Schiffbau complex, concerts on Saturdays ===Clubs=== Zurich has proportionally more '''clubs''' than any other city in Europe. You will find anything from very "fancy" Clubs to places you can just chill. If you want, you can go to a club every night. There is always a Club that has a party going, and the Zurich young things make sure to splash all their income on going out. * '''Labyrinth Club''' is one of the most renowned for hardcore dancers on an overdose. Exceedingly gay after 4am. Flurstrasse 95. Three of the most renowned clubs are converted parts of the old Toni dairy factory at Fö?rrlibuckstrasse: * '''Toni Molkerei''' * '''Dachkantine ("roof cantine")''' * '''Rohstofflager ("raw material storage").''' This one also does concerts. A lot of Clubs are located in the so called Zurich West (District 5) * '''X-Tra''' The probably biggest Club near the Limmatplatz * '''Code Club''' * '''[http://www.club-indochine.com/ Indochine]''' * '''K5-Club''' * '''Säulenhalle''' Daily Eventcalender: [http://www.usgang.ch/ Usgang.ch (german)] This internetsite features a Calender which lists all the parties that are on everyday. Very good to decide where to go before you actually leave for the evening. ===Gay and Lesbian travellers=== * '''Rathauscafé'''. Coffee and a croissant in the morning, moving over to sparkling wine in the afternoon and early evening. Nice terrasse in the summer. Mixed crowd, friendly service. Limmatquai. * '''Cranberry''' opposite Rathauscafé Very crowded on Fridays and Saturdays 20-24 before the boys head to the clubs. * '''Barfüsser''' once Europe's oldest gay bar, it has now been converted into a fancy and large lounge and sushi place. More relaxed atmosphere, mixed crowd. Spitalgasse 4. * '''T&M''' Disco club and '''Aaaah''' house club, open most days but only crowded on Friday and Saturday. Share the same house and entry ticket at Marktgasse 14, you can switch atmosphere as much as you like. 23CHF cover charge on busy nights. http://www.gaybar.ch * '''Sunday trash''' Gay and Lesbian party in Labor bar, Schiffbaustrasse. Place to be on Sunday night, 21-03h. 10CHF cover charge. * http://www.gayagenda.ch/ ==Sleep== *'''City Backpacker/Hotel Biber''', Niederdorfstr 5, 01 251 90 15 (''sleep@city-backpacker.ch''). Probably the most convenient hostel for backpackers. In the centre of the city with dormitory beds for 31 Chf. There are shared bathroom and cooking areas. http://www.city-backpacker.ch/ *'''Martahaus''', Zaehringerstrasse 36, +41 1 251 45 50 (''Fax +41 1 251 45 40, email: info@martahaus.ch''). A clean and friendly place which doubles as a hostel and a one-star hotel, this is one of the few hotels in Zurich which goes out of its way to proclaim itself '''gay-friendly'''. They also have weekly and monthly rates for rooms as well as a couple of studio apartments. 38-150 Chf (''dormitory bed to double room with a shower''). http://www.martahaus.ch/ *'''ZicZac Rock-Hotel''', Marktgasse 17, 01 261 21 81 (''email: rockhotel@ziczac.ch''). One of the cheaper options right in the middle of things. It has rock'n'roll 'theme' rooms (generally just the name of the room and a photo on the wall). Good, relaxed atmosphere in an old and slightly worn-down building. 100-200CHF (''double w/wout private bath''). http://www.ziczac.ch/rockhotel/ *'''Otter''', Oberdorfstr, 7, +41 1 251 22 07 (''Fax: +41 1 251 22 75''). Now this is a good hotel for the price! The rooms have been decorated with the kind of care that one normally expects in a much more expensive hotel, each with its own theme. You can choose from the jungle room with its hammock, or the pink Carmen, or go for the top floor apartment. Each floor's three rooms share a bath, shower and toilet (WC), with the exception of the apartment which has its own shower. 90-100 Chf for a single room, 130-160 for a double, and 180 for the apartment (more with more people). http://www.wueste.ch/ *'''Hotel Splendid''', Rosengasse 5. This hotel is relatively cheap. The rooms are ok and clean, but not very luxurious. Private showers and bathrooms are not available, you share with your floor. What is really great is the location, right close to the Gemüsebrücke and the city center! 60Chf (''double room''). http://www.hotelsplendid.ch/ ==Contact== ==Stay safe== Zürich, like most cities in Switzerland, is relatively safe. Although be on guard for thieves and pickpockets. Carry your wallet or purse in a secure way, not in your hip pocket or a backpack outer pocket. Public Transportation is very safe. You can use it without any special precautions. * '''Gay and lesbian travellers:''' Zurich is the favourite place to live for Switzerland's (German-speaking) gays and lesbians and the city is extremely tolerant . The Canton of Zurich was the first to allow registered partnerships for same-sex partners, for example. Gays and lesbians need not take special precaution for their safety, apart from the usual (rubber). But that goes for everyone. ==Cope== ==Get out== * Basel, Bern, Sankt-Gallen, Chur and Schaffhausen are all less than an hour away by train. Lausanne is two hours, Geneva and the Italian-speaking region of Ticino up to three hours. ==External links== *[http://www.zurichtourism.ch/ Zurich Tourism] *[http://www.zuerich.com/index.php?&displayLanguage=en Zuerich com] English language page *[http://www.streetparade.ch Street Parade] *[http://www.geotravel.ch/ Travel Agency] *Student-to-student tips about [http://www.polyguide.ch/bar Bars] and [http://www.polyguide.ch/restaurant Restaurants] (in German) WikiPedia:Zürich de:Z?ürich First page | Prev | Next | Last page |
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