Zurich
Zurich has long since awoken from its urban slumber and has now become a small cosmopolitan city with the highest quality of life and cosmopolitan flair: not only as the economic hub and financial center of the country, but also as a symbiosis of historical architecture, contemporary design and avant-garde trends.
International trends are reflected here: what is trendy in New York, Paris, Milan and London is also taking place in Zurich. For a long time known only as a banking and business metropolis, Zurich has since developed into an extremely popular destination for tourists too, because the city has everything that art connoisseurs, cosmopolitans, gourmets and romantics love: numerous museums and chic galleries, international labels and urban Zurich brands, trendy restaurants, cool bars, hip clubs, the flair of the old town, a panoramic view of the Alps and a picturesque lake. - A lively metropolis, whether for business or pleasure.
It's a big offer considering that Zurich has only 370,000 inhabitants. No wonder Zurich has already been awarded six times as the city with the highest quality of life in the world: in terms of safety, cleanliness, cultural offerings, gastronomy and recreational areas. Hardly any other city offers so many leisure opportunities and at the same time is such a vibrant business metropolis.
The hotel industry
Zurich's luxury hotels are famous and have seen some interesting new additions to the long-established grand hotels such as the Baur au Lac, Eden au Lac and Savoy Baur en Ville in recent years. As one of the first design hotels, the Widder caused a sensation and is still the first choice for individualists with a penchant for the extraordinary. The Hyatt is the perfect modern and luxurious business hotel in the heart of the financial district, while the Alden Splügenschloss is an intimate all-suite boutique hotel with an exquisite private ambience.
And then there is the more affordable category, which is not necessarily in the luxury class, but is nevertheless quite unusual and fun due to its unusual concept, even if perhaps not for everyone, such as the Greulich, the Lady's First and the Rigihof.
Tourist highlights
So what makes Zurich so attractive? Certainly the picturesque location directly on the lake and the wonderful view of the snow-capped Alps. The city blends harmoniously into the natural beauty of the surrounding lake and mountain landscape and, as an adventure metropolis on the water, attracts the local population to Lake Zurich, especially at weekends, where all leisure activities are concentrated in the summer months. Various lidos and many private boats and yachts create a vacation atmosphere in the middle of the city. A vibrant leisure culture pulsates here.
The Limmat divides Zurich into two halves: the Old Town and the multicultural Niederdorf. The picturesque alleyways of the Old Town, where you'll find plenty of quaint Zurich, are a dreamy haven of peace, while Niederdorf, with its many stores, bars, pubs and restaurants, is a hive of activity! The quays along the river are vibrant promenades lined with stately town houses and former guild houses. The city's landmarks are the Grossmünster with its twin towers, the Fraumünster with its Chagall window and St. Peter's with the largest clock face in Europe. The Lindenhof - today a viewing and public festival site - is the former customs station where Zurich was founded.
The heart of the city is Paradeplatz: an address could hardly be more distinguished. Today, it is the hub of Zurich's luxury mile and, in the Swiss version of Monopoly, the most expensive square of all. We have a foreigner to thank for this, say the Swiss: the Vorarlberg pioneer Johannes Baur did not simply build a hotel in 1838 with the Hotel Baur en Ville, but laid the foundation stone for a long history. The Baur au Lac soon followed. The main shopping mile is Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's number one symbol of prosperity and economic upturn. It stretches a good one kilometer from the main train station to the lake, and since the streetcar only runs along the middle of it, the conditions here are ideal for one of the most upscale shopping sprees in Europe.
Trend destination
This city has blossomed into a trendy destination and now attracts fans from all over the world, as well as those who want to deposit their hard-earned or ill-gotten money in one of the large banks. Another big plus of the city: it is totally manageable, everything in the city center is within easy walking distance, and even disoriented people (like the author), who normally travel even the shortest distance by cab, can confidently do without it and find their way around quickly and easily.
After just a few hours, you feel right at home. Whether for a shopping trip or to experience art, whether for the nightlife or the sights, for the Street Parade or Sechseläuten, business or relaxation - the trendy metropolis of Zurich is an exciting mix and always worth a trip. Zurich is like an exciting cocktail mix of New York, London, Berlin and Paris.
Mag. Susanne Kroker (September 2007)/updated 2017
Zurich is no longer a sleepy bankers' metropolis: today, cosmopolitans with a desire for quality of life and long nights meet here.
Highlights
Connoisseur special tip:
The Westend is Zurich's latest boom district. The "industrial quarter" gained its reputation thanks to a large number of newly established cultural venues. Junk stores have become bars with huge window fronts, behind which night owls cavort like fish in an aquarium. "Züri-West" is a mixture of industrial design and rubble chic, avant-garde and alternative culture. New bars and clubs are constantly opening and young designers offer their extravagant and imaginative creations in the boutiques.
www.stadt-zuerich.ch/zuerich-west
DIPLOMATISCHE VERTRETUNGEN
in Germany
Swiss Embassy
Otto-von-Bismarck-Allee 4A, 10557 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 3904000
Fax: +49 30 303911030
E-mail: ber.vertretung@eda.admin.ch
www.eda.admin.ch/berlin
in Austria
Swiss Embassy
Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 9a, 1030 Vienna
Phone: +41 1 79505
Fax: +43 1 7950521
E-mail: vie.vertretung@eda.admin.ch
www.eda.admin.ch/wien
Lage
Schweiz
Fläche
87,88 km²
Bevölkerung
378.884
Sprache
Deutsch, Französisch, Ialienisch und Rätoromanisch
Religion
Roman Catholic, Protestant-Reformed
Beste Reisezeit
Mai bis September, zu den Zürcher Festspielen im Juni, zum Theaterspektakel im August
Klima
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperaturen | 2 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 20 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 14 | 9 | 3 |
| Min. Temperaturen | -4 | -3 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 1 | -2 |
| Sonnenstunden | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Regentage | 11 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Zeitverschiebung
Mitteleuropäische Zeit (MEZ) mit europäischer Sommerzeit (kein Zeitunterschied).
Währung
Schweizer Franken
Visa
Für die Einreise notwendig ist ein gültiger Reisepass. Nähere Informationen bei Ihrer Botschaft.
Vaccinations
none
Zurich food - Zurich's best culinary temples Whoever embarks on a delightful culinary tour through Zurich will always discover something new. The multicultural Swiss society is also reflected in the gastronomic scene, where oriental and Far Eastern influences have long been an integral part. Exotically spiced cuisine, fusion or home-style cooking à la Züri-Geschnetzeltes enrich the menu. Food is often about emotions, and sometimes people are more concerned with the ambience and service than with the actual performance of the kitchen. The best cappuccino in town can be enjoyed at Al Leone at Bahnhofstrasse 32, which is also very popular for exchanging explosive company gossip and for fans of after-work cocktails.
The best sausages in town can be found at the traditional Vorderer Sternen (Theaterstraße 22). All of Zurich meets at the "Sternen-Grill" from half past ten in the morning until midnight. The Odeon is also a classic among the city's cafés (Limmatquai 2) and a popular meeting place for the gay scene.
The Sprüngli (Bahnhofstrasse 21) is to Zurich what the Sacher is to Vienna. Café Sprüngli was founded in 1836 and today presents itself freshly renovated in warm brown tones with lots of marble and oak wood. It is almost obligatory to enjoy a wonderful espresso, cappuccino or a "Cüpli" here. This is accompanied by deliciously freshly prepared snacks filled with cheese, meat or salmon. It's a meeting place for everyone: high society, tourists or the sleep-deprived banker ordering his third coffee. Adjacent is the store with a huge selection of pralines and chocolate specialties, numerous cakes and tarts as well as the patisserie.
LaSalle (Schiffbaustrasse 4, Tel.: +41 44 2587071): This hotspot is located in the hip new trend district of Zurich West/Kreis 5. Lots of glass, steel and concrete define the ambience of the former hangar, where almost 200 guests can be seated under a huge Murano chandelier. The service is okay, apart from the receptionist, who turns out to be a real house dragon. If you arrive 15 minutes late, your table is gone immediately and you are told that it is a mercy to be allowed to eat here - unfortunately, this is unacceptable behavior for a restaurant that is definitely worth a visit in culinary terms. The ostrich fillet is a poem, the tuna well seared and the venison slices are not to be sneezed at either. If you don't want to eat too much, half portions are also available. Price level:
€€€, be sure to make a reservation!
Rüsterei (Kalanderplatz 6, Tel.: +41 44 3171919): In the middle of the pulsating life of Sihlcity, this restaurant is dedicated to modern European cuisine, peppered with a few Swiss specialties. In the old brick building of a former paper factory, the ambience impresses with its avant-garde design, a skillful mix of old wooden furniture and modern elements. However, the pictures in various gastro guides promise too much. While the beetroot mashed potatoes (a Swiss specialty) actually tasted very good, the pike-perch fillet was not convincing. This was probably also due to the fact that it stewed too long in the pan and turned out a little too dry. With the dessert - a chocolate mousse au chili - they meant too much with the chili. The service depends on the week or day, and there is definitely not enough choice when it comes to the dishes. Conclusion: For the reputation that the restaurant enjoys, it should offer a lot more in terms of taste. Price level: €€€
La Piazzetta (Pelikanstrasse 37, Tel.: +41 44 2111313): This is where a typical Italian padrone from Bella Italia celebrates the big show - uncomplicated Italian cuisine on three levels. The homemade pasta is a must (two kinds of pasta with truffles), the chanterelle bruschetta is worth a try. Very popular, lots of celebrities, so make sure you book! Price level: €€€
Petermann's Kunststuben (Seestraße 160, 8700 Küsnacht, Tel.: +41 44 9100715): Horst Petermann is undisputedly one of the best chefs in Switzerland, awarded 19 Gault-Millau points and 4 toques. Here you take off on culinary flights of fancy, a pleasure and an experience. The perfumed fish and crustacean soup with saffron threads and the grilled turbot fillet with lime vinaigrette are not only beautifully presented, they also taste perfect. Petermann is a master of classic French cuisine and always surprises with new creations. The wine cellar is stocked with excellent trouvailles. At the end of the meal, the patron joins us for a charming, warm and open chat about celebrities who like to visit his restaurant frequently (Tina Turner lives right next door). Haute cuisine and high prices: €€€€
Kronenhalle (Rämistraße 4, Tel.: +41 44 2629900):
This is the place to be for anyone who is anyone in Zurich, or at least hopes to be. A time-honored location with dark wood-panelled walls and paintings by Chagall, Matisse, Cézanne, Picasso and Miró. There are said to be people who fly to Zurich for a day just for the Kronenhalle. There is no doubt that the "Zürcher Geschnetzelte" is a poem, so tender and of the finest quality. The chocolate mousse is legendary, made according to a well-kept house recipe. Although discretion is the order of the day, it is still possible to reveal who is among the illustrious regulars: Udo Jürgens, Catherine Deneuve, Boris Becker, Marius Müller-Westernhagen. Max Frisch once said that "the secret of the Kronenhalle is one of those mysteries that cannot be deciphered". Price level: €€€
Going out in Zurich - an adventure and party metropolis
In the 1980s, the former industrial districts were filled with new urban life and Zurich developed into an experience and party metropolis. A total of around 500 bars, nightclubs and discotheques provide a wide variety of night-time entertainment, and there is no curfew here. Today, Zurich West/Kreis 5 and Sihlcity are trendy hotspots. Here you will find an interesting mix of tranquillity and a certain shabbiness that every city with a global reputation should have. Many former factory halls have been revitalized and creative people have made use of the space and filled it with new life. At the Street Parade, one of the biggest house and techno parties in the world, hundreds of thousands of people dance colorfully, shrilly and tirelessly.
Tip: Ask the concierge to check various guest lists and inquire about the theme of the evening - the crowd, music and atmosphere can vary greatly from night to night.
La Suite en Folie (Schiffbaustrasse 10): Zurich also has its supper club, here the stylish bon vivant chills out on white lounge sofas in a spacey ambience.
Club Q (district 5/Zurich West): On the first floor of a parking garage, progressive party nights and afterhours take place until the early hours of the morning, international superstar DJ league.
Kaufleuten (Pelikanstrasse 18): Classic among the scene temples with international appeal, still one of the hippest clubs in the city
Tao's (Augustinergasse 3): an oasis in the middle of Zurich with a restaurant, lounge, bar/club and an inviting garden in Far Eastern and Arabic style.
Zurich Clubs - The city by night
Zurich has transformed itself into Europe's party metropolis and offers the liveliest nightlife with the largest number of clubs in Switzerland. Party nights in Zürich-West - the former industrial area - are truly unique. There s no closing time, so to speak, in the city on the Limmat.
Wellness in Zurich - Our spa recommendation
An inspiring wellness offer on 4,000 square meters characterized by
European and Japanese influences: Enjoy the "Dolder Grand
Spa", enjoy the spacious swimming pool with a view of nature, a
ladies' and gentlemen's spa, workout, movement and mind-body studios
and a large selection of treatments. Two spa suites offer
exclusive, private relaxation. The "Dolder Grand" is one of the
most beautiful wellness hotels in Switzerland.
At the Dolder Grand, Kurhausstrasse 65, Zurich, tel. +41 44 4566000,
www.thedoldergrand.com Places of interest in Zurich - The most beautiful addresses
Zurich offers its guests a great variety and number of sights. A relaxed stroll through the city shows that there is something amazing to see on every corner: architectural highlights, historic squares, streets and districts, as well as churches, works of art and much more.
Shopping Zurich - A variety of special stores
Anyone looking for the usual top designers will certainly find what they are looking for on Bahnhofsstrasse. However, there are also a number of interesting stores that can only be found in this city.
