Kids in Tow
Switzerland is famous for toys ranging from trains to wooden carved toys and the Zurich Toy Museum and Franz Carl Weber, the toy store, should be part of any visit to the city when you have children in tow.
Switzerland
Zurich
Though Zurich isn't the capital of Switzerland, it is the country's largest and most important city. It is the economic hub of Switzerland and a center of international banking and finance. The friendly business climate has also attracted many of the world's top corporations and lots of high-tech industries. Consequently, Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it is also consistently ranked as the most livable.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Grossmünster
Grossmünster, or 'Gross Monster' as it's lovingly referred to by English speakers, is Zurich's most important church and one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. The original church was supposedly commissioned by the Emperor Charlemagne himself. It was also supposedly the burial place of Zurich's patron saints: Felix and Regula. The present structure was built in the traditional Gothic style during the twelfth century and consecrated around 1220AD. The twin, neo-Gothic spires were added in 1781 after the original wooden steeples were destroyed in a fire.
Fraumünster
Fraumünster, or Church of Our Lady, is one of Zurich's most important churches. The original church was opened in 850 and served as a Benedictine Abbey. The convent here was home to many of the elite women of Medieval Germany. The crypt dates from this original building. The current church was built in the mid-thirteenth century and a Romanesque spire was added in 1732. The spire towers above central Zurich, making this an important landmark.
Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum opened in 1898, seven years after its establishment. The building is in the style of a French Renaissance chateau, designed by architect Gustav Gull. It has been expanded several times since. The museum is dedicated to Swiss culture
Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich's main shopping street and also one of the world's most expensive streets. It dates back to 1864 when the surrounding swamp was filled in. The street quickly became a hub of commerce and banking, which it remains today. Here the world's elite congregate to shop and store their wealth.
Kunsthaus
Kunsthaus is Zurich's best art museum. It opened in 1910 and was designed by architect Karl Moser in the Greek Revival style. The facade is a little drab, but it belies the excellent collection housed inside. Many of the European masters are represented here, though the museum features some of their lesser works. Painters include Edward Munch, Marc Chagall, Vincent Van Gogh, and Salvador Dali to name a few.
Schanzengraben
The Schanzengraben is a canal that connects Lake Zurich to the Limmat, through the western end of central Zurich. The canal was dug beginning in 1642 as a part of a new set of defensive fortifications necessitated by the Thirty Years War. It was actually a moat, and the bridges across were wooden so they could easily be burned in times of trouble. Originally, it ran along what is now Bahnhofstrasse, but was rerouted in the 1860s as the area was developed.
Niederdorf and Oberdorf
Niederdorf and Oberdorf is the neighborhood located on the right bank of the Limmat River. The atmosphere here is more casual than the rest of central Zurich. Instead of banks and upscale shopping there are cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. Many of the city's best restaurants are located here too.
Rietburg Museum
The Rietburg Museum is located in the middle of a 17 acre park, Rieterpark, in central Zurich. The park was bought by the city of Zurich in the 1940s. The collection is housed in the Wesendonck Villa, a mid-nineteenth century mansion built for industrialist Otto Wesendonck. It was also home to Richard Wagner. The beautiful Neo-classical villa was designed by Swiss architect Leonhard Zeugheer. The museum opened in 1952, but has expanded into the Schönberg Villa and an underground extension.
Aussersihl
Address: Langstrasse Zürich Tel: +41 44 215 4000
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Zurich
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Zurich
Kronenhalle (Swiss)
This restaurant is famous for its exquisite Swiss food and desserts that melt in the mouth. If you want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous of Switzerland (and even celebrities from around the world), Kronenhalle is where you want to be seen. The restaurant also has some magnificent paintings by artists such as Picasso, Miro, Chagall and Matisse to name a few. You definitely ‘pay’ in paintings every time you dine here. With such an interesting history to its credit, its hard not to go to Kronenhalle if you are in the mood to splurge.
Widder Hotel (international)
One of the best and most expensive hotels in town, the Widder Hotel restaurant offers top-notch cuisine. The hotel caters to most international cuisine given that guests from all over the world come and stay here.
Petermann's Kunststuben (French)
Located along the shores of Lake Zurich, the Kunstsuben not only offers great French food but also a splendid view. The restaurant has to its credit one of the best Swiss chefs: Horst Petermann. There is wide selection of wines to choose from and has played host to many a public figure. One must make reservations beforehand. Address: Seestrasse 160, Küsnacht Tel: 044 910 0715. Website: www.kunststuben.com
Casa Ferlin (Italian)
With an intimate feel to it thanks to antique wall hangings, a fire place and dark colours, the Casa Ferlin probably has the best Italian food in town. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner and once again, attracts some of the richest residents of Zurich.
Blaue Ente
Blaue Ente (Swiss and international with a seasonal menu) – Loosely translated as ‘Blue Goose’, this restaurant is situated beside Lake Zurich and boasts of an architecture that is largely eclectic. Perhaps one of the best things about the Ente is that the menu is not only diverse but also keeps changing. It is most famous for its duck.
Haus zum Ruden (Swiss)
Housed in a historic 13th-century building, the Ruden has three different dining halls, each of which feature a different decor (historic). Once again, you need to make reservations in advance in order to dine here.
Masala (Indian)
As the name suggests, the restaurant is the place to go for Indian food. It caters mostly to tourists who are looking to experiment with food.
Swiss Chuchi (Swiss)
Located in the Adler Hotel, the Swiss Chuchi offers traditional fare, once again catering to the tourists. While the food is great, it is the fondue here that attracts many and is on the menu all the year round. It is the unconventional fondue combinations that appeals to one’s taste buds.
Bierhalle Kropf (Swiss)
This restaurant has a marvellous painting on its ceiling which adds to the overall decor of the place.
Outback Lodge (Australian)
This restaurant is strictly for those who are quite experimental with their food since it has ostrich, crocodile and kangaroo on its menu. Of course, there is mainstream food also for those who are into exotic meats but the Outback Lodge is known for the former rather than the latter.
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Where to stay in Zurich
Widder Hotel
Perhaps the finest hotel in the city, the Widder Hotel is located in Zurich’s old town but is quite close to the main city as well. The service quality is outstanding and the architecture and floor plan, exquisite. The room rates start from CHF560 and go up to almost CHF2,000 per night. Both deluxe rooms as well as penthouses are available. There are several restaurants, a bar, limousine service, functions hall for your events as well as the availability of internet at the Widder Hotel.
Hotel zum Storchen
Located along the shores of River Limmat, Hotel zum Storchen is also within the confines of the Old Town but not too far from the city centre. The hotel boasts a 24-hour concierge service, free internet in the hotel lobby, a business centre, laundry and dry-cleaning service along with an exclusive restaurant.
Baur au lac
Frequented by celebrities, politicians and other public figures, the Baur au lac overlooks the Alps but at the same time is quite close to the financial district of Zurich. There is free wireless internet, private garage and car wash, an in-house florist, a business centre and a fitness centre available here.
Park Hyatt Zurich
A five-star hotel with modern architecture, the Park Hyatt provides internet, transport, shopping, restaurants and parking services to its guests.
ALDEN Hotel Splügenschloss
The ALDEN Hotel Splugenschloss is an intimate 5 star boutique hotel which is situated 5 minutes walking distance from Lake Zurich. Ideally located near the Bahnhofstrasse, this 22 suite hotel boasts large bedrooms, sitting rooms and bathrooms fitted with the latest ameneties. The little touches of luxury that this hotel is known for also extends to a large Mediterranean fine dining restaurant, ALDEN per te.
The Dolder Grand
This five star hotel boasts 173 luxurious rooms and suites with panoramic views of the city. The resort boasts a spa, several restaurants and is a prominent landmark of Zurich.
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zürich
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zürich is a lakefront hotel on Utoquai. Philippe Starck redesigned the historic Eden au Lac property for its current identity. Its official address is Utoquai 45.
Radisson Blu Hotel
This five star hotel is yet another luxurious branch of the many Radisson hotels around the world. The Rasission Blu Zurich provides the standard exemplar facilities that you would expect to find at any of the Radisson hotels, including 330 rooms and suites, 50 meetings rooms, free WLAN access and an excellent restaurant serving an international cuisine.
Renaissance Zurich Hotel
This hotel is ideally situated between the airport and downtown Zurich and provides spacious and elegantly designed rooms with all the modern amenities of a deluxe hotel. The hotel restaurants serve a delectable Asian and Swiss Cuisine and are definitely worth a visit even if you choose not to stay at this hotel. Besides the standard guest rooms and suites, the hotel also offers a sauna, health club, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam bath, solarium and a massage centre for guests’ added comfort and benefit.
Zurich Marriott Hotel
Situated in the heart of Zurich and a mere 10 minutes drive from the airport, this elegant hotel of the many Marriott’s around the world has much to offer in modern amenities. With 264 guest rooms and excellent Thai and Swiss restaurants, this hotel is definitely the place to stay.
History and today in Zurich
When to Go
Zurich has four distinct seasons and a fairly cool climate. Average high temperatures in the summer are in the low twenties, with only a couple days each year above 30C. Average highs in the winter are just above freezing (2C in January, the coldest month).
Fast facts
Location: Zurich canton, North Central Switzerland; situated at the tip of Lake Zurich. Dialling code: 41 Emergency numbers Police: 117 Ambulance: 144 Fire brigade: 118 Population: 350,200 (city); 1.2 million (Zurich canton). Languages: The official language is Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from March to October). Average January temperatures: -0.5°C (31°F) Average July temperatures: 18°C (64°F) Annual rainfall: 1,142mm (45 inches)
Exchange rates
The currency used is Swiss Franc.
Public holidays
• January 1, 2010: New Year’s Day • January 2, 2010: Saint Berchtold (New Year Shopping, Stores are open) • April 2, 2010: Good Friday • April 5, 2010: Easter Monday • May 1, 2010: Labor Day • May 13, 2010: Ascension Day • May 24, 2010: Whit Monday • August 1, 2010: Swiss National Day • December 25, 2010: Christmas Day • December 26, 2010: Boxing Day
Annual temperature
January: 9°C (high); -11°C (low) February: 11°C (high); -8°C (low) March: 16°C (high); -6°C (low) April: 21°C (high); -2°C (low) May: 25°C (high); 2°C (low) June: 28°C (high); 6°C (low) July: 29°C (high); 8°C (low) August: 29°C (high); 7°C (low) September: 24°C (high); 4°C (low) October: 20°C (high); 0°C (low) November: 16°C (high); -4°C (low) December: 11°C (high); -9°C (low)
Zurich Residents
With a population of over 300,000 in the main city, the people of Zurich are surprisingly diverse. Over 30 per cent of the population consists of Germans who do not hold Swiss citizenship. 22 per cent are Italians who do not hold Swiss passports either. There are over one million people living in the suburbs of the city. The people are generally friendly but one must be on the look-out for pickpockets and drunken brawls.
Zurich Today
Though Zurich isn't the capital of Switzerland, it is the country's largest and most important city. It is the economic hub of Switzerland and a center of international banking and finance. The friendly business climate has also attracted many of the world's top corporations and lots of high-tech industries. Consequently, Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it is also consistently ranked as the most livable.
Zurich History
Zurich has been consistently settled since the Roman Empire, though humans have lived in the area since prehistoric times. The first historical reference is from 15BC, when a military base was established. The nearby town was called Turicum. Little is known about Zurich's history throughout the early middle ages. The area was controlled by a succession of Germanic tribes.
Zurich in a Day
Start your day at Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's answer to the Champs Elysees. This is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, but even if you're on a budget, the window shopping is a sight to behold. When you're finished here, walk a few blocks to Fraumunster. This is one of Zurich's signature landmarks. It shouldn't take more than a half hour to explore this wonderful old church. Stop for lunch at Swiss Chuchi. Be sure to try their famous fondue, which comes at a surprisingly reasonable cost.
Useful information
Shopping
TOD’s
This store has top-class designer footwear. Customers are spoilt for choice with regard to the variety available. There are also several handbags, belts and other leather accessories to choose from.
Brunos
A clothing store that caters to both men and women, Brunos has some of the most expensive clothing lines that money can buy. Women can accessorise (as can men) given the number of accessories available at the store.
Franz Carl Weber
This three-storey toy store is every child’s dream come true. There are specialty toys, souvenirs and collectors’ items to choose from. Mainstream toys such as Barbies and PlayStations are also available.
Globus
This is a top-notch departmental store that has everything from clothes to shoes to toys to cosmetics. There is also food court of sorts on one of lower levels and needless to say it has really fine food.
Jamarico
The store’s appeal lies in the burgeoning youth market of Zurich. It consists of trendy, hip clothes that are not too expensive and are wearable as well.
Peter und Vreni Schuhmode
This shoe store stocks over 70 brands including American ones which can be quite affordable for the average tourist.
Migros City
This is a supermarket chain and one can find just about anything here if you’re looking to shop within a budget- even souvenirs!
Bürkliplatz
This is a flea market where you can find some great buys: everything from a t-shirt to local handicrafts to jewellery to pots and pans.
Rosenhof
This is yet another market in the heart of Old Town where you can find artworks, hand-made goods and the ilk.
Frietag Taschen
This is probably the best place in Zurich to go get souvenirs from. There are bags and clothes and countless other things that one can purchase to give as gifts to friends and family.
Signature sights in Zurich
Le Corbusier Center
The Le Corbusier Center, home to the Heidi Weber Museum, was the final building designed by Le Corbusier, one of the seminal architects of the twentieth century. He was born Charles-Edouart Jeanneret in a small city in eastern Switzerland in 1887. He would shape the Modernist movement in architecture with his International Style, and his influence can be seen in cities throughout the world, even if his buildings aren't.
Affoltern, Oerlikon & Seebach
This district is famous for its Christmas Collectors Fair that takes place every year.
Festivals and events in Zurich
The Fespo Holidays and Leisure Fair
features a different guest country every year. This is perhaps the largest fair held in Switzerland and is divided thematically – from continents/countries to wider categories such as health and education.
CSI Zurich
one of the world’s top five horse riding events. It attracts thousands of keen riders and non-riders every year.
The Salsa Festival Switzerland
held in Kongresshaus Zürich, is just another way to celebrate winter in the city. For those who wish to participate in this festival, there are a number of salsa workshops set up prior to the festival where you can hone your skills.
The Opera Ball
has to its credit international opera stars that perform alongside the Zurich Opera Orchestra. The evening kicks off with the debutantes of the season dressed in breath-taking ball gowns. Other attractions include ballroom dancing, a cigar bar and chill-out lounge.
Art on Ice
is a figure skating event that has some of the finest Swiss figure skaters doing their thing. Performances by international pop stars and a light show are some of the other features of the event.
Zurich tours and experiences
Circle Tour
This is a three-hour-long tour of Zurich on a trolley. The tour takes you around the city where you get to see buildings of historic significance and major landmarks. Address: Jupiterstrasse 35 Tel: +41 44 383 7878
Hans Meier Cityrama Tour
This tour takes you along the historic sights in the city via the bus and is a three-hour-long trip that is operational all the year round. This is a completely guided tour that takes you around the Old Town as well.
Hans Meier Combo Tour
This is a four-hour-long trip that takes you via train to the ‘top’ of Zurich where the view will simply take your breath away. The tour is also operational all year round and the entire trip is quite a relaxing experience.
Best of Switzerland Tours
This guided tour will let you explore the expensive shopping district, museums, parts of the Old Town, Opera House as well as the Frausmunster and Grossmunster.
Toptrek Touren Zürich
This is a trip to the countryside that you take on bikes, thus letting you see things that you would ordinarily miss while sitting in a car or train. Tourists who are into this sort of thing will enjoy riding on some of bike tracks and the view that one will be able to witness along the way.
CityRunning
This almost four-hour-long trip will take you around town while you jog. This is a great way to keep in shape and enjoy Zurich’s sights on foot. The guides will take you to some of the best city jogging tracks so that you can explore the city at length.
Zurich masjids and Muslim travel
Mosque Mahmud
Address: Forchstrasse 323 Tel: +41 44 381 55 70
Stiftung der islamischen Jugend
Seebacherstrasse 67, Zurich, Switzerland
IBAC Travel, Kamal Hamdy
Forchstrasse 38, Zurich, Switzerland
SMS Swiss Muslim Society
Weinbergstrasse 147, Zurich, Switzerland
Vereinigung der Islamischen Organisationen in Zürich
Rötelstrasse 86, Zurich, Switzerland
ACCESSZ Alsaid Beratungsstelle für Migrantinnen und Migranten
Schaffhauserstrasse 5, Zurich, Switzerland
Transportation
Buses and trams
Zurich has an extensive system of buses and trams that reach anywhere in the city and its surroundings. You must purchase your tickets beforehand at ticket offices or kiosks, or else you could face a fine. The system is run by the VBZ and runs from 05:30 until midnight (03:00 on weekends).
Train
Zurich and its suburbs have an extensive commuter rail system known as the S-Bahn and operated by the Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV). Coverage is spotty within the city, but there are more than twenty lines servicing the region. The city and its suburbs are split into different "zones". Pricing is based on which zones you are traveling through. One ride can cost anywhere from CHF2 to CHF80.
Car Rental
Don't bother renting a car if you're only staying in Zurich, as driving in Switzerland, especially in the cities, is purposefully inconvenient in order to encourage the use of public transportation. If you insist, however, all the major rental companies have outlets in the city.
Bicycles for hire
One of the best way to get around Zurich is by bike. The city is relatively flat and compact, with moderate temperatures, making it ideal for bicycles. It's also an excellent way to get to know the city at street level. Zurich's traffic laws emphasize pedestrians and cyclists, so the experience is pleasant and not stressful.
Taxi
Taxis in Zurich can be hired by phone or hailed on the street. Because of the ease and ubiquity of public transportation and the high rates on taxis, they're not recommended. They may be the only option for late night travel, though.
From the Airport
Zurich Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Switzerland, with flights throughout Europe and the rest of the world. It's located about 10km from the center of city. There are several options to make that journey.
Driving Tips
Driving in Zurich is not recommended. City planners have gone out of their way to make things difficult for drivers. More and more streets are being converted to pedestrian only and trams have the ability to turn lights red in order to continue driving unimpeded. Gas is very expensive, as are tolls and congestion charges.
Health and Safety
Health and safety
Zurich is perhaps one of the safest cities in the world with an extremely low crime rate. However, it is wise to keep track of your valuables, particularly your travel documents because pick pockets and petty thieves can catch you unawares. Also important to note is also the burgeoning youth population of the city which is prone to getting drunk and picking fights with people for no reason. It is best to not confront them or indulge in such drunken brawls if you encounter something of the sort. Also, if you do decide to explore the city on a bike (which is a popular mode of transportation), you must first try and understand how the mass transit system works in Zurich. Given that there are so many trams plying the streets, you need to be on the look-out for tram tracks. Failure to do so would mean you getting stuck in the tracks which could be quite disastrous. Otherwise, using public transport is quite safe and most tourists have no complaints in this regard. If for some reason, you do require medical attention, you can always visit Permanence at the main station or the Hauptbahnhof.
