Why you must make time to visit this European city
Travel writer Ben Squires spends time in the beautiful city of Zurich.
Zurich might not find its want onto every traveller’s itinerary when they’re planning a jaunt through Europe, and this is a real shame. Located in central Switzerland, in the very heart of Europe, Zurich is a vibrant city with a rich history and a lot to offer holidaymakers.
And there really is something for everyone. Zurich has over 50 museums, including the famous Swiss National Museum, Beyer Clock and Watch Museum and the FIFA Football Museum, which charts the history of the beautiful game. Add to that 100 art galleries featuring some of Europe’s finest classical and avant-garde creations, countless outdoor-based recreational activities, and a thriving bar and restaurant scene on par with the best on the continent, and you’ve got a city that’s worth changing an itinerary for (even if only for a few hours).
No matter what the duration or purpose of your visit is, one thing you must do when you’re in Zurich is take a moment to scope out the shopping scene. Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main downtown street, is one of the world’s most expensive shopping avenues, and even if you’re on a window shopping-budget you’ll enjoy a stroll down this exclusive avenue. The world’s leading brands all have a flagship store here, with everything from haute couture to Swiss delicacies available. As with most shopping destinations in Europe though, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your bag as pickpockets have been known to prey on tourists.
Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world.
While we were in town we were lucky enough to visit Les Ambassadeurs, a leading Swiss boutique retailer specialising in jewellery and prestigious watchers. The visit was invite-only, and unless you’ve got a spare €40,000 lying around shopping here is probably beyond the realm of most travellers, but it was a privilege to admire the collection which really encapsulates the technical precision which is the hallmarks of Swiss artistry.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town for a few days, it’s worth making the trek out to Zurich-West (as with most of Switzerland, Zurich has fantastic public transport connections). Factories have moved out of this one-time industrial hub and creative mind have moved in, transforming this now-vibrant part of the city with an unpolished charm. From designer boutiques, to quirky eateries and market halls featuring the most fascinating goods and knick-knacks, you’ll enjoy discovering the hidden gems beneath the area’s stark exterior.
A trip to Zurich wouldn’t be truly complete without visiting the city’s Old Town. Unless you’re very confident in your sense of direction we’d recommend a guided tour to get your bearings as it can be a bit of a maze at times, and you do miss some of the interesting buildings (and stories) on your first wander through this part of the city. That said, it’s also worth leaving a few hours to stroll at leisure through this charming part of Zurich, as you’ll really get a sense of the forces that have combined to make the city what it is today.
Oh, and if you love food, you’re going to be in luck. Zurich has not shortage of fine-dining options for eaters of all tastes and budgets. While we were in town we were lucky enough to dine Zunfthaus zu Waag, which has sophisticated, traditional Swiss cuisine cep gratin and roasted pheasant breast. If you’re on a budget, we’d recommend Tibits, an unpretentious restaurant serving some of the best vegetarian food in Europe buffet style. But whatever you feel in the mood for, you’re sure to find something to your taste.
Zurich might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think about visiting Europe. But with some of the best food, shopping and activities in Europe (or the world for that matter), any traveller who does make time for a visit will not regret it.
The writer travelled courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.
Visit www.myswitzerland.com for more information about Switzerland.
And visit www.myswtizerland.com/rail for the Swiss Travel Pass which allows holders unlimited access to all Swiss public transportation including buses, boats and trains, up to 50% off mountain railways and cableways and free access to more than 500 museums around the country.