Zürich, known as Switzerland’s financial capital, is often associated with a luxury, high-end lifestyle. And while it is true: Zürich is full of luxury, it is not only the materialistic kind. Its lake, rivers and green spaces in and around the city, wide range of cultural activities and entertainment, and thousands of easily reachable destinations (thanks to the most reliable public transportation you could imagine), add to its wealth.
To me personally, Zürich feels like the smallest metropolis on earth. It’s hard to imagine anything you cannot find here. Yet, at the same time, people greet you in the streets of the residential districts just like they do in a small village.
Eating Out in Zürich
- Enjoy breakfast at: Kafi Dihei, a homey café where you can enjoy not only a tasty Birchermüesli but also pancakes, waffles, bagels and so much more. On sunny mornings, you can enjoy breakfast outside.
- Grab a coffee at: Café & Conditorei 1842. Located in the charming Niederdorf district, enjoy a good coffee in this beautifully furnished historic confectionery. And just across the street you can buy freshly roasted coffee at Schwarzenbach, a historic store for colonial goods.
- For a hipster vibe: Go see Frau Gerolds Garten, an urban garden oasis made from shipping containers. Not only does it provide a hipster vibe in Zurich but also a beer-garden-like meeting place for people of all ages.
- For something more international: Try San Gennaro’s amazing Neapolitan pizzas while enjoying the Italian flair on their terrace with a wonderful view over the river Limmat.
- Dine with the Family at: The Artisan. A green oasis with excellent food and drinks in Zurich-Wipkingen right next to the community gardens of the neighborhood. Kids can discover the garden beds and play on the terrace or in the kids corner inside.
- Try the local speciality: Züricher Geschnetzeltes (sliced meat Zürich style) – you will find a vegetarian version at Hiltl as well!
- For authentic Swiss hospitality: Have a traditional Swiss cheese fondue in the cozy restaurant Fribourger Fonduestübli. A reservation is recommended.
- In between Sightseeing take a break: at Sternengrill near Bellevue. Known for the best sausages and the strongest (!) mustard in town.
- Vegetarians will feel at home at: Hiltl. This restaurant holds the Guinness world record for being the oldest continuously open vegetarian restaurant in the world.
- For girls’ night out: Meet up at Frauenbadi, a public bath near Bürkliplatz that is exclusively used by women, to cool down in the River Limmat. Afterwards, enjoy meze and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere at Kleine Freiheit.
- For drinks: Clouds Bar on the 35th floor of Zurich’s highest building, the Primetower. Needless to say, you have quite a view up there.
- Grab something sweet at: Süsse Ecke. Taking the extra route to Zurich-Höngg is worth it as you will be rewarded with a wide selection of delicious cakes. Some even say that they make the best “Cremeschnitte” in town, a popular Swiss pastry made from puff pastry and a fluffy vanilla cream.
Where to Shop in Zürich
- Buy your groceries at: In one of Zurich’s zero waste stores such as Foifi or Chez Mamie.
- Visit the Farmers Market: There is a farmers market in nearly every part of the city. Personally, I prefer smaller markets such as the market on Röschibachplatz every Tuesday and Saturday.
- Grab a loaf from: Äss Bar where yesterday’s bread and pastries from various bakeries are offered at an unbeatable price. Saving food and money could not be more delicious!
- Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss: The Lindt Home of Chocolate where one can both learn about chocolate and enjoy it.
- The best Cheese can be found: Tritt Käse has it all: fondue, raclette, local specialties. Even better: Tritt Käse is located in an architectural highlight: a market hall situated in the arches of an old viaduct.
- Local specialties can be found at: Berg und Tal, also located in the Viaduct market hall.
- Find something for the home at: Flea market at Bürkliplatz, every Saturday from May to October.
- Buy the kids something at: Kiwi near Bahnhof Wipkingen, a lovely kids store with new and second-hand treasures.
- A great second-hand shop: Allerlei, a second-hand store with two locations (one in Zurich-Wipkingen, one in Zurich-Oerlikon). Here you can find everything for babies, kids and women.
- Grab a nice bottle at: Turicum Distillery. Their Turicum Gin is not only distilled in Zurich but hand finished with lime blossoms from the Lindenhof, a beautiful green area in the heart of Zurich.
Activities in and around Zürich
- Families love to visit: The 17 community centers (“GZs”) located all over the city. Not only do they provide a wide range of activities and courses. In most GZs you can find a café or even restaurant and a nice outdoor area with playgrounds and sometimes even animals.
- Take a dip: There are plenty of public pools in the city and alongside the lake, but if you want to cool down like the locals: Try floating in the river Limmat. Bring your inflatable boat or waterproof swim bag and float to Werdinsel. Or even do the full 2-hour-trip to Dietikon train station (Disclaimer: Stay safe! Please inform yourself in advance and mind the damm-crossing near Werdinsel!).
- Pull on your hiking boots and: Hike along the Planet Trail from Uetliberg (Zurich’s local mountain) to Felsenegg. This family-friendly hike not only shows the enormous distances in the solar system but offers amazing views over the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the alps. It ends with a cable car ride down to Adliswil.
- For something different explore: Urban Surf. In the middle of Zurich’s hip former industrial district Zürich-West passionate surfers and beginners can surf on a standing wave. Don’t want to get wet? Have a drink in the bar or tasty food from the surf kitchen while watching the surfers.
- Hop on a bike and cycle: along the river Limmat to Fahr monastery where you can fortify yourself before heading back to Zurich.
- An easy day trip: Zurich is a great starting point for day trips. We especially love day trips to Lake Walen (Walensee) for boat rides, a hike to the Seerenbach Waterfall or just soaking up the Mediterranean climate of the car-free village Quinten.
- If it is raining: Visit Zurich’s museums. The Zoological museum has free entry and is great for kids. The Kunsthaus Zurich is Switzerland’s biggest art museum – and has free admission every Wednesday!
- A great playground: Many of the community centers (“GZs”) have great playgrounds such as GZ Buchegg, GZ Bachwiesen and GZ Wipkingen. Older children might prefer the new playground at Schützeareal with two very high slides.
- Don’t miss a visit to: Lindenhof, the city’s oldest green area with a beautiful view over the river Limmat and the old town.
- For the best views: Waid, where you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, Lake Zurich and the Alps.
- When guests visit: We take them on a walk through the old town and hop on a boat at Bürkliplatz for the “short” lake cruise, which takes about 1.5 hours.
All the Locals of Zürich Know
- Local festivals not to miss: There is so much going on in Zurich that this list is by no means exhaustive: The Sächsilüüte in April to send off winter, Switzerland’s largest festival – the Züri Fäscht– takes place every three years, and pop cultural events such as the Street Parade in August or the Zurich Film Festival in autumn attract lots of visitors.
- Don’t get caught out at: in your car during rush-hour traffic.
- The best time of year to visit is: Summer, since you can enjoy all the benefits of the lake and the other waters in and around Zurich.
- It is busier on: On weekend summer days it might get crowded in the public pools and at the lake side as well as in front of Gelateria di Berna. However, you will definitely not regret queuing for this incredibly tasty ice cream.
- Best place to watch the sunset: Negrellisteg – a pedestrian bridge over the track bed near the main station where you can enjoy the sunset while watching the trains.
Getting Around Zürich
- Best to get around: Zurich is the best city in Europe when it comes to public transport, according to a 2019 study. You can choose between tram, train, bus, ship, riverboat, or shared mobility offers such as car-sharing or e-scooters.
- Closest airport/train station/bus stop: Zurich airport is the biggest airport in Switzerland just as Zürich HB (Zurich main station) is the country’s biggest train station. Don’t forget to check out the night jet connections to many cities such as Berlin, Vienna, Prague, or Budapest for an environmentally friendly alternative to flying.
- Traffic Tips: Buy a 24-hours ticket for public transportation since it pays off already with your second ride.
- Rent bikes/Scooters from: Züri rollt . If you bring your ID and 20 CHF deposit, you can rent a bike for free!
- A place to rest your head and not break the bank: Zurich Youth Hostel, a modern building and a good breakfast.
- A place to rest your head when you want to splurge: Dolder Grand, located in the green above Zurich – it´s said to be the best hotel in town. Even if you cannot afford it – it’s worth seeing it.
About Eva
Seven years ago, Switzerland was no more than a vague memory of an overnight transit during a school trip to Italy. Today – thanks to coincidence and love -, it is the place where Eva’s children grow up and that feels more and more like home. Learn more about Eva here and follow her over on instagram.
