Zurich Travel Guide

With a history that stretches back to the 13th century, Zurich has built itself a mighty legacy from its humble Roman beginnings. The still-pristine natural surroundings and quaint architecture attract thousands of tourists annually. Seeking entertainment in the financial capital of Switzerland is no sweat.

Though Zurich's culturally rich ambiance can best be taken in on foot, there is also a solid and punctual public transport system of trams, buses and trains that ferry passengers to their destinations with efficiency. Dress for the cool climate, arm yourself with a few major credit cards and you are ready to hit the town.

Restaurants

The city's gastronomic battalion of about 2000 restaurants and bars cater to almost all palates, but for a truly memorable experience, it would be advisable to seek out one of those rare gems like Zeughauskeller, which serves Swiss cuisine in its original form. Just as contemporary joints like Biscayne American-Restaurant pay tribute to Uncle Sam, the typical hot and sour flavors of the East may be found at the aptly-named Hong Kong Chinois. Views of the Limmat River from Inselrestaurant Bauschänzli's terrace should add a touch of romance to your meal time, while Fourchette is ideal for a quick power lunch. The next time your kids want a burger, cart them off to Crazy Cow for a pleasant surprise, or grab a few greens at Hiltl, supposedly one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Switzerland.

Bars and Nightlife

With the number of watering holes burgeoning in the city, it's hard to find yourself in want of something to sip. Brews come in various forms, ranging from the local variety at Olé-Olé, to the stronger spirits at the sporty Nelson Pub. The unusual Schminkbar offers pampering and makeup sessions to fritter away the time, while the Titanic-themed Kaufleuten is popular with the yuppie crowd. If you're looking for a date, Palavrion is the place to go. Zurich's night crawlers meet up at happening spots like Club Indochine, which throbs to techno beats and serves Vietamese delights.

Shopping

Your credit cards can be put to good use on Bahnhofstrasse, one of Europe's most attractive shopping streets, which streaks through the city center. While fashion boutiques may set trends, it's the local markets that attract maximum crowds. The Hirschenplatz Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) is eagerly awaited by bargain shoppers, and during the summer the locals delight in the markets at Flohmarkt Bürkliplatz, held on Saturdays. For those who cannot do without daily spending sprees, there is the posh Globus and the more affordable Jelmoli, department stores that stock up on almost every household requirement. When in search of the likes of Versace, D&G and Donna Karan, head to Trois Pommes Outlet. Hip bags can be picked at Freitagtaschen. Before heading back home, shop for some more Swiss delicacies. For those fond of chocolate, Confiserie Sprüngli, the oldest bakery in the city, is the ideal spot.

Scenic Splendor and Architecture

Switzerland is the epitome of scenic beauty, and there are plenty of panoramic views to take in if your tastes run towards the natural world. The Käferberg mountain, the beatific Zürichhorn lakeside or the Schipfe area along the Limmat River open up the city's geographical gems to the public. Check out renovated Roman Baths to take in some of the remnants of the city's glorious past, more of which can be found within the confines of the Schloss Kyburg, a castle from the Middle Ages, and the Museum Schweizer Hotellerie und Tourismus, which showcases exhibits on the country's long history of tourism. Cathedrals like the Grossmünster, the Fraumünster and the Wasserkirche allow tourists to wander through some breath-taking architecture, while the musical Street Parade in August and the self-explanatory Santa Claus Parade (Samichlaus-Umzug) around Yuletide allow visitors an opportunity to mingle with friendly locals. You can also stroll through the picturesque Old Town, divided by the River Limmat. A number of well-preserved period structures are perched along winding cobblestone pathways in this neighborhood. Explore the streets by foot to discover the myriad sights and sounds in this charming Alpine city.

Parks

The abundance of parks invites visitors to make plans for picnics out in the open: the Irchelpark is a great place to sit back and relax with some bread and cheese while watching the ducks sweep across the pond. Or you can explore the themed Chinagarten which is alive with blossoming cherry trees, and take in the Platzspitz, seemingly straight out of a fairy-tale. One could catch a music concert at the Bäcker Park, considered one of the most beautiful in the city, or marvel at larger-than-life sculptures at Bruno Webers Weinrebenpark. A trip to the Zurich Zoo is ideal for those with kids in tow.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 122