Zurich at a glance
Far beyond its reputation for banks and luxury boutiques, Zurich is an exceptionally welcoming city that makes for a fantastic weekend getaway. Switzerland's largest metropolis pairs a charming historic core with a striking setting right between the water and the mountains.
History, food, and art
Start your exploration in the Old Town, split right down the middle by the Limmat River. On the right bank, the imposing Romanesque Grossmünster collegiate church commands the skyline with its twin towers. Cross over to the left bank to wander the medieval lanes of the Schipfe neighborhood, admire historic facades with ornate details, and browse local artisan shops. The Fraumünster church is well worth a stop for its stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti, the cousin of the famous sculptor. Nearby, the Lindenhof esplanade shaded by ninety linden trees delivers sweeping views over the rooftops below.
The neighborhood is also the right spot to sit down for a hearty cheese fondue at a traditional tavern. Fans of Gruyère, Vacherin, and Appenzell will be entirely in their element. Finish off with a taste of iconic Swiss chocolates, with the Sprüngli confectionery standing out as arguably the most famous name in Zurich, if not all of Switzerland. Walk off lunch with a visit to the city's Thermal Baths, or dive into one of its many museums. The Swiss National Museum houses a vast collection of Swiss historical artifacts, while the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum draws crowds with works stretching from the eighteenth century to the present day. For something a bit different, check out the FIFA World Museum or the House of Electronic Arts.
Outdoors and natural beauty
Away from the upscale storefronts and busy streets, Zurich showcases Switzerland's natural scenery at its best. The city sits on the edge of a 42 kilometre long lake that draws locals by the hundreds for summer swimming. A 3 kilometre waterfront promenade is a favorite for weekend walkers and runners, and you can easily take a scenic mini-cruise on the water. If you happen to be visiting in November, do not miss Expovina, a floating wine festival hosted right on boats docked along the shore. Outdoor enthusiasts looking for alpine air should set aside at least a day to head toward the Swiss Alps. Countless hiking trails wind through the mountains, though those taking it easy can simply ride the train or hike up Uetliberg mountain to an elevation of 869 metres.
When to go
June through August brings the warmest weather and sunniest days for exploring on foot. November through March brings cooler temperatures, though winter conditions in the city rarely drop to extremes.
How to get there
Flights from European hubs like Paris to Zurich cost around $135* with a flight time of 1 hour and 20 minutes nonstop. You can also catch a train from Paris, which gets you to the central station in 4 hours and 20 minutes. If you are starting closer to the border in Strasbourg, Zurich is just a 2 hour and 30 minute drive away.
If you are looking for a city that is accessible even for small budgets, keep looking.
Zurich is bursting with perks though, a truly beautiful quality of life, parks, lakes, and plenty of green spaces... all of that in a dynamic and economically thriving city.
And actually, you just need to sit on a bench for a few minutes and watch the parade of Porsches, Audis, Mercedes, and other Ferraris to convince yourself that the standard of living here is very high. To finish convincing yourself, take a seat at a cafe terrace, and reading the prices on the menu should shed some light on things!
Have a great trip anyway to those who are well off :)