About Zurich
Zurich is a stunningly beautiful city that circles around the northern end of Zürichsee (Lake Zurich), from which the Limmat River flows, bisecting the city. In the distance, magnificent snow-clad peaks overlook the waters of the lake, and the shores are dotted with stately 19th century mansions.
The city is crisscrossed by lovely, low bridges. On the left bank are the Altstadt (Old Town); the Hauptbahnhof (the main train station); and Bahnhofplatz, a major urban crossroads and the beginning of the Bahnhofstrasse. The right bank constitutes the livelier older section, divided into the Oberdorf (Upper Village) and the Niederdorf (Lower Village).
Zurich is a central point allowing one-day excursions almost anywhere in the country. Luzern and Bern are only 75 minutes away. The Rhein, the medieval village of Stein, and the Rhein Falls are also close.
Along the shores of Lake Zürich, concrete walkways give way to trees and lawns in the Arboretum on the west bank, making the area perfect for strolling.
Zurich has a free bicycle rental program. For a small, refundable deposit and your passport, you can borrow a bike.
The most central pickup points are at Platform 18 of the Hauptbahnhof, the Globus department store on the Bahnhofstrasse, and at Theaterplatz/Stadelhofen.
Zurich is also considered to be one of the best shopping destinations in the world.
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Getting There & Around
Zurich Kloten Airport, 10km (6.2mi) north of the city center, handles domestic and international flights. It is a busy and efficient airport within easy reach of downtown Zurich.
The journey from the airport to Hauptbahnhof station takes 10 minutes by train. On average, five trains leave per hour between 6am and 12am. Buy your ticket before boarding. This is a cheaper option than a taxi into the city.
The busy Hauptbahnhof has direct trains to Stuttgart, Munich, Innsbruck and Milan, as well as many other international destinations. There are also hourly departures to most Swiss towns.
If driving into Zurich, the N1 is the fastest route from Bern and Basel; it also services routes to the north and east of Zurich. The N3 approaches Zurich from the south, along the shore of Lake Zürich.
Travel in Switzerland
There is a comprehensive and unified bus, tram and S-Bahn service in the city, which includes boats on the Limmat River. Tickets allow you to switch between modes of transport as you like. There's a 24-hour city pass, and a 24-hour pass valid for unlimited travel within the whole canton of Zürich. Taxis in Zurich are expensive even by Swiss standards, so stick to public transport and save some cash.
Attractions
Zurich is full of attractions for all ages. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in Zurich. You can also book some of these attractions online and save your vacation time.
Fraumunster
This prominent 13th-century Gothic cathedral is perhaps best known for one of its more recent additions, stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall in the 1970s.
Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)
This fantastic art museum displays Western works since the 1600s and has an especially impressive selection of modern art.
Swiss National Museum
Situated in an historic castle, this museum displays a collection of interesting artifacts from throughout Swiss history.
St. Peter's Church
One of the oldest churches in the city, this cathedral is best known for having the largest clock face in Europe.
Bahnhofstrasse
This famous pedestrian street offers the best in world-class shopping opportunities and is also home to some of the world's most important banks.
Old Town (Altstadt)
Zurich's historic section features cobblestone streets, a variety of small stores and restaurants and many of the city's most significant religious landmarks.
Great Church (Grossmunster)
This 12th-century cathedral has both historical and architectural significance: Ulrich Zwingli led an important sect of the Reformation from here in the early 1500s, and the cathedral's twin towers serve as perhaps the most recognizable landmarks in modern Zurich.
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