The Best Things to do in Zurich, Switzerland - Zurich Travel Guide by The Planet D

Summary

Explore the best of Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, with this vibrant travel guide. Discover the city's charm through its old town and hip Zurich West neighborhoods. Indulge in a chocolate lover's dream at the Lint Chocolate Factory, where you can taste a variety of chocolates and learn about their history. Enjoy the pristine waters of Lake Zurich by paddle boarding or swimming in its public pools. Take advantage of Zurich's efficient public transportation to reach Uetliberg Mountain for stunning panoramic views. Stroll along the city's graffiti-art filled walkways and waterfront, and savor traditional Swiss fondue. Visit iconic churches like Grossmünster and Fraumünster, and don't miss the artistic community of Wölfli. For a unique experience, check out the Federal Institute of Technology and admire the city's numerous fountains. End your day with upscale shopping on Bahnhofstrasse and a relaxing dinner at Paradiesplatz.

Takeaways

• 🍫 Visit the Lint Chocolate Factory for a multimedia experience on the history and making of chocolate, including a tasting experience at the end.
• 🏞️ Enjoy a paddle boarding session on Lake Zurich, which offers a beautiful view of the city and the Swiss Alps.
• 🏊‍♂️ Zurich has several public pools where you can swim in the clean and clear waters of Lake Zurich, and even get a massage.
• 🚌 Utilize Zurich's efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, boats, and trains, to easily navigate the city.
• 🏔️ Take a trip to Uetliberg Mountain for stunning panoramic views of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the Alps.
• 🛳️ Embark on a boat cruise on Lake Zurich to get a different perspective of the city's skyline and harbors.
• 🎨 Explore the artistic communities around Zurich, such as the one at Wölflihofen, known for its graffiti art.
• 🧀 Indulge in traditional Swiss fondue at a local restaurant, which is a must-try when in Zurich.
• 🏭 Discover the transformed industrial area of West Zurich, now filled with chic cafes, art displays, and the impressive Ann Sophie art installation.
• 🌉 Walk along the Zurich Viaduct, a 550-yard long walkway with shops and restaurants, and appreciate its historical significance.
• 🍽️ Don't miss dining at Parad Platz for a final cocktail on the patio, a great spot to end your day in Zurich.

Q & A

What is the largest city in Switzerland and what are some of its attractions?

The largest city in Switzerland is Zurich. Some of its attractions include the old town, Zurich West neighborhood, the Lindt chocolate factory, paddle boarding on Lake Zurich, public pools, outdoor activities near the lake, and the Uetliberg mountain for a panoramic view of the city.

What kind of experience can one expect at the Lindt chocolate factory?

At the Lindt chocolate factory, visitors can expect a multimedia experience that includes a history of chocolate, how it's made today, and a complimentary audio guide in various languages. The highlight is the chocolate tasting experience, including tasting chocolate from giant chocolate fountains and guessing the type of chocolate bars.

What outdoor activities are available at Lake Zurich?

At Lake Zurich, one can enjoy public pools, sunbathing on swimming platforms, getting a massage, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming in the clean and clear water. There are also opportunities for paddle boarding and exploring the river, with views of the Swiss Alps and the city.

How does the public transportation system in Zurich facilitate travel around the city?

Zurich's public transportation system is fast and efficient, offering unlimited travel for 72 hours with a Zurich Card, which covers trams, buses, boats, and trains. This makes it easy to get around the city and to various attractions.

What is the significance of the Grossmünstster church in Zurich?

The Grossmünstster church is significant as it was the site of the Reformation and is the largest church in Zurich. It also offers a great view of the city from its cathedral.

What is special about the Zurich Viaduct?

The Zurich Viaduct is a 550-yard long walkway filled with shops and restaurants, made up of 36 arches. It used to divide the old city and the industrial city and now serves as an amazing raised walkway through the city.

What is the significance of the Fraumünstster church in Zurich?

The Fraumünstster church is significant as it is one of the two not-to-miss churches in Zurich, along with the Grossmünstster. It is located across the Limmat River and its steeple dominates the skyline.

What is the best time to visit Lindenhof for a view of Zurich?

The best time to visit Lindenhof for a view of Zurich is at sunrise when there are fewer people and the panoramic view of the river, old city, churches, steeples, and the historic town is spectacular.

What is unique about the fountains in Zurich?

Zurich has over a thousand fountains, and they provide clean, crisp, and clear water that people can fill up their water bottles from anywhere in the city.

What is a recommended place for shopping and dining in Zurich?

Bahnhofstrasse is recommended for shopping, as it is home to high-end stores and famous Swiss banks. After shopping, one can head to Paradeplatz for dinner and enjoy a final cocktail on the patio.

What is a popular Swiss dish that visitors should try in Zurich?

Fondue is a popular Swiss dish that visitors should try in Zurich. It is typically enjoyed with potatoes and bread for dipping, and there are various types of cheese fondue to choose from.

What is the significance of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich?

The Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich is one of the best institutes in the world and is a place of interest for visitors who want to explore the city's academic and technological advancements.