Zurich Travel Guide

Summary

The video script offers an in-depth look at Zurich, a city often overlooked by travelers but rich in culture and efficiency. It highlights the city's renowned airport, convenient public transport system, and the importance of validating tickets to avoid fines. Zurich is described as a very walkable city with a robust public transport network that includes trams, buses, and trains. The script also introduces viewers to local cuisine, emphasizing the diversity and uniqueness of Swiss food beyond the common stereotypes. It touches on the city's cost of living, with electronics being an exception to the general expense, and provides insights into the local economy and wages. The video concludes by emphasizing Zurich's blend of traditional Swiss qualities with a modern, edgy, and creative vibe, making it a cool and worthwhile destination.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Zurich is a city that travelers often add to their 'Someday' list, offering a blend of efficiency and beauty that is worth experiencing.
• ✈️ Zurich International Airport is renowned for its efficiency and is a favorite among travelers for its convenience and connection options.
• 🚄 The airport is well-connected to the city center via a quick train ride, with the train station located conveniently underneath the terminal.
• 🎟 A single ticket for public transport within a single zone in Zurich can be used for up to 60 minutes of travel and can be purchased from vending machines.
• 🚌 Public transport in Zurich includes trams, buses, trains, cable cars, and boats, all operating on a zone ticketing system.
• 💳 The Zurich Card offers unlimited travel on all public transport within the city and adjoining zones, as well as discounts on attractions and river cruises.
• 🍔 Swiss cuisine is more diverse than just chocolate and cheese, with unique dishes and flavors influenced by the region and city.
• 🍖 Traditional Swiss sausages like bratwurst and cervelat are popular, and regional preferences for condiments can vary, such as the use of mustard in Zurich.
• 🍞 Bread in Zurich, including the traditional Zopf, is of high quality and is a delight to try, often available at local bakeries.
• 💸 Zurich is an expensive city, but the high cost of living is offset by generous salaries, comprehensive social services, and a sensible tax system for residents.
• 🍺 While food and accommodations can be pricey, electronics are an exception and are cheaper in Zurich compared to much of Europe.
• 🏷️ Tipping in Zurich is appreciated but not expected; however, the trend is moving towards it being more of an expectation.

Q & A

What is the appeal of cities like Paris, Tokyo, London, Shanghai, and LA for travelers?

These cities are attractive to travelers due to their climate, culture, cuisine, and other compelling characteristics which draw millions of visitors.

Why do some cities, like Zurich, often end up on a traveler's 'Someday' list?

Cities like Zurich are known to be noble, beautiful, and important, yet travelers may not visit them immediately, instead adding them to a 'Someday' list of future possible destinations.

How efficient is the Zurich International Airport?

The Zurich International Airport is renowned for its Swiss efficiency and is considered one of the best airports in the world for connections, with experienced travelers often allowing only 40 minutes between flights.

What is the best way to get into Central Zurich from the airport?

The best way to get into Central Zurich from the airport is by train, which runs every few minutes from the airport train station located underground beneath the terminal.

What is the cost of a train ticket from Zurich International Airport to Central Zurich?

The cost of a train ticket from the airport to Central Zurich is around seven Francs.

What is the significance of the Zurich Hauptbahnhof?

Zurich Hauptbahnhof is one of the busiest railway stations in the world by movement, serving as a hub for Swiss Railway, Germany's ICE, France's TGV, and various local and regional services.

How walkable is the city of Zurich?

Zurich is a very walkable city, with the city's tourism board recommending walking as the best form of transport to explore the city's beauty.

What is the frequency of bus or tram stops in Zurich?

In Zurich, there is a bus or tram stop approximately every 300 meters, ensuring that travelers are never far from a transport option.

What does the Zurich Card offer to travelers?

The Zurich Card, available in 24-hour and 72-hour increments, offers unlimited travel on all forms of public transport within Zurich city and several adjoining zones, as well as discounts on museums, tourist attractions, and some river cruises.

How does the cost of living in Zurich compare to the average Swiss wage?

While Zurich is an expensive city, Swiss residents enjoy some of the highest average wages in the world, which, along with comprehensive social services and a sensible tax system, helps offset the high cost of living.

What is the local food culture like in Zurich?

Swiss food, particularly in Zurich, is more diverse and satisfying than commonly believed, with unique dishes and flavors rooted in each canton and city, often with local touches to traditional offerings.

What are some popular local dishes in Zurich?

Popular local dishes in Zurich include bratwurst, Cervelat sausages, Züri Gschnätzlets (veal strips with a white wine, cream, and demi-glace sauce served with rosti and Crème fraîche), and macaroons, which are a Swiss specialty.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Exploring Zurich's Accessibility and Public Transport

The first paragraph introduces Zurich as a city often added to travelers' 'Someday' lists. It highlights the city's renowned airport and its efficiency, making it a favorite for connections. The script details various ways to get into Central Zurich from the airport, including trains, trams, and buses. Zurich Hauptbahnhof is mentioned as a busy railway station with numerous connections. The paragraph emphasizes the city's walkability and the convenience of its public transport system, which includes trams, buses, trains, cable cars, and boats. It also discusses ticketing options, the importance of validating tickets, and the benefits of the Zurich Card for unlimited travel and discounts.

05:04

🍽️ Discovering Zurich's Culinary Delights and Cost of Living

The second paragraph delves into the culinary scene of Zurich, dispelling the notion that Swiss food is limited to chocolate and cheese. It discusses the variety of dishes and flavors across different regions of Switzerland. The script features a conversation with Rico Wyder, a local, about traditional Swiss sausages and the cultural significance of food in Zurich. It also touches on the city's nightlife and the types of food popular among locals and visitors. The paragraph ends with a brief mention of the cost of living in Zurich, noting that while it's expensive, the high wages and social services help offset the costs.

10:09

🏙️ Zurich's City Life, Cost, and Currency

The third paragraph paints a picture of Zurich as a cosmopolitan city with a diverse food scene influenced by its geographical position and the demographics of its inhabitants. It recommends trying local pastries like macaroons and discusses specific dishes like Zürigschnätzlets and Zopf bread. The paragraph also addresses the high cost of living in Zurich, with specific prices for coffee, beer, and a Big Mac. It provides information on the Swiss Franc as the local currency and the acceptance of Euros in some establishments. Additionally, it covers tipping practices in Zurich and the general appreciation for good service.

15:10

🎨 Zurich's Diverse and Vibrant Cityscape

The final paragraph captures the essence of Zurich as a city that is not just defined by Swiss clichés of precision and tidiness but also by its edginess, artsy vibe, and communal spirit. It describes Zurich as a place where corporate and creative sectors meet and where different political ideologies coexist. The paragraph references a Swiss friend's view that Zurich, while not as well-known as places like Shoreditch or Brooklyn, is cool and worth visiting. It concludes by reiterating the city's unique and special status within Switzerland.

Keywords

💡Zurich

Zurich is a city in Switzerland that is renowned for its efficiency, cleanliness, and high standard of living. It is a major financial center and a popular tourist destination known for its cultural offerings, including museums, theaters, and a vibrant culinary scene. In the video, Zurich is portrayed as a city that, while often overshadowed by other European metropolises, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

💡Zurich International Airport

The Zurich International Airport is highlighted as a model of Swiss efficiency and is noted for its excellent connectivity and layout. It is a favorite among travelers not only because of its convenience but also due to the confidence it instills in terms of flight connections. The airport's strategic location and the availability of various transportation options, such as trains and trams, make it easy for visitors to access the city center from the airport.

💡Public Transport

Public transport in Zurich is a crucial aspect of the city's infrastructure, consisting of trams, buses, trains, cable cars, and boats. The system is unified under a single administrator and operates on a zone ticketing system. The video emphasizes the convenience and affordability of public transport, with options ranging from single tickets to multi-zone passes and the Zurich Card, which offers unlimited travel and additional benefits.

💡Zurich Card

The Zurich Card is a travel card that provides unlimited access to all forms of public transport within Zurich and its adjoining zones for a set period, typically 24 or 72 hours. It also offers discounts on museums, tourist attractions, and river cruises. The card is an economical option for tourists planning to explore the city extensively and is available for purchase at various points throughout the city, including the airport and Zurich Hauptbahnhof.

💡Swiss Food

Swiss food, as discussed in the video, is more than just cheese and chocolate. It is a diverse cuisine with unique dishes and flavors that vary by region. The video mentions local sausages like bratwurst and Cervelat, as well as dishes like Züri Gschnätzlets, which are specific to certain areas. Swiss food is also characterized by its use of local ingredients and a balance of tradition and innovation.

💡Züri Gschnätzlets

Züri Gschnätzlets is a traditional Zurich dish consisting of veal strips served in a white wine, cream, and demi-glace sauce, accompanied by a potato rosti and topped with Crème fraîche. It is an example of how Swiss cuisine can be both comforting and sophisticated. The dish is mentioned as a must-try when visiting Zurich, with a particular recommendation for the version served at the Gambrinus restaurant.

💡Cost of Living

The cost of living in Zurich is noted as being very high, with the city being one of the most expensive in the world. This is reflected in the prices of everyday items such as coffee, beer, and a Big Mac, which are all provided as examples in the video. Despite the high costs, the Swiss enjoy some of the highest average wages globally, which helps to offset the cost of living for residents.

💡

💡Electronics

Electronics in Zurich are mentioned as an exception to the city's general high cost of living, with prices being markedly cheaper than in many other European locations. This is particularly relevant for consumers interested in purchasing the latest Apple devices, suggesting that Zurich could be a cost-effective destination for such purchases.

💡Swiss Franc

The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland and is used in Zurich. The video points out that while Switzerland is part of Europe, it is not part of the European Union and does not use the Euro. It is important for visitors to be aware of this and to have Swiss Francs on hand for transactions, as not all establishments accept Euros.

💡Tipping

Tipping in Zurich and Switzerland is appreciated but not expected, which is a common practice in many European countries. However, the video notes that the trend is shifting towards tipping being more expected, especially for good service. It suggests rounding up to the nearest 10 Francs or leaving a 10 to 15 percent tip as a guideline for appreciating a meal or service.

💡Cultural Diversity

Zurich's cultural diversity is highlighted through the variety of food and influences from different regions, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan nature. The video mentions the presence of Iranian food and the fact that 25% of the population is not Swiss, contributing to a rich tapestry of culinary and cultural experiences available to visitors and residents alike.

Highlights

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Zurich is a city often overlooked by travelers but offers a unique blend of culture and efficiency.

Zurich International Airport is renowned for its efficiency and connectivity, with a layout that allows for quick transfers.

The airport is conveniently located near the city center and offers multiple transportation options, including trains and trams.

Zurich Hauptbahnhof is one of the busiest railway stations in the world, serving as a hub for Swiss and international rail services.

Zurich is a very walkable city with the tourism board advocating for walking as the best form of transport.

Public transport in Zurich is extensive, including trams, buses, trains, cable cars, and boats, all operating on a zone ticketing system.

Zurich Card offers unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on attractions for 24 or 72-hour periods.

As of October 2018, Uber is available in Zurich and is more affordable than traditional taxis.

Swiss food is more diverse and interesting than commonly perceived, with unique dishes and flavors across different regions.

Zurich has a variety of local sausages, such as bratwurst and Cervelat, often served with a spicy mustard.

The city offers a range of culinary influences due to its cosmopolitan nature and large expatriate population.

Züri Gschnätzlets, a local Zurich dish, consists of veal strips in a white wine and cream sauce, served with rosti and crème fraîche.

Bread in Zurich is of high quality, with special mention to Zopf, a Swiss bread traditionally eaten on Sundays.

Zurich has numerous ornate fountains providing safe drinking water throughout the city.

While Zurich is an expensive city, Swiss residents enjoy high wages, social services, and a sensible tax system that offsets the cost of living.

Electronics are an exception to the high prices in Zurich and can be cheaper than in other European countries.

Switzerland is not part of the European Union and uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency.

Tipping in Zurich is appreciated but not expected, though it is becoming more of a norm to round up or leave 10-15% for good service.

Zurich is described as a city that blends corporate and creative, lefty and conservative elements, offering a unique and cool experience for visitors.

Transcripts

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There are cities in the world that we as travelers are inexorably drawn to.

For climate, culture, cuisine or a host  of other compelling characteristics.

Paris, Tokyo, London, Shanghai, LA. Their appeal is obvious and immediate.

And we flock to them in our millions.

Then there are cities that get our sideways  glances as we pass through, over or around them.

Noble, beautiful, important cities  that we know of and hear of.

Cities that we add to a list to future  possible destinations called Someday.

Zurich is one of those cities and  man, have we been missing out.

Zurich is served by the renowned  Zurich International Airport.

A model of Swiss efficiency, this airport isn't  just a favorite with visitors to this fair city

but also because of the way it's laid out,

it is one of the best airports  in the world for connections.

I've heard tale of experienced travellers

allowing just 40 minutes between  flights with absolute confidence.

I'm not suggesting that you do that, but  you can at least be confident if you're

arriving or passing through this airport,  you're going to have a great experience

But if you are planning on sticking  around, the airport is deliciously

convenient, not just for transiting or  arriving, but for getting into town.

It's located just a few miles  north of the city and there are

a multitude of options for  getting into Central Zurich.

Your best bet though, is a train. They run every few minutes from

the airport train station which is located  underground, just underneath the terminal itself.

And the 12-minute journey, just 12 minutes  into town, will cost you around seven Francs.

You can buy your tickets from the  vending machines on the platform above

but make sure you have a ticket before  you board otherwise you'll get a fine.

If you get on the right train, a nice  lady will bring you a hot cup of coffee.

But here's the cool thing, that ticket  of yours isn't just valid on trains.

It's valid on any form of public transport that

leaves from the airport so if you feel  like a more leisurely journey into town,

the number 10 tram will get you into  Central Zurich in about 35 minutes.

Or if a bus is more your style, the  airport bus terminal is just outside

the terminal and has services not just  to Zurich, but to all over Switzerland.

Now this being Europe, you might  well arrive in Zurich by train.

And if you do that you'll arrive  here, Zurich Hauptbahnhof.

Now this is one of the busiest railway  stations in the world by movement

with over 3,000 comings and goings a day.

And it's not just a hub to Swiss Railway but also

to Germany's ICE and France's TGV as well  as a host of local and regional services.

It's conveniently located right in  the middle of Zurich at the end of

the aptly named Bahnhofstrasse,  from where you can jump on a

bunch of different public transport  options to get you around the city.

So whether you arrive by plane  or train to airport or Bahnhof,

you are now in a city that is a joy to get around.

But before we get into the mechanics  of getting from A to B in Zurich,

I think it's important to point out  that this is a very walkable city.

The city's tourism board proclaims that  foot is by far the best form of transport,

so heed their advice, fire up Google Maps to plan

your perambulations and get to  exploring this beautiful city.

But if you don't feel like walking, good news.

There is a bus or tram stop, the primary  forms of transport here in Zurich,

every 300 meters so you're never far away from

a slightly speedier transport option  like the tram hurtling towards my face.

Public transport in Zurich is made out of several  operators unified by a single administrator.

The network is made out of trams, buses, regular  trains, suburban trains, cable cars and boats.

All of which use a zone ticketing  system. Now the good news is,

most of the popular destinations  are within a single zone but if you

are going to cross zones, make sure you  have a ticket that allows you to do so.

You can buy a single ticket good  for 30 to 60 minutes of travel on

any form of public transport within a single zone.

Multi-zone tickets can also be  purchased for a slightly higher fare.

You can buy your single ticket  as well as 24-hour passes from

the ticket vending machines and kiosks at  train stations and tram stops.

But remember, you must validate your ticket before  boarding your chosen form of transport.

Not doing so can result in a  eye-watering 100 Franc fine.

Alternatively and I recommend this, you  can grab one of these, a Zurich card.

Available in 24 hour and 72-hour increments,  they give you unlimited travel on all forms of

public transport within Zurich city as  well as several other adjoining zones.

You can buy them from the airport or from the

Zurich Bahnhof as well as several  other outlets through the city.

They'll also give you trips to  and from the airport within the

valid period of your ticket, of course.

As well as discounts on several museums, tourist  attractions and even some of the river cruises.

Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Do not forget to validate your Zurich card the first time you use it in one of the ticket machines.

If you get on board with a  ticket that's not validated,

you're still going to get  fined, so validate that ticket.

As of October 2018, Uber is widely available in  Zurich and is significantly cheaper than taxis.

There are several levels of service  including and I rather like this,

a green level of service which is  only hybrid and electric vehicles.

Rather fitting for this very  environmentally conscious country.

Finally, while they may be plentiful,  taxis are staggeringly expensive in Zurich.

A 12-minute journey from our hotel to  the airport cost a whopping 65 Francs.

The same journey in an Uber however,  is less than half the price.

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I feel like we outsiders have a rather  tepid, uninspired view of Swiss food.

Great chocolate and great cheese in one  form or another, be it solid or melted.

That's about as far as our imaginations stretch.

But as visitors quickly discover,  Swiss food is far more interesting

and satisfying than the banal  basics we lazily associate with it.

Look a little further and you'll find unique  dishes and flavors rooted in each canton,

each city and in many instances with one city  adding its own touch to another city's offering.

Rico Wyder, a Zurich native and friend  reminded us that great local food is

about that balance of tradition, comfort, local  ingredients, price and of course, deliciousness.

So I'm from Zurich, right? So we have a

bratwurst weiss real sausage from St.  Gallen, from the eastern part of Switzerland.

It's I think at least 50% veal, the rest  could be anything. Beef or, or pork.

It's a very common Swiss sausage. The  other one is a Cervelat, it's pork.

It's the two typical Swiss sausages.

Now the thing why I mentioned St.  Gallen is in that part of Switzerland,

they're angry at you if you use mustard with  it and I don't know why they do it here but...

We have it with mustard, yeah. In Zurich, you do it. Right, right, okay.

Yeah right, exactly.

I was studying in that region and every time I would buy one uh locally,

You would get the mustard. I would ask for the mustard

and they would scold me, they say this  sausage you don't eat with mustard.

It's like New Yorkers and ketchup on  a hot dog, right? You don't do it.

Exactly, exactly. That's so funny.

And I just say it so to make them mad right?  With my accent, they can hear that I'm from here.

It's a super spicy mustard it's, yeah, it's  something we have when we come to Zurich.

This is the place right?

That's the place yeah. Everybody  knows this place in Zurich.

This feels like good sort of beer food.  Pre-beer, during beer, after beer.

Yeah or after, after going out a lot of people  come here after midnight with sort of the after

after party craving. You can see why.

It's a perfect, perfect food.

And so you get this beautiful chunk  of bread, I mean how does one eat it?

You open it up, it's quite messy. That's good, the best food is the messiest food.

Go with the bread into the mustard  first, you see it's, it's a

How pokey it is.

That mustard though [Exhales] You said it like four times.

It's really spicy, it's really spicy,

I'm like it's fine. Yeah it's fine.

But it's addictive isn't it? It's very similar to a German bratwurst

But it's got that nice feel, flavor to it so  it's almost barbecuey. Yeah, yeah that's lovely.

Yeah I would eat here all  the time if I lived here.

We've purposely avoided things like Raclette and

fondue because that's that's  mountain food and we've had

the veal with the rosti and the delicious  cream whose name I shan't try and pronounce.

Züri Gschnätzlets. There we are, write that down.

Is there a big difference between what one would find in Zurich versus Geneva or Bern or anywhere else like that?

I don't think so, I believe  we've copied our neighbors, um.

So if you're closer to the German  border, you would find more German food,

if you're more to the Italian border, you  would find more Italian food, in general.

Same with the language right? For Geneva for  example, it's much more closer to the French

um French areas.

It's a small city but there's a lot of  influences, I mean you can have pretty much

every food here from Iranian food to like... That's the joy of a Cosmopolitan city right?

25% of the people are are not Swiss.

There's a lot of I think local pastries. What should we look out for from Zurich?

I would recommend you to have maybe  the macaroons like there's a Swiss

version of a macaroon it's a smaller  one a little creamier and sweeter.

I usually bring those as gifts  because they're, they're really unique.

Proscht. Proscht.

At Gambrinus, an otherwise unassuming  restaurant in the west of the city,

you'll find an exemplary  version of a Zurich classic.

Zürigschnätzlets. Simply translated,  it means sliced meat Zurich style.

But that definitely does not  do this classic dish justice.

Veal strips served in a sauce of white wine,

cream and demi glace are served alongside a  potato rosti and topped with Crème fraîche.

You can find this comforting  classic all over Zurich but

I think the Gambrinus version is hard to beat.

Bread in Zurich is generally wonderful  and almost universally wonderful too,

even the stuff that you get in  supermarkets is of a really high quality.

But for the absolute top drawer  stuff, duck into one of the bakeries

that you'll find every 50 feet here  in this city and grab one of these.

A wonderful Swiss treat called Zopf.

It's traditionally eaten on a Sunday,  which is why its full name is Sonntagszopf.

And it's, it's bread made with the  traditional ingredients of flour,

water, salt and yeast but also with milk and  eggs so you get this wonderfully creamy uh,

doughy flavor that is just,  it's absolutely wonderful.

And this gigantic loaf which I will now attempt  to eat by myself only cost about one Franc fifty,

or about a pound so really good value  as well and absolutely delicious.

This is a rather lovely feature of life in Zurich,

all over the city there are these ornate and  beautiful fountains which provide drinking water.

You can drink it, it's perfectly safe to drink.

There are over a thousand all  over the city so help yourself,

top up your water bottle, stay hydrated.

Let's not beat around the bush, this is  an expensive city in an expensive country.

One of the most expensive on Earth, in fact.

A weird exception to that though, is electronics,

which are markedly cheaper than  pretty much anywhere else in Europe.

So if you're after the latest Apple device,  this might actually be the place to come.

But unless you're after an iPhone or  iPad or iPod, then prepare for wincing

and sharp inhalations of breath whenever  you see the price on just about anything

from food and drink to transport and  accommodation, it is not cheap here.

I feel like it's worth mentioning that  while Zurich is an expensive city in an

expensive country, the Swiss enjoys some  of the highest average wages in the world.

Both for hourly and salaried employees, so  while it may feel expensive to us visitors,

it's very rare to hear a Swiss  complain about high prices.

Generous salaries, comprehensive social  services and a very sensible tax system

go a long way to offsetting what at least in  simple terms is a very high cost of living.

And on that note, let's do the rundown.

A cup of coffee will cost around five Francs.

A glass is a beautiful Swiss beer  will cost you around six Francs.

And for the most reliable indicator of  a nation's cost, the good old Big Mac,

you're going to pay around six  Francs fifty or around five pounds.

While Switzerland is geographically part of Europe, it is most certainly not part of the European Union.

Nor does it use the Euro, the currency here is  the Swiss Franc, denoted as CHF next to a price.

Now, all of that said, many big  restaurants and supermarkets and hotels

will list prices in Francs and Euros, which in  many cases means they will accept both currencies.

But make sure you confirm this before  you buy, lest you embarrass yourself.

And be sure to have a pocket full of  Franks as you explore this beautiful

city so that you can patronize the many,  many shops here that only take Franks.

And finally, a very quick word on tipping.

Like many European countries, it  is appreciated but not expected.

Although, that trend is increasing towards being  expected so if you've had a great experience,

it's fine to round up to the nearest  10 Franc or leave 10 to 15 percent

to show your appreciation for  a great meal or great service.

Zurich is a unique and  special place in Switzerland.

Yes, it has all the clichés  we associate with the Swiss.

Discrete, precise, tidy and quiet.

And in no way are those bad characteristics  for a city, quite the opposite.

But make no mistake, Zurich  is not only those things.

It's also edgy, artsy, convivial and communal.

A place where the corporate meets the creative.

Where the lefty meets the conservative.

As my dear Swiss friend Paul  Papadimitriou once told me,

it's by no means Shoreditch or Brooklyn,  but it is cool and well worth your time.

And I think, as so often is the  case, he's absolutely right.