Zurich Mini Guide
Zurich is a stylish and attractive city set on the banks of the lake of the same name. About one million people live in Zurich and the surroundings towns and villages. Most of them speak Swiss German.
Whether you go to Switzerland in the winter or summer there are plenty of wonderful opportunities to have fun outdoors in Zurich.
In the winter, families head up into the surrounding mountains to go skiing or sledding. In this elevated mountain countryside are plenty of good restaurants where you can warm up with a delicious cheese or meat fondue and a glass of kirsch cherry liquor.
During the summer most people head to the relaxing waters of Lake Zurich to swim or go boating and the clear waters are sure to make you feel rejuvenated. Taking a walk along the Lake Promenade is one of the best ways to experience Zurich. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the city, either on foot or on a tour bus to discover its secret corners. You'll receive 50% off the price with a 'Zurich Card' obtained from the city's website or at tourist information centres around the city.
Zurich is also a very trendy city with some excellent bars and nightclubs, though you should be careful of your belongings when you go out. Surprisingly in such a clean city with a very high standard of living, crime is quite common. The city has a red light district, the Langstrasse, which women walking on their own should avoid at night. Nevertheless, problems are very rare and should not put you off. Zurich has more night clubs per capita proportionately than anywhere else in Europe.
Walking around the town you will see some fine architecture including old churches built in a variety of styles. Meanwhile museums such as the Kunsthaus and the Landesmuseum are as good as cab be expected in a top European city.
There is also the Jacob Coffee Museum which is dedicated to the creation of Europe’s most popular morning drink. If you plan to go shopping you must take a look at the Bahnhofstrasse which is one of the best shopping streets in Europe where the shops are high end designer retailers.
You will fly into Zurich International Airport though this is actually located in the village of Kloten, a little way out of Zurich. easyJet is among the many airlines to use this super efficient terminal. If you need to return your hire car to another locations, we can offer one-way
car rental in Switzerland, just let us know where you want to return the car and we'll make the necessary arrangements and advise any one-way fees in advance.
Zurich is a captivating city, full of the bright lights and glamour you’d expect of a world financial centre but it has its more refined parts too. Head to the old town, with its Roman castle and Imperial Palace, or go down to Lake Zurich for a boat trip.
There are excellent shopping opportunities in Zurich as well as internationally recognised cultural experiences. Finally drive your hire car to the central railway station before catching the train up to the summit of Uetliberg for a panoramic view of Zurich from the city’s highest point.