Everything to Know About Zurich
Filled with natural beauty, high-end shopping, and plenty of history, Zürich is the ideal spot to explore all things Swiss.
Despite a reputation as the banking center of Switzerland, Zürchers are not the uptight, humorless, stuffed shirts the reputation would suggest. You will find a youthful, multicultural and vibrant people who are very outgoing, courteous and respectful of all.
When to Go
Zürich is excellent to visit any time of the year depending on your preferences. Summer temperatures are comfortable and allow for swimming in Lake Zürich. If skiing, skating and sledding are more your thing, Zürich offers beautiful snow-covered landscapes in winter. Both summer and winter are high seasons and expensive times to visit. Hotel rates drop March through May and between September and November.
Celebrate
Sechseläuten is a traditional spring holiday usually celebrated on the third Monday in April. Following a long procession, the Böögg, (a figure resembling a snowman which is packed with fireworks) is set ablaze. The burning of the Böögg symbolizes the end of the long winter and the welcoming of spring.
What to Eat
What good is a trip to Switzerland without eating the cheese fondue? This is a must for any visit and it would be a complete shame not to try out the famous Swiss dish. A typical Zürich specialty, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, is also a favorite dish to try, which consists of sliced veal and mushrooms in a creamy wine sauce, traditionally served with rösti, rice or noodles.
Souvenir to Take Home
A trip to Zürich is not complete without sampling their famous chocolate, and what better thing to bring home for your loved ones? Skip the big factory chocolates you can find at home and pop into a small, local confectioner to get a taste of real Swiss chocolate at its finest. Keep it in a cool place and try not to eat it all before you get home.
- Nat Geo Expeditions
Sustainable Travel Tip
It's easiest to get to know Zürich on foot. All the sights of the Old Town, Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, Lake Zürich, Lindenhof, and the famous Bahnhofstrasse are all within a 20 to 30-minute walk. To explore areas outside the city center, Zurich offers an extremely efficient and simple-to-use public transit system.
Instagram-Worthy View
For a one-stop-shop of backdrops to fill your Instagram feed, visit Lindenhof Square. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city and offers panoramic views of Zürich's Old Town, Grossmünster Cathedral, Zürich City Hall and the Limmat River.
