Zurich is One of Europe's Premiere Cities
Zurich, Switzerland is a modern city with Old World charm.
Often overlooked in favor of such European tourist destinations as Rome, Paris, Munich, and London, beautiful Zurich has begun to take its proper place on the list of must-see European cities.
Thanks to a burgeoning effort by tourist officials, this charming city is appearing on more travel itineraries than ever before. North Americans are traveling here during every season of the year; enjoying the snow and the holiday decorations in the winter, and sightseeing and leisure pursuits - like boating and golf - during the remainder of the year.
Seeing the Sights
Zurich is the perfect place for just strolling and enjoying the sights. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Zurich, this city is lovely all year round. One can be content to simply explore and perhaps stop for a bit of shopping at the city's very upscale stores on the Bahnhofstrasse.
If, however, you'd like to include some attractions on your itinerary, there are plenty to keep you busy for days. A good place to start is the Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum). Here you'll be treated to an overview of the history and culture of the Swiss people through works of art and interesting artifacts and memorabilia.
If you're traveling with children, they'll enjoy a stop at the Swiss Techorama. This museum with the rather modern name is the city's science center, complete with interactive experiments and lots of hands-on fun.
For those into ecclesiastical architecture, a trip to both Fraumunster and Grossmunster is a must. Fraumunster was built during the 13th and 14th centuries and contains magnificent stained-glass windows designed by artist Marc Chagall, installed in 1970.
Grossmunster is both Romanesque and Gothic and was built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries, with additions being made until the mid-1300s. This church was at the center of the Reformation in the 1500s and served as the parish church of reformer Huldrych Zwingli.
Art aficionados should head to the Kunsthaus Zurich (Fine Arts Museum), touted as one of the best in Europe. It has an excellent modern art section though there are plenty of early displays as well.
If you'd like to spend some more time outside, travel to the Botanical Garden, with over 15,000 species of plants, or the Zoological Garden, highly-acclaimed as one of Europe's best. There's an aquarium here as well.
Active Pursuits
Lake Zurich provides a variety of opportunities for visitors to Zurich, Switzerland. A lake cruise is a must-do and guests can book cruises that last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. This is the perfect way to see the region, especially when the weather is warm and sunny.
You can also swim in the lake at certain spots – though it's a bit chilly - and bike or hike around its shores. Some guests choose to pack a picnic and head to the many parks and playgrounds that dot the city, both near the lake and in other locations as well.
The Swiss enjoy the sport of golf and Zurich is home to one of the premiere courses in Switzerland, the Golf and Country Club Zurich. Non-members are welcome with certain restrictions applying.
Culture and the Arts
In the evening, visitors and residents are more likely to head to a performing arts venue than to a nightclub. Zurich is by-no-means a wild city!
You'll find some of Europe's best arts ensembles here, including an outstanding opera company, a symphony orchestra, and a local ballet troupe.
Getting There
Switzerland's largest city also boasts the country's largest airport, the Kloten Airport, so it's not hard to find a direct flight to this region. Once you arrive there, it's an easy 10-minute train ride to the center of town.