Locals will always lead you to the best places, the coolest meeting points and best restaurants
ZURICH: Most likely you know this city as the banking capital, but Zurich is a city of many names, twists and identity. The soul of Zurich is historical and traditional, but also young, cool and romantic with lots of art, parks and nightlife.
I follow the idea of letting the people of Zurich guide and advice. The locals will always lead you to the best places, to the coolest meeting points and the best restaurants. Katja Weber is one to follow.
“For example I visit “Frau Gerolds Garten” in “Kreis 5” where a restaurant with its own urban garden and a number of small shops sprung up from nowhere”, Katja says. She likes going for a drink at Rio Bar, located next to the Main Railway Station.
Stinking art
Zurich has strengthening its art position and Manifesta 11 is here. This nomadic European biennial has the theme: “What People Do For Money”. Some 35 new artworks are exhibited in locations all over the city. Artist Mike Bouchet has transformed human waste of Zurich’s inhabitants to 80 tons of stinking art, fortunately exhibited in a separate hall.
Crowd outdoor to watch opera on a screen
Going Gaga for Dada
One newspaper wrote; Zurich goes Gaga for Dada! Hundred years ago, from the heart of the Old Town Zurich became the birthplace of an ironic, loud and colourful art movement. In Zurich, the Dadaists caused uproar with their art and bizarre activities. Cabaret Voltaire at Spiegelgasse 1in the old town is a Dada hot-spot celebrating the first 100 years of Dadaism. Cabaretvoltaire.ch
Trendy Züri-West
Zurich West, or Züri-West for short, is transformed from industrial quarter to the city’s most trendy district. Where ships once were built and engines bolted together, art, design, food and shopping are now the centre of attention. Easy access to the trendy west by tram and bus, and perfect to explore on foot or by bike.
Italian lunch
For food lovers, culinary traditions have been united in Food Zurich with more than 50 events, which take place over a period of 11 days in September. Foodzurich.com
Try dinner at “Quai 61”, a lakeside restaurant with a great view and even better food with an Italian flair. For lunch at Zurich West, we recommends restaurant Viadukt, address Viaduktstrasse 69/71.
Swimming all over
Zurich has 25 outdoor and indoor pools and swimming in Lake Zurich is a great possibility. From May to September women can swim at the Stadthausquai women’s pool surrounded by the Old Town.
The event calendar includes the Street Parade, Zurich Festival and open-air concerts in summer. Zoo Zurich is the animal kingdom with over 360 different animal species.
The busy Opera House
Popular plays, international stars and performances for children and ballets. Zurich Opera House has 250 performances every year.
Another local advice
Finally, let’s take another local advice. Hairdresser Danniel Saner has an eye for beauty and style – and for Zurich. “My favourite is the Bianchi fish restaurant on Limmatquai and you can find me enjoying an aperitif on Hechtplatz or taking in the view of Lake and Alps at Bürkliplatz”.
Tour of Switzerland: Like Pearls on a Necklace
Make it Happen!
Touch Down: Swiss airline is the Swiss Choice and Zurich Airport has its own train station. You transfer directly from the plane onto a train and the trip into the city center takes just 10 minutes. The simplest way to get around is on foot and with the public transport vehicles, trams, buses and trains. In the city you find a bus or tram stop at intervals of around 300 meters. With the Zurich Card, you have free travel with public transportation. Always carry tickets with you as tickets are regularly controlled.
Stay: Ambassador á L`Opera is a luxurious hotel with outstanding breakfast and an outstanding seafood restaurant. Add wonderful service and spacious guestrooms and you have the perfect hotel located next to the opera. Ambassadorhotel.ch
Eat: Dinner at “Zunfhaus zur Waag” is a treat to Zurich specialities such as “Zürcher Geschnetzelters”, sliced veal in a creamy sauce. Served in the elegant Biedermeier room with wonderful view of Münsterhof, a charming square in the old town.
Play: If you follow Rock Battaglia, a local bike courier, you will find your way to El Local bar. Here, everything goes with the wink of an eye – whether ordering a beer, watching football, or at the imaginary fishing pier. Ellocal.ch
Mini Guide: Zurich is located in the center of Switzerland and at the heart of Europe. Swiss franc (CHF) is the local currency Tourist Service Zürich has office at Main Railway Station. There are 12 public holidays in Zurich, during which shops are closed, children don't go to school and the majority of people are not at work. Shopping: Bahnhofstrasse is the shopping boulevard and here you can find everything your heart desires.
