Zürich
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History
In 1351, Zurich became the fifth member of the Swiss Confederacy, after Zurich citizens swore allegiance in front of the other representatives. Zurich was for some time the capital of the Federal Republic of Switzerland, from 1839 to 1840 and again from 1845 to 1846. Many of the symbolic aspects of Zurich today have stayed much the same since they were established. The Hauptbahnhof, Zurich’s main train station was the first in the Swiss railroad system, and the original building dates back to 1871. Zurich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse, today the main shopping street, was first built in 1867, and as the city began to industrialize, people migrated from the countryside to the city.Zurich, like the rest of Switzerland, experiences four very distinctive seasons, with cold, snowy winters, and hot dry summers, making the country truly spectacular, no matter what time of year you visit.

Sightseeing
Altstadt & Grossmünster
The Altstadt
Lake Zurich

Uetliberg
Uetliberg gives a great vantage point over Lake Zurich.
Zurich Zoo
Zürich Zoologischer Garten, situated on the hillside near the University of Zurich, is a great day out for kids and adults alike. The zoo features large enclosures for most of the animals, and you can find penguins, lions, and camels. Recently there was the addition of the Masoala Rainforest, a room filled with tropical plants and animals that visitors are able to walk through.To get there take tram number 6, and get off at the stop marked Zurich Zoo. Entrance is 26 CHF for adults, 19 CHF for young persons, 13 CHF for children up to age 15, and children under six years go free. The zoo also offers guided tours, and is open every day of the year, from 9.00AM to 17.00PM in the winter, and 9.00AM to 18.00PM in the summer. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, go on a Saturday when they have extended opening hours into the night.
Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s main shopping street, starting at the Zurich train station, and continuing all the way down to the lake. Reportedly Europe’s most expensive street, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with designer shops, as well as high street shops, and anything you are looking for can be found here! Starting at the train station are the more affordable shops and as you walk down, the shops get more and more expensive.
Eating
If you’re looking for vegetarian food, head to Sihlstrasse, where you’ll find Hiltl. Open for lunch and dinner, there is a large buffet offering a wide variety of food, including hot and cold dishes. Dishes are charged by weight, so whether you’re feeling hungry or just a bit peckish, you only pay for what you eat. Even if you’re not vegetarian the food is so good, you’ll want to go! If you are going for dinner on a weekend, make sure to call ahead and book as it gets busy. It is also a great place to go in the summer, as they have an outside veranda.For authentic Swiss food, check out Zeughauskeller, located just opposite Paradeplatz. The restaurant is in an old beer hall, and serves only rustic Swiss food, including sausages, rösti, and schnitzel. For something unique to Zurich, order the Zurichergeschnetzels, finely chopped pieces of veal in a mushroom sauce. Be sure to make a reservation as it is always busy, and be warned that there will be lots of noise and rushed atmosphere – the food however is definitely worth it.
For those looking for something sweet, Sprungli café is the answer. They have a few shops around the city, and are the other half of the famous Lindt chocolate brand. Don’t bother with the sandwiches, which are extremely overpriced, but do check out the macaroons, and truffles, all great souvenirs. The Lindt chocolate café, located in Kilchberg, a town just outside Zurich offers chocolate-making classes and a tour of the factory. You can also buy ‘defect’ pieces of chocolate at a hugely discounted rate.

Sleeping

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a room in Zurich for under 50 CHF a night, but City Backpacker – Hostel Biber comes pretty close. With private rooms for 60 CHF a night, and shared rooms considerably less, the hostel comes with everything you need for a comfortable night. Located at the beginning of the Old City, you are in the perfect place to enjoy nightlife, restaurants, bars and all the sights, as well as being just a five-minute walk from the lake. There are a number of kitchens that can be used by guests, as well as laundry facilities, luggage storage and computers connected to the internet.
Budget
$298Bed & Breakfast NI-MO
$149Hotel Rothaus
$154Foyer Hottingen
$226Zic Zac Rock Hotel
$94EasyHotel Zurich
$133Hotel Marta Zurich
Comfortable
$ 167 USDWalhalla Hotel Zurich
$ 236 USDHotel Montana Zurich
$ 191 USDDu Theatre Hotel by Fassbind
$ 228 USDHotel City Zurich
$ 186 USDHotel Bristol Zurich
$ 136 USDLeoneck Hotel Zurich
Splurge
$ 258 USDSwissotel Zurich Hotel
$ 191 USDHelmhaus Swiss Quality Hotel
$ 178 USDNovotel Zurich Airport Messe Hotel
$ 397 USDHotel Schweizerhof Zurich
$ 267 USDMgallery Hotel Continental Zurich
$ 160 USDPark Inn by Radisson Zurich Airport
Safety
Zurich is relatively safe for a city of its size, but some precaution should still be taken. Hanging out inside the train station is not recommended at night, especially during the week when there are fewer people around. They do have police stationed on the weekend, so stand next to them if you find yourself alone in the station at night. Single women should take precaution around all parts of the city at night, but especially in the Langstrasse district, which has recently become more hip, although it used to be part of the Red Light district, and still attracts some homeless people and drug users. Violent crime and burglary are still rare, and residents pride themselves on living in such a safe place.
Getting There

Travelling by train into Zurich from other European cities is also very convenient, with direct trains from Paris, Milan, and Munich. If you are planning on travelling around Europe by train you should look into getting an Interrail card that can be used for travel all over Europe. Within Switzerland there are special fares you can get that allow you to travel on all modes of public transport for the duration of your stay. These can be bought at airports and must be bought before leaving the airport, so as to verify that you are a tourist.
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Author: hannahbarkan. Last updated: Jan 13, 2015
Pictures of Zürich

