13 things to do, see and taste in zurich

On the occasion of The Lifestyle Design Convention organized in Zurich from 9th January to the 10th January 2016, I have the idea to share with you my experiences, so here are 13 things to do, see and taste in Zurich.

Zurich for me is a love story that began 3 years ago. I love this city and never get tired of the walk there. Zurich, the financial capital of Switzerland, is in many minds associated only with banks and luxury. But the city is about much more than that.

 

I decided to make a list of 25 ideas of things to see and do and taste. I gathered you here my favorites and hope they will help you as much as I enjoy Zurich!

 

Visit Zurich – Landside

1. The Fifth Swiss Avenue Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most expensive in the world. At the beginning of the street, near the main station(Hauptbahnhof), you will found standard stores like H&M and Zara … The more you advance towards the lake, the shops become more luxurious. On the way, stop quickly to Paradeplatz, the heart of the Swiss financial center where the famous Swiss banks are located. Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz are mythical places, but without much charm.

 

2. Strolling in small picturesque streets of Schipfe district, one of the neighborhoods of Old Town Zurich situated on the west bank of the Limmat. For shopping lovers, the area is full of small shops.

 

 

3. Stop at the church Fraumünster to admire the stained glass windows by the artist Marc Chagall.

 

4. Strolling in the narrow pedestrian streets of the Niederdorf, another area of the old city located on the east bank of the Limmat. Do not hesitate to dig into any alley and get lost, it’s lovely!

 

5. Get up in the towers of the Grossmünster to admire the view over the city, the lake and the mountains beyond. The steps require a little effort, but it is worth it (at least if the weather is clear!)

 

6. Admire the view from the ETH School. She greeted Einstein for example on its benches, as well as numerous awards Nobels. Just that! Access to the terrace on foot or by a funicular, the Polybahn from the tram station Central.

 

7. Join a free guided tour of Zurich with a Free walk-in Zürich. I found it perfect for a first approach of the city. The guides are friendly, passionate and full of fun anecdotes about the city to tell.

8. Exploring the museums of the city. The Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthaus) has one of the most important collections in Switzerland and hosts many temporary exhibitions. To learn about Swiss history, visit the  Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum). The building itself is already worth a look!

9. Visit the district Zurich West, a former industrial area rehabilitated and become a trendy area. Do not miss the Viadukt, the former viaduct in which the shops are installed, and Freitag Shop (bags made from recycled materials), made of stacked containers. Climb to the top of the store to watch the district views. There are also plenty of bars and nice restaurants in the neighborhood.

 

10. Search for the “red area” district of Zurich, on the Langstrasse. I assure you, it remains generally friendly and without danger.

Visit Zurich – Natural side

11. Take a walk in a boat on Lake Zurich. Boats leave from Bürkliplatz.

 

12. Walking on the shores of Lake Zurich. Personally, I like the two banks. On the east side, you can take the opportunity to go to the Chinese Garden, a garden that was offered in Zurich by the Chinese city of Kunming. Calm and assured expatriation!

 

13. Relax in the thermal baths of Thermalbad Zurich, located in a former brewery, and enjoy views of the city from its rooftop pool. Fabulous winter and summer!