Zurich – Of chocolate and Cheese

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Zurich lives up to every cliché you might have held about Switzerland and delights you so. Cheese and chocolate abound here, as do quaint cathedrals and a shimmering lake.

Home to the famous Swiss banks, Zurich is a city of bakers and hi-tech computers workers, but in the backdrop lie the famous alpine slopes and the Zurich lake glimmers, beckoning you for a round of boating. Zurich is like a microcosm of this beautiful country of Switzerland, offering all its delights in a single vacation in the same city. From quaint, alpine cottages to grand mountains, from jazz bars to verdant meadows, from the buzz of a happening city to ancient castles.

Zurich is also trendy and fashionable, home to contemporary bars and clubs as well as exciting restaurants. There are also numerous museums here and a host of art galleries, as well as lovely parks, gardens and old mansions. Throw in concerts, opera and ballet and you have a vibrant city which will always have your hands full.

PLACES to VISIT

• Lake Zurich: Take a boat ride down the lake and you’ll be refreshed, rejuvenated rowing down this glimmering expanse of water.
• Shopping: The Bahnhofstrasse has been called the world’s most beautiful shopping street. Prepare to shell out some serious money here. Otherwise, just window shop and soak in the ambience.

TRAVEL TIPS

• In Zurich, a 15% service charge is usually added to all hotel, restaurant and taxi bills and tipping is not necessary, but leaving any small change you may have left is not a bad idea.
• Take warm clothes and comfortable footwear. You may wish to explore Zurich's flea markets and promenades, so be prepared to walk.
• Travelling around the city can be expensive and you don’t want to waste that hard earned money. Get a rail pass made and you’d be able to easily commute between the city’s extremities.

BEST TIME to visit Zurich

You can visit Zurich any time of the year. Not a winter person? Go during the height of the summer, when the weather is excellent for exploring the city's cobbled streets, shops and promenades. Zurich in winter too is very picturesque, and the snow makes everything look beautiful.

BEST WAY to reach

• Air: Zurich is well connected by India and the rest of the world by all major airlines.
• Rail: Zurich is well connected to rest of Europe by Eurostar.

ACCOMMODATION

Zurich offers accommodation for the shoe string travellers as well as for the high end one. Those looking to travel cheap can shack up in its numerous hostels, dormitories and bed and breakfasts. Those looking to splurge can choose from a variety of hotels, complete with a quaint architecture and all the trappings of civilization.