Exploring Zurich: Sightseeing, Dining & Lodging Tips
Zurich is frequently listed among highly livable cities but doesn't often receive due recognition as a hub of European culture. Despite having a reputation as a city dominated by banking activities - resembling a Swiss version of London's Square Mile with no equivalent to theatre-centric West End - Zurich has much to offer. Its high cost of living, a result of superior pay and a robust currency, might intimidate visitors; however, with a strategic approach and shift of focus from food to cultural experiences, Zurich presents its own unique charm as a getaway destination. This charm is amplified, whether you're visiting the city as a standalone trip or as part of a larger Alpine adventure.
As part of the strategic planning for your stay in Zurich, it's crucial to consider accommodation that allows you easy access to all that this vibrant city has to offer. One great option is choosing comfortable and affordable Switzerland apartments on www.top-hotels-switzerland.com . The convenient location of these apartments will keep you close to Zurich's cultural hotspots, adding to the overall enjoyment of your trip.
Among its attractions, Zurich is home to esteemed cultural institutions like the Kunsthaus, one of the premier modern art galleries in Europe. Additionally, it features the Museum Haus Konstruktiv (hauskonstruktiv.ch), an art hub established in a former power station, specializing in "concrete, constructive and conceptual art." One must not overlook Zurich-West district either, an area previously known for its industry is now a vibrant arts and culinary scene, characterized by modern design and architectural masterpieces. Complementing this, Zurich proudly sponsors a near absence of vehicular traffic, willingly embracing a bicycle-friendly environment.
The city has great rail and bus connections to many of the country’s stellar ski resorts, and great sledging on the Ütliberg, Zurich’s own small mountain (870 metres); once the snow melts, the latter is a popular hiking and mountain-biking spot.
From this month, Zurich will be celebrating the centenary of the Dada movement, which came into being on 5 February 1916 with the opening of the Cabaret Voltaire nightclub. War was raging across Europe and the Swiss city was a haven for pacifists, exiles, artists and dropouts. Dada principals Tristan Tzara, Hugo Ball and Francis Picabia kicked off a movement that influenced surrealism, beat poetry, the US’s 1960s “downtown music” scene and pop art.
From 5 February to 18 July, Cabaret Voltaire will host 165 Days of Feast, which looks at the ideas behind 165 Dada-related poets, visionaries and thinkers in a cycle of performances, readings and other events, including a Dada “mass” honouring Lady Gaga.
From 5 February until 1 May, the Kunsthaus hosts Dadaglobe Reconstructed, an exhibition of self-portraits, photomontages, drawings, book designs, poems and essays sent to Tzara in 1921. The National Museum, Museum Haus Konstruktiv and Museum Rietberg will host art shows, and Zurich’s main railway station will put on a dance event on 13 May.
Zurich is currently home to the peripatetic biennial event of modern art, Manifesta. Centered around a theme that echoes of Swiss culture, 'What People Do for Money', this festival offers a series of shows and discussions keen on dissecting and scrutinizing Zurich's expertise in the fields of finance, tech, and urban development.
Moreover, the 100-year anniversary of Dada embodies the triumph of art against the commercialization of real estate space. The iconic Cabaret Voltaire, after its fleeting period of prominence in 1916, was neglected and repurposed for numerous business dealings. Then, in 2002, in response to the owner Swiss Life's attempts to transform it into high-end residential units, protesters took over the building. The protest proved impactful and within two years, the building was reestablished as a trendy art spot, bringing a fresh vibe to Zurich's otherwise conservative and traditional Old Town.
What to see
Getting around
Before leaving the airport, get a ZürichCARD travel and discount pass. Zurich is a public transport nirvana, with trams, trolley buses and trains running frequently, punctually, quietly and swiftly all day – with some night services, too. The pass covers all of these, plus the airport transfer, with free or reduced admission to most museums, a 10-20% discount in some shops and half-price city tours. Pedal bikes, e-bikes and kids’ bikes can be hired for no charge at a range of locations – take ID and a £14 deposit.
zuerich.com/zuerichcard, valid for 24 hours (£15.50) or 72 hours (£31); bikes zuerirollt.ch (deposit £14)
Kunsthaus
Zurich’s world-class gallery has a strong early 20th-century section, with important works by Switzerland’s own Alberto Giacometti plus Munch, Picasso and Matisse, and impressionists and post-impressionists including Manet and Van Gogh.
kunsthaus.ch, £15, closed Mondays
Kunsthalle and Migros galleries
These two contemporary, White Cube-style art spaces, at 270 Limmatstrasse in Zurich-West, are the best chance you’ll have of discovering a 21st-century Dadaist.
kunsthallezurich.ch, migrosmuseum.ch, £14 joint entry or free with the ZürichCARD
Fluntern cemetery
Take tram 6 from the station – Zurich Hauptbahnhof – up the hill towards the zoo (Zürich Zoologischer Garten), next to which is the Friedhof Fluntern cemetery on Zurichbergstrasse. Here lie the graves of James Joyce and his muse and wife, Nora Barnacle, and that of Bulgarian author Elias Canetti. Kept preened and bereft of leaf litter by a small army of gardeners, it’s a very Swiss necropolis. If, however, you need some decay and corruption, it’s a short walk over to the Fifa HQ, a vast glass-fronted edifice that opened in 2007 at a cost of £165m. A further outdoor attraction is the riverside Alter Botanischer Garten (the old botanical garden) on Talstrasse in the city centre.
Guildhalls (self-guided walk)
In 1336, Zurich’s first independent mayor, Rudolf Brun, established the guild laws, effectively shifting power from the abbeys in favour of the merchant nobility. The city’s commercial clout was established there and then. The handsome guildhalls (zunfthäuser) lend themselves to a walking tour. See the bakers’ guild (Oberdorfstrasse 20) and then go down to the east bank of the river to see the guilds of the carpenters, builders and wainwrights, the food and wine dealers, and the textiles and spice merchants at numbers 40, 52 and 54 Limmatquai, respectively. In the same area – close to the Rathaus (town hall) – are guildhalls for black-, silver- and goldsmiths (Marktgasse 20) and tailors (Stüssihofstatt 3); over the river are the mansions of the weavers (Münsterhof 8) and saddlemakers, painters and winemakers (Münsterhof 20).
Stained glass windows
There are beautiful windows created by artist Marc Chagall in 1967 at the Fraumünster church; Sigmar Polke’s windows in the Grossmünster are also stunning.
Where to eat
Gastronomic Journey through Zurich
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary scene of Zurich with a captivating food and drink walking tour around the hip Zurich-West and Viadukt shopping area. This authentic experience gives you a taste of the city's local cuisine.
Priced at £58 per person, the tour takes place every Friday, from 4pm until 7pm, beginning at the entrance of the renowned indoor marketplace, Markthalle, zuerich.com
Baltho Kitchen & Bar
The modern Marktgasse Hotel is home to a chic yet cosy restaurant, the Baltho Küche & Bar. Serving an interesting fusion of Swiss, Italian, French, Asian and Latin American cuisines, it offers visitors an unforgettable culinary expedition. Signature dishes include veal rissoles and capuns (a Swiss delicacy comprising of sausages enveloped in Swiss chard) seasoned with the robust Vals mountain cheese.
An average meal for two with wine comes in at around £82, located at Marktgasse 17, or reach them on +41 44 266 10 14, balthokuechebar.ch
The Legendary Zeughauskeller
Immerse yourself in history while sipping traditional foaming ales and savouring the Zurich specialty geschnetzelte, made from succulent veal strips in a rich white wine and mushroom sauce, at the Zeughauskeller. This iconic landmark is uniquely situated within an armoury dating back to the 15th century.
Bahnhofstrasse 28a, +41 44 220 15 15, For more details visit zeughauskeller.ch. A meal for two, complemented with a couple of beers, costs £69.
St Jakob: More Than a Bakery
Scattered across the city, St Jakob isn't your regular bakery. With a vision beyond business, they employ staff with disabilities, empowering them while serving fresh pastries, bread, and a rich assortment of pralines, truffles, cookies, and syrups. They operate from four different locations, ensuring freshness and convenience to all around.
Loft Five: A Station-Adjacent Eaterie
Nestled nearby the railway station, Loft Five offers a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere for lunch-goers, serving up delightful salads, a range of daily specials, and a popular choice among local professionals - their first-rate burgers. Enjoy a meal for two, accompanied by a glass of wine, starting at £48. Find this gem on Europaallee 15 or reach out on +41 44 755 50 50. More details can be found on their official website loftfive.ch.
Zurich's Culinary Celebration: Zurich Food
Zurich is getting ready to host its inaugural city-wide food bonanza - the Zurich Food Festival - from the 8th to 18th of September. The event promises to bring together a blend of open-air food stalls, exclusive restaurant tastings, hands-on cooking classes, thought-provoking debates, and a unique, communal picnic experience to attendees. Explore more about this gastronomic extravaganacce on their official website foodzurich.com. Be ready to get swept away by the city's vibrant food culture driven by local producers and passionate cooking enthusiasts.
Where to drink
Clouds Bar
The pinnacle of the Prime Tower, the highest structure in Switzerland, houses the Clouds Bar. Here, you can enjoy a wide selection of artisan beer and an assortment of wine all while soaking in the panoramic views.
Located at Maagplatz 5, Visit clouds.ch to know more.
Cabaret Voltaire
This establishment is perfect for anyone wanting to savour absinthe in an environment steeped in Dadaism. It also has a retail outlet offering a variety of themed merchandise. The Cabaret Voltaire remains open to the public at no charge, although special exhibitions commemorating the Dada Centenary may require admission fees.
Situated at Spiegelgasse 1, Check out cabaretvoltaire.ch for more details.
Conditorei Schober
Providing a tranquil setting with its plush carpets and intricate baroque design, this magnificent cafe built in the mid-1800s is a haven for those looking to unwind with their double espresso fix. It's also an excellent spot for pastry-lovers.
Find it at Napfgasse 4, Head to conditorei-cafe-schober.ch for more.
Where to stay
Experience 25hours Hotel Zurich West
Indulge in a unique stay at the avant-garde 25hours Hotel Zurich West, a stylish 125-room establishment conceptualised by hometown designer Alfredo Häberli. Perched in the vibrant Zurich-West district, the hotel fascinatingly merges modern art and convenience. Whether you're after shared spaces or private suites, you can find it here. Plus, enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, sauna and bicycles. The hotel's standout feature is Neni, an on-site restaurant that makes innovative use of local produce.
Starting price for a double room is £93, 25hours-hotels.com
Discover Pension Fürdich
Nestled in Zurich's multi-faceted District 4 amid the charming Bäckeranlage park, you'll discover Pension Fürdich. These accommodations sit conveniently above a charming, family-operated café. Each of the location's 18 rooms is individually styled, exuding a unique, home-style vintage charm. Note that every three rooms share a common bathroom and toilet.
Rates for a double room (excluding meals) begin at £86, fuerdich.ch
Explore Zurich Youth Hostel
For those willing to stray a bit from the bustling city center, the Zurich Youth Hostel offers simplicity and community. A leisurely half-hour stroll brings you to popular city attractions, while a short walk lands you by the picturesque lake. The hostel prides itself on a clean, budget-friendly environment that promotes social interaction.
Costs begin at £28 for dorm beds with breakfast, £95 for en suite doubles with breakfast, and meals from £14, youthhostel.ch
Fascinating Fact
There's an intriguing figure often lost in Dadaism's expansive history, Cyril Seaton. Originating from Nottingham as a designer of lace patterns, his path led him through Lille and battlefields at Verdun before he found himself amidst the artists at Cabaret Voltaire. Not just observing, Seaton took center stage to perform “sound poetry”, a whimsical form of verse, amplified through a megaphone. Famously, George Melly dubbed him “the enticing surrealist from mischievous Nottingham.” To gain more insights about him, click here.
It's worth mentioning that Seaton, though a pivotal part of Dadaist movement, was largely overlooked during the centennial festival's tribute to the 165 legends of Dadaism. Despite such oversight, his unique contributions to this avant-garde genre of art continue to echo through modern and contemporary pieces.