Switzerland’s Capital of Cool

On a bright sunny day, as we disembark from a three-hour train journey from Geneva, we are glad to arrive at Switzerland’s trendiest Canton, Zurich. Predominantly German-speaking, Zurich is the centre of commerce and banking for some of the world’s renowned billionaires. But that’s not what we are here for; exploring this vast city and what it offers is much more appealing. 

With a metropolitan population of over one million, Zurich enjoys an extremely active and multifaceted cultural life. Its strategic location on Europe’s mainstream trade routes has served it well. The city is at the forefront of modern world finance and the banking epicentre for Europe and the rest of the world. According to a survey, Zurich has 275 banks employing more than 50,000 people.

Zurich has a unique cultural, historical, and religious heritage. History has it that its Federal Institute of Technology has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other scientific institution in the world. Some of the world’s most renowned intellectuals studied at its Federal Institute of Technology. Albert Einstein, for example, studied in Zurich, although born in Germany; Einstein published a thesis in 1905 that won him a Doctor degree from the University of Zurich. 

Zurich has an array of art museums, cinemas, prestigious operas, ballet, and classical music venues, and to top it all off, extravagant shopping. A brief walk from the main rail station, commonly known as Hauptbahnhof, will give you a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of Geneva’s old town. 

As you stroll down the city, you will come across the Limmat River, which flows across the city. In summer, you can easily hop on the boats for a fascinating cruise past the historical houses and Town Hall. The Limmat River also flows close to the city’s main station, the Hauptbahnhof. 

What’s a trip without shopping? Zurich’s main retreat for shopping beckons with shimmering promises of extravagant deals. The Bahnhofstrasse is a large walking street beaming with well-known brands. It offers exclusive brand names along with nondescript labels. You could hardly spot cars on the Bahnhofstrasse; nevertheless, two tram lines crisscross the popular street, ferrying commuters from one end to the other across the city.

Switzerland is also known for its quality chocolates and designer watches, and you can never say you have been to Switzerland without trying its exclusive chocolate. Zurich’s prominent chocolate emporium is Sprungli, located on Bahnhofstrasse street itself. Sprungli is famous for its macaroons and delectable chocolate selection. The Sprungli shop and café are packed with customers all year round. The chocolate store was founded in 1836 and has 19 outlets throughout Switzerland.

Just like Geneva, Zurich is visitor friendly. Its public transport system is reputed to be among the best in the world. The Hauptbahnhof, Zurich’s main station, is minutes away from Bahnhofstrasse. Among the most notable stores in Zurich’s famous shopping street are Globus and Jelmoli. Reminiscent of London’s Harrods, they sell designer outfits and a luxurious assortment of chocolate, watches, fragrances, and Jewellery.

A trip to Zurich is incomplete without a stop by the Limmat. The river is considered Zurich’s heart and provides stunning views of its Old Town. A boat trip on the lake is certainly worthwhile. You can use the transport card to hop on a ferry for picturesque views of lush green slopes, waterside mansions, and historic mausoleums.  

Zurich is also packed with lively entertainment venues. It enjoys a highly active and multifaceted cultural life. Zurich has everything from prestigious ballet and Opera performances to symphony and chamber orchestras. The Opernhaus is one of Europe’s leading opera and ballet theatres. Tickets for its highly regarded productions sell out instantly; booking in advance is necessary to enjoy one of its shows. 

Not to be missed is the Kunsthaus, Switzerland’s oldest art gallery. The Kunsthaus contains various medieval paintings and old masterpieces by Dutch and German artists. Its unique art collection highlights paintings by the 19th-century Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler and Albert Anker. The museum also showcases temporary large scale exhibits each year.  

Your options for fine dining in Zurich are varied. The city has a wide variety of restaurants, balancing modern life complexities with the good qualities of Alpine hospitality. German classics influence traditional Swiss cuisine in Zurich. All-time favorite classics include schnitzels and meat served with potatoes in creamy mushroom sauces. 

A variety of Michelin Star restaurants, along with fusion outlets like the Helvti Diners, stand out for their unique selection of fast food, with bow-tie staff delivering trays of custom-made burgers, fries, and buckets of fried chicken. For the more discerning diners, Ojo de Agua offers Argentinian steaks with various side dishes and a unique selection of wines.

Zurich has plenty of hotels to stay in. Hotel Kindli is located in the heart of the Old Town and isn’t far from Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich has a wide range of hostels and guest houses too. The FurDich in the center of town has competitive prices for students and youth. The fully furnished rooms have wooden floors, and some include a balcony.  

The next time you are in Switzerland, stop by Zurich. A visit to this Swiss canton is undeniably unique, don’t allow its corporate image to put you off. Beyond stockbrokers in suits and corporate bank brass doors lies an intriguing city steeped with art and culture, quirky cafes and bars, and vintage shopping.