Tucked amid Switzerland's stunning landscapes, Zürich, the birthplace of the Ode Scenery concept, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. While Switzerland is undoubtedly known for its breathtaking scenery with alpine peaks, the city of Zurich remains relatively undiscovered as a tourist destination. The city is both tranquil and vibrant, offering a unique blend of serenity and energy. Make a stop in the city to experience its walkable streets, tangible charm, and vibrant atmosphere.
When to visit?
You can’t go wrong with summer and fall. In the golden embrace of summer, Zürich beckons with the promise of refreshing dips in the Limmat River, with the majestic Alps visible in the distance. And as the city transforms into a canvas of autumnal hues, a hike up Uetliberg provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Flower-filled fountain in Münsterplatz
What should we pack?
As you prepare for your Zürich adventure, don’t forget to pack a water bottle, swimsuit, and comfortable pair of shoes (hiking boots are even better) alongside your adventurous spirit. While many things in Switzerland are expensive, one thing remains free: water, often flowing from beautiful fountains. I once witnessed a tour group embarking on a water fountain tour, each participant carrying a wine glass to sample water from different fountains across the city! With over 1,200 fountains in Zürich, it would be a shame to purchase water in plastic bottles when you can enjoy the pristine water from the Swiss Alpine glacier.
Where's best to stay?
Zürich is a compact city with world-class access to public transportation. You can reach the old town area within 30 minutes from most parts of the city. Be sure to download the SBB app to check schedules and purchase tickets conveniently.
Best places to eat?
One thing I quickly learned in Zürich is to make reservations if you want to eat out. Because the population is quite small, there aren’t that many restaurants in the city, meaning that they fill up quickly. Having said that, my recommendations for different Swiss-style dining experience across budgets are:
- Kronenhalle ($$$): An ‘upscale Swiss restaurant’ doesn’t do justice to what Kronenhalle means to the city of Zürich. The restaurant has a profounding history as a dining place for renowned artists, designers, writers and politicians of the time including Marc Chagall, James Joyce, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Frederico Fellini and Max Frisch. Stepping into Kronenhalle is like stepping into the history when artists and thought leaders exchanged ideas over the iconic dish Kronenhalle sliced filet of veal served with rösti (Kalbfleisch Geschnetzeltes mit Rösti) beneath the paintings by Marc Chagall, Joan Miró and Georges Braque.
- Zeughauskeller ($$): When you step into Zeughauskeller, (which translates to 'arsenal cellar'), it feels like stepping into a 15th-century Swiss pub or bierhalle. You can't go wrong with their Wienerschnitzel or any type of 'wurst' (sausage). I also loved the Geschnetzelte Kalbsleber, veal cooked in creamy mushroom sauce served with rösti, a Swiss potato pancake.
Lunch at Tibits
- Hiltl & Tibits ($-$$): Hiltl is the first vegetarian restaurant in the world since its opening in 1898. So, if you’re vegetarian, you can make a ‘pilgrimage’ to Hiltl! My favourite location is the Haus Hiltl (Sihlstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich), the flagship location of the brand in the Altstadt (old town). Since the location gets buzzy during lunch time, my recommendation is to grab your meal to go and go to Lindenhof to find seats with view. Tibits is almost like a younger sibling of Hiltl. Although they are independent from each other, Hiltl helped the founders of Tibits establish the restaurant chain, and the two chains still maintain a close relationship. While Hiltl is sophisticated and polished, Tibits has a cozier, more homely atmosphere.
Zürcher Brockenhaus
Best places to shop?
As an avid thrifter (and considering the cost of living in Zürich), one of the first things I did upon settling down in the city was to locate nearby 'brockis' or second-hand stores on a map. These are the shops I frequented the most:
- Zürcher Brockenhaus (Neugasse 11, 8005 Zürich): Conveniently located near Zurich HB (main train station), the brocki showcases a beautiful selection of gently used furniture at second-hand prices. This is the place I'd go when furnishing a new space. The selection ranges from full tableware sets and lighting to antique furniture.
- Heilsarmee Brocki (Geroldstrasse 29, 8005 Zürich): In the hip neighborhood of Hardbrücke, the brocki is just behind the train station. I would check out this store every now and then on my way to the library at Zhdk for clothes. Here, I found a charmingly aged parka from Maison Scotch, sophisticated wool culottes made in Paris, and a pink bomber jacket by Twothirds, a B Corp-certified fashion brand.
- AOZ Brockito (Robert-Maillart-Strasse 12, 8050 Zürich): This one is a bit off the beaten path from the city center but still worth a visit if you're curious to see everyday items used in Switzerland. I love browsing through their electronics section to find old cameras, retro devices, and office supplies, offering a quick time-travel experience to the 1970s era office.
While there are many more tips to share about the city, I believe the list gives you a good idea where to start. If you make a trip to Zürich, say hi to the lovely city for me and share your stories with us!