Here are five things to do in Zurich, the Swiss city that will win you over with its monuments, museums... and nightlife on its lakefront.
Multicultural, lively and trendy: Zurich is perhaps the city in Switzerland that more than any other has been able to combine postcard views with post-industrial neighborhoods that boast the highest number of clubs in the entire country. In short, an ideal destination both for a romantic weekend to discover museums and monuments and for those who want to dance and listen to good music in the clubs along its lakeside. Let's see together 5 things to do in Zurich to better enjoy the city...
1 – Visit the monuments of Zurich
Divided in two by the presence of the Limmat river, the old city of Zurich (Altstadt) is recognizable by its small alleys overlooked by medieval houses, churches with pointed bell towers and the Zunfthaus, the guild houses - such as the Haus zum Rüden ( the dog's house) with its impressive carved ceiling – which today house some of the most fashionable restaurants in the city. Among the monuments to see in Zurich there are three historic churches: the Grossmünster, the cathedral symbol of the city, built by Charlemagne on the tombs of Zurich's patrons; the Fraumünster, with polychrome stained glass windows created by Chagall and Giacometti; and the Peterskirche, with the largest dial clock in Europe.
If you love art, or simply face a rainy day, Zurich offers over 50 museums and 100 galleries ranging from FIFA World Football Museum at the Kunsthalle Zürich with its contemporary art exhibitions. Not to be missed are certainly the Landesmuseum, next to the central station, which not only contains the most important exhibition dedicated to the history of Switzerland, but which also offers temporary exhibitions of international fame. The Kunsthaus is also worth a visit, with its exhibition of modern art, which includes the largest collection of works by the painter Edvard Munch outside Norway, but also paintings by Picasso and Monet as well as the famous sculptures by Alberto Giacometti. Among the museums in Zurich you will also find offers for children such as those dedicated to dinosaurs, toys or chocolate.
2 – Enjoy the nightlife of Zurich
Restaurants, bars, venues with live music: in Zurich the night is always trendy, demonstrating that the city has nothing to envy of the great European capitals. The Züri-West area is certainly where most of the nightlife is concentrated with places to dance open until late at night. Worth trying is Hiltl, which transforms from a vegetarian restaurant during the day into a much-loved club at night. Or the Kaufleuten, on Pelikanplatz, also equipped with a lounge bar area ideal for a drink; or the Plaza Club, inside an old cinema, also known for its student parties.
In the summer months there are many places overlooking the water: these are the badi-bar present within the bathing establishments of Zurich. Don't miss a visit to the famous Rimini Bar, which at sunset transforms from a simple platform on the water into a space where you can have a drink or eat something tasty, or discover the venues on the lakeside such as the Seebad Enge or the Primitivo at the establishment Oberer Letter river on the banks of the Limmat.
3 – A relaxing afternoon in a beach establishment
If, as we have just seen, in the evening they transform into badi-bars, the bathing facilities they are the meeting point for the inhabitants of Zurich during the warmer months, when the banks of the lake and the Limmat literally change their face. In summer, in fact, there are as many as forty bathing establishments in the city, very often equipped with wooden walkways and platforms from which to dive for a swim in the waters of Lake Zurich and terraces dedicated to those who want to tan or enjoy a moment of relaxation . Some beach clubs are reserved for men or women only and all have bars. If you are on holiday with your family, don't miss the Tiefenbrunnen, a true paradise for children, or the Mythenquai with its 250 meter long beach of fine sand equipped with water games and diving platforms.
4 – Shopping in Zurich
With its post-industrial appearance reminiscent of certain districts of Berlin, the city has attracted prestigious designers and brands. For this reason, shopping in Zurich is one of the five things absolutely not to be missed, not only for the classic products that are associated with Switzerland - such as chocolate and watches -, but because it is also possible to find fashionable clothing, especially in the boutiques overlooking the sparkling Bahnhofstrasse. Without forgetting the over 130 shops present within the spaces of Zurich central station, also open on Sundays, or those at the very modern Aeroport Center, easily reachable by train or tram 10, open 365 days a year until late evening.
5 – Walk outdoors with children
From boat trips to museums, Zurich is a city that offers many activities tailored for children to enjoy. In the warmer months, dedicate a day to discover the over 70 parks and gardens distributed throughout its territory. The Rieterpark, for example, is the largest park in Zurich and is located in the Enge district, while the Botanical Gardens or Belvoir park are perfect for walking in the open air. Feeling adventurous? Rent one bicycle and explore the lakeside area with the children, which offers the great advantage of having numerous refreshment points for an ice cream break or even to organize a picnic surrounded by greenery.
Zurich can be reached with direct flights from the main Italian cities; its airport, about 10 km from the city centre, will allow you to reach the neighborhood where you have chosen to stay in just a few minutes thanks to the S-Bahn S2 and S16 or the widespread network of trams, coaches, shuttles and taxis. If you arrive in Zurich by train from Italy, the central station is located in the heart of the historic center and is well connected to Milan and the north of the Peninsula.
