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Zürich - Swiss-shing Through Zurich
Zürich is simply stunning
It is the largest – and possibly the most expensive city in Europe- but the average tourist can still have a good time without burning a hole in his pocket.
The first thing you should look at is one of the city’s many travel passes- get suggestions from your hotel or a tourist information centre. Some passes get you discounts and free admissions not only for public transport but also certain sites, guided tours and museums.
Any trip to a European city really must begin in its old towns- basically, where it all began. It’s interesting to note that even in ancient times Zürich was a tax-collecting point for the Romans. This tradition has transcended centuries as today it is one of the major financial cities in the world.
Exploring Its Ancient Side
It would be a good idea to go on a guided tour of its Old Town so that you do not miss essential historical details. The Old Town, along the River Limmat, is typical of an ancient township with narrow cobbled streets and closely-spaced buildings dating way back to the Middle Ages. Adding to its quaintness are shops which have stood for decades- centuries, even- including a bakery which still serves bread through the window as it has since the 17th century.
Be sure to head for the Lindenhof- formerly a Roman post. There are still remnants of a Roman fortress, customs post and, more interestingly, giant chess boards where people sit and play out in the open for hours regardless of wind, rain or shine. It is also a good park area to sit back and relax with a lunchtime sandwich.
Other key attractions in the Old Town are its churches and museums. The main churches in this part of the city are the St Peter’s Church,
Grossmünster and Fraumünster.
 Grossmünster, a 12th century structure, was built on the burial site of the city’s patron saints, Felix, Regula, and Exuperantius, all said to have been executed for refusing to renounce Christianity. They were said to have been beheaded after extensive torture; yet, though headless they picked up their heads and climbed to the top of a hill before digging their own graves and burying themselves. Legend has it that the church was founded by Charlemagne when his horse bowed down on the graves. To this day, Zürich’s seal still bears the images of the saints carrying their heads.
Both the Fraumünster and St Peter’s Church are known for their clock towers. St Peter’s, however, has the distinct honour of being the city’s oldest church while its clock face is the largest in the world. The
Fraumünster, formerly a noblewomen’s church dating back to the 9th century, has an elegant blue-tipped clock tower but is more known for its stained glass windows, added in 1970. Other old churches are the 12th century
Predigerkirche and the Water Church.
Shopping & Eye Candy
Another attractive area this side of Zürich is the Limmatquai, a popular shopping street with many elegant old guild-houses most of which are now restaurants. This side of the River Limmat is relatively cheaper and you will be sure to find a good selection of cafes, boutiques and shops at reasonable prices.
Zürich is also known for its art and culture. Art galleries, museums and theatres are all over the city. The city also has its fair share of nightlife- it would be good if you could spend at least one night in the city to check out one of its many clubs. The Langstrasse area also provides interesting entertainment- despite being notorious as a red-light district, it is still relatively classy and less dingy than those in other countries.
Take the time also to stroll along the famous Bahnhofstrasse- one of the most beautiful, elegant and expensive shopping streets in Europe. After all, there is no charge for window shopping and the gorgeous displays provide enough eye candy for all.
As Far As The Eye Can See
You could also take a tour on the river, or head for Uetliberg, a hill overlooking the city. Climb up the viewing tower for a magnificent, breathtaking view! Other hills around Zürich are the Irchel and Käferberg.
Zürich has more than mere financial riches- and you don’t need to be rich to enjoy it.
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