Zurich


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Zurich [1] (German: Zürich, Zuerich) is the largest city in Switzerland, with a population of some 364,500 in the city proper and close to 1 million in the greater metropolitan area. Zurich is on Lake Zurich, where the lake meets the Limmat River, in the north of Switzerland.

Contents

[edit] Understand

Contrary to popular belief, Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland (that would be Bern), just the largest city. Zurich has long been known as a clean and efficient city, but additionally has been quite a fascinating city for the last ten years. This has a lot to do with the liberalization of the culture, party and gastronomy sector and a much more cosmopolitan and hybrid population. Zurich is also known for banking.

The Zurich dialect of German (which sounds very different from standard German) is the city's main spoken language, but speakers of this dialect invariably also understand standard German. Many people will understand English, French, or Italian as well.

[edit] Orientation

Zurich is located at the northwestern end of Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), at the mouth of the Limmat River which divides the city in two. The modern heart of the city including the train station and most churches is on the west side of the river, while the hillier east is home to the little alleys of the Old Town and the hip drinking spots of Niederdorfstrasse.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Zurich International Airport (IATA: ZRH) is Switzerland's largest and busiest airport, run with Swiss efficiency. It is actually in the community of Kloten, 12 minutes by train to central Zurich, about every 10-15 minutes. Several bus lines connect at the airport and provide access to the Winterthur region. Most major airlines fly to Zurich but SWISS is still the Swiss flagcarrier and covers the biggest part of the international traffic at the airport. Almost every large hotel in Zurich provides bus service (shuttle buses) from airport to your hotel.

Low Cost Carriers like Easy Jet are using Basel's Euroairport (1.5 hours to Zurich by Bus and Train).

[edit] By train

Regular trains to and from other Swiss and European cities leave from and arrive at the Hauptbahnhof (main train station), conveniently located in the city centre at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, with easy access to mass transit. Zurich is served by Italy's Cisalpino [2], Germany's ICE, France's TGV [3] and the ICN as well as different night train services.

For train times and tickets, go to SBB or Deutsche Bahn. For general information, go to www.seat61.com.

The train station and the connecting underground mall has shops, restaurants, and a grocery store which locals use when they need to do late night shopping, as it is not subject to the closing hours laws otherwise in force in the city.

[edit] By car

Almost every highway leads straight into Zurich. This might be quite easy for tourists, but is also really painful if you have to cross Zurich on a daily basis.

[edit] By bus

The main bus station is just next to the main train station, where the river Sihl is flowing into the river Limmat. Many busses from and to other European cities, mainly southern destinations like former Yugoslavia or Spain.

[edit] By boat

As Zurich is located at the end of lake Zurich, it can be reached by boat from other lake villages, e.g. Rapperswil at the upper end of the lake.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By public transport

Zurich is famous for its highly efficient, clean and safe public transport system. The network includes trams, buses, S-bahn (local trains) and even boats for the lake and river.

Tickets must be purchased from a ticket machine before boarding or from one of the ticket selling kiosks. The ticket machines might be intimidating at first glance, but simply get a "Tageskarte Zone 10" (day card - valid for 24 hours) for 7.80 CHF by pushing the green button (a single ride costs 3.90 CHF). The ticket covers the whole city and should be enough for most tourists needs. This ticket is also valid for boats in Zone 10, so take a trip on the lake or river with the same ticket! If you are not sure whether your destination is in Zone 10, a possible destinations with their respective code is listed at each vending machine. Punch in the code and the price will be displayed. If you intend to stay in Switzerland for a longer period you would be better to buy a 'Half Tax' Ticket, this means your Tram tickets will be cheaper and your train tickets will be only 50% of full value.

There are many other special offers on tickets for tourists so ask at the tourist information, your hotel or visit the Zurich Public Transport Authority (Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV) The ZVV is a regional agency that coordinates fares and schedules for the region's different transit companies. The ZVV's website has maps, links to transit providers in the Zürich area, and trip planning information.

Boat Trips - There are two types of boat-based public transportation operated in Zürich: river buses and lake steamers. The river boats operate in the summer months only and the lake boats operate on a much reduced schedule during the winter.

The river buses operate between the Landesmuseum (near the Hauptbahnhof) along the Limmat River and out in the Zürichsee (Zürich Lake) to Tiefenbrunnen. There are several stops along the Limmat River.

The Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft (ZSG) operates lake steamers which leave from Burkliplatz (at the end of Bahnhofstrasse). The ZSG's website provides information on destinations and ships. The ZSG offers a variety of tourist-oriented trips (including Jazz Brunch, and historic restored steam ships); a popular trip is to Rapperswil at the south end of the Zürichsee. The town has a beautiful castle overlooking the lake surrounded by a medieval town.

S-Bahn - The S-Bahn is Zürich's regional rail system. The 'S' stands for schnell (fast). Zürich's S-Bahn system provides convenient and fast service throughout the region. Most of the lines pass through the Hauptbahnhof. The ZVV offers directions for a series of excursions on the S-Bahn. One popular destination (not mentioned on the ZVV website) is Stein am Rhein, a restored medieval village on the river Rhine which can be reached using the S-Bahn number 29 from Winterthur.

[edit] By bike

You can "rent" bikes, skateboards etc. for free from 7 a.m. to 9.20 p.m. every day between May and October at several places in Zurich and year-round at the central train station. This offer is called "Züri rollt (German only)". Get and return the bikes either at the bikegate just next to the central station, next to the "Globus City" shopping centre, next to the opera or at the Swissotel in Oerlikon. If you can't find these places, don't hesitate to ask some locals, they should know at least the bikegate at the central station. The Zurich Transit Company, VBZ also provides information about these bikes in English.


[edit] Local Guides

  • zueritipp.ch: [4] (in German) - Listings of movies, club doings, much more.

[edit] See

Most of the interesting sights are in the old town around the river and lakefront.

  • Grossmünster [5] old Romanesque church, symbol of reformed Zurich, where reformer Huldrych Zwingli was appointed the people's priest in 1519. For 2 CHF you can climb one of the towers for amazing views over the city.
  • Fraumünster [6] old Gothic church (former convent) with window paintings by Marc Chagal
  • Landesmuseum [7] The biggest Swiss history museum. You can also learn about the various traditions of the cantons comprising Switzerland.
  • Kunsthaus [8] One of the major Swiss art museums. Its specialities are modern sculpturer Giacometti and the surrealist 18th Century painter Fuesli, both Swiss. Highly recommended!
  • Schanzengraben (a small canal that used to be part of the city fortifications between Limmat and Sihl): From the main station, go to Gessnerallee, find the stairways down to the tiny creek, and walk all the way to the lake.
  • Rietberg Museum [9] One of Europe's best collections of Asian art (mainly Indian drawings).
  • Langstrasse Red light district of Zürich, with more drug dealers and police than usual, but interesting because even this most notorious spot in Switzerland is so clean and safe. Expect some lewd comments when walking alone at night as a woman.
  • Zoo [10] With the new Masoalahall [11], the Zoo is really worth a visit!
  • Lake Promenade Especially during summer a beautiful place to spend the evening or the weekends. Starting from Bellevue, the boardwalk goes for about three kilometers along the lake towards Tiefenbrunnen. About halfway there is a meadow where you will find thousands of people on a sunny day.
  • Chinese Garden [12] This small but beautiful Chinese garden was offered to the city of Zurich by the Chinese city of Kumming as symbol of gratitude after Zurich helped the Kumming with technical knowledge.
  • Le Corbusier House Near the Chinese Gardeen. A beautiful modern villa planned by the famous Swiss architect.
  • Lindenhof The hill in the heart of the old town. A beautiful view of the city.
  • Niederdorf The old town offers beautiful alleys and luxurious shops.
  • Bahnhofstrasse One of the busiest and best known shopping streets in the world. Highly refined. Certainly a must-see for every tourist in Zurich! (see below)
  • Museum Buehrle [13] A rich private art collection worth visiting.
  • Jacob Coffee Museum [14] An original museum which desribes the evolving of the coffee and different aspects of the culture the developed around it.
  • Zurich West This modern quarter used to be an industrial one, but modern urban developments made it to a centre of vibrant night life.

[edit] Do

  • Take the Polybahn, a 19th century funicular, up the steep hill for a fine view. Starts at tram station Central and goes up to the ETH. Zone 10 ZVV ticket is valid. Nice terrace up there. During the week, the student cafeteria below the terrace is also open to the public.
  • Go skiing by train - buy a snow'n'rail ticket (train & skipass) at the Hauptbahnhof during winter months, train out in morning, back in evening. Flumserberg is the closest large ski-resort, popular with people from Zurich, with a good range of runs for beginners and experts.
  • Take a trip on the Zürichsee with one of the two old steam ships. There are a few different routes you can choose from, which will vary mainly in the distance.
  • Go up Uetliberg, a hill overlooking Zurich. You can hike up, or take a train from the main station. Enjoy the 360 degree view from a tall viewing tower (not for vertigo suferrers!). This is also the start of the planetenweg (planetary walk), an 8 mile walk along the ridge with models of the planets along the way. These are scaled down in true porportion to the solar system. To look at Zürich from the other hills, go to the Irchel (Tram station Milchbuck) or Käferberg (Bucheggplatz, walk up the hill and keep left of the forest).
  • Go club-hopping Zürich has proportionately the largest number of clubs per capita in Europe. Pick up a free copy of the 20 Minuten (20 minutes) paper and start exploring.
  • Dance at the Streetparade currently the biggest open air techno rave in Europe. Starting at 2 pm, trucks which function as mobile soundsystems start driving along the lake side, starting from the east at Utoquai and ending at the west at Hafen Enge. Every year this event attracts nearly a million visitors. After the Streetparade the party doesn't stop, there are open air parties along the route until midnight and club parties at various locations in town until late the next day, to keep the party going. http://www.streetparade.ch.
  • Enjoy the fireworks of the Swiss national holiday on August 1st.
  • Go for a bike ride! You can get free bikes, skates or other fun transport at several stops throughout town.

[edit] Events

  • Streetparade - A funny technoparade, where you can enjoy dancing on the road, climbing on trees and many other things. It takes place on the second Saturday in August.

[edit] Learn

  • ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule) [15] is one of most renowned technical universities in Europe.
  • University of Zurich [16]

[edit] Work

Switzerland has a very strict labor market. You will need a work permission which is rarely granted and in general you need a promotion from an employer.

For citizens of the old EU-15 states the bilateral agreements made it easier to gain a temporary work permit typically for 5 years, renewable. Due to quota restrictions (which will be lifted during 2007) often a 1 year permit is issued to EU applicants as such candidates can repeatedly renew even these 1 year permits. Legally, EU applicants have the same status as Swiss applicants when applying for jobs (employer does not need to justify hiring them, and must hire them in preference to non-EU/non-Swiss applicants if skills are equivalent).

For all other citizenships you need a company behind you and you must have skills that are rare in the Swiss (or EU!) labor market.

Working without permission can lead to a night in prison and deportation depending on you and the agreement with your home country.

[edit] Buy

For shopping in Zürich there are three different areas in the centre:

  • Bahnhofstrasse, which runs from the Zürich Train Main station "Hauptbahnhof" right down to the lake. Bahnhofsstrasse is famous for being one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in the world. Here you can get anything from diamond rings to chocolate and fur coats. Globus and Jelmoli are two fiercely competitive department stores, both of whom carry items from many high-end brands.
  • Niederdorf, which is the Old Part of Zurich and expands from "Bellevue" by the Lake right to "Central" which is just over the River from the train station. The Niederdorf is more for young people. Aside from a lot of fast food places you will find a lot of trendy clothes stores here.
  • Löwenstrasse, which runs west of Bahnhofstrasse from the main train station, has lower range shops and a large branch of Migros, a department store chain.

[edit] Swiss Chocolate

  • Teuscher
  • Sprüngli, Bahnhofstrasse and several locations throughout the city. A Zürich institution that offers a variety of sweet and savory goodies including a wide variety of chocolates, from hand-made truffles to special chocolate bars. Some specialities include theLuxembergerli, a sort of soft macaroon that comes in a variety of flavors, the Truffe du Jour, a chocolate truffle that is made daily from raw cream and is meant to be consumed immediately; and the extraordinary Grand Cru Sauvage truffle, made from wild cacao beans from Bolivia. Most items are rather pricey but worth it. The flagship store on the Paradeplatz is a very popular spot for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Try their berry-filled muesli - it's like no other muesli you've ever had. There are two handy stores at the Kloten airport for last-minute gifts to bring home.
  • St. Jakobs Confiserie

[edit] Swiss Handcrafts

  • Schweizer Heimatwerk (Schweizer Heimatwerk) [17], Uraniastr. 1 on the Limmat river. Also branches in the Hauptbahnhof (main station), airport, and Rennweg 14 in the Bellevue area. Quality Swiss handcrafts and other Swiss-made products presented in a gallery-like setting. You won't find many cuckoo clocks and the like here (cuckoo clocks are not really Swiss, they are Bavarian!), the emphasis is on real traditional crafts and the work of modern craftspeople. You will find things like sleek modern handblown glassware and beautiful handcarved wooden items from the Appenzell region. A worthwhile visit even if you just browse.

[edit] Markets

  • Flohmarkt Bürkliplatz (Fleamarket) at Bürkliplatz, in the Bellevue area near the Stadelhofen station, every Saturday from 6 to 15:30, May-October. Fairly relaxed yet large flea market with many interesting stalls. Some Pictures
  • Flohmarkt Kanzlei (Fleamarket) at Helvetiaplatz. A big fleamarket with sometimes more than 400 stalls. Open every Saturday from 8 to 16:00. Website (german)
  • Other Fleamarkets. A list (german) of other Fleamarkets in the area of Zurich.

[edit] Other

  • Pastorini Spielzeug is a high-end toy store located near the river at Weinplatz 3.
  • There is an English language bookstore at the intersection of Bahnhofstrasse and Rennweg.

[edit] Eat

The quintessential Zürich dish is Zürigschnätzlets, veal in a cream and wine sauce. Various kinds of grilled Wurst (sausages) are also popular. These are most often accompanied by boiled potatoes, Rösti, a Swiss potato pancake (grated potato, formed into a pancake then panfried until crisp in butter or oil) or Chnöpfli, in German sometimes called Spätzle, (small noodle dumplings).

Veal is still very popular, though the use of turkey and other meats as a substitute is growing.

While Fondue (melted cheese in a central pot, dip bread into it) and Raclette (cheese melted in small portions, served with potatoes and pickles) are not really local to Zürich (they come from the Valais region of Switzerland) they are commonly available at restaurants aimed at tourists.

The bread available in Zürich is generally delicious. Try grilled Bratwurst from street stands, served with a large crusty roll of sourdough bread and optional mustard, or sandwiches made with fresh baked Bretzeln (large, soft pretzels). A typically Swiss bread is the Zopf, a braided soft bread that is commonly served on Sundays (the other name for it is Sonntagszopf).

For breakfast, try a bowl of Muesli, which was invented as a health food in Switzerland. The Sprüngli confectionery store tea rooms serve a deluxe version of this fiber-filled cereal with whole milk, crushed berries and cream.

There are a huge variety of cheeses available at the supermarkets, speciality stores and markets, as well as all kinds of hams and dried sausages. Dairy products are generally delicious, especially the butter.

For those with a sweet tooth, there's a huge variety of chocolates to enjoy, from the cheapest chocolate bar to individually hand-made truffles. (See the Shopping section above). The chocolate bar displays at the supermarkets will overwhelm you! Also enjoy pastries and cakes from the various Konditorei scattered around town. A typical cake is the Mandelfisch, an almond cake shaped like a fish.

Like any proper European city, Zürich abounds with cafés where you can enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee, glass of wine or other beverage, and watch the world go by.

There are many international dining options available too. The current hot trend seems to be pan-Asian noodle/rice/sushi places.


[edit] Budget

  • The Migros and Coop supermarkets (several branches all over the city) are good places to assemble an inexpensive and delicious picnic lunch consisting of freshly baked bread, cheese or ham and fresh fruit. Migros Gourmessa is the 'gourmet' takeaway counter, available in larger Migros stores including the Migros City branch at Löwestrasse. The Coop Bahnhofbrücke branch near the main station also has a small fast-food restaurant. Note: the Migros branch in the main station is open on Sundays when most other stores are closed, and also until 9pm on weekdays.
  • Lee's take-away (Preyergasse 8 in the Niederdorf). Stand-up place serving excellent large portions of Asian food. Special student dishes under 10CHF.
  • Molino at the Limmatquai and near Stauffacher for Italian Food
  • New-Point sells kebaps, (1) at Langstrasse, (2) near the police station by the Sihl between main station and Stauffacher (Kaserne), (3) at Albisriederplatz (4) at Hardstrasse near Pfingstweidstrasse
  • Sterne Foifi Zurich's most famous sausage stand next to the UBS bank building at Bellevue. Red or white sausage for 6CHF, piece of bread and (hot!) mustard is included.
  • Jelmoli, St. Annahof and Manor department store restaurant for a cheap buffet lunch, good salad and vegetables stands. All at Bahnhofstrasse (not evenings). The large Migros supermarkets (those with two or three big orange M's) also have restaurants in the store.
  • Rheinfelder Bierhalle In this huge and smoky restaurant you get good-value food and rich portions (only try the Jumbo Jumbo Cordon-Bleu when really hungry..). Cheap beer. At the beginning of the Niederdorf (near Central).
  • Millennium Restaurant Offers great pizzas, large hamburgers, spicy kebabs and other Italian and Turkish dishes at reasonable prices. Staff is very friendly and service is great. Perfect for lunch or a late-night snack. Located on Limmatplatz (Limmatstrasse at Langstrasse) right across the X-tra bar.
  • Vorderer Sternen Grill offers really good bratwurst and is not too expensive. Located at 22 Theaterstrasse.

[edit] Mid-range

  • Rosalys near Bellevue for typical Swiss food including Älplermacrone (pasta with apple purée); excellent cocktail bar, too
  • Commercio near Stadelhofen station (Mühlebachstrasse) for excellent pasta and a busy atmosphere
  • Commi-Halle near Central for Italian food.
  • Swiss Chuchi in the Niederdorf. Classic Swiss food for tourists, but good none the less.
  • Zeughauskeller at Paradeplatz offers hearty sausages, stews, rösti potato etc. in a Brauhaus-like setting. Touristy, but good and large portions. Historical (built in 1487) building.
  • Kropf Just down the street from the Zeughauskeller, offers similar fare in a slightly more refined setting. Beautiful painted ceiling.
  • Globus Bellevue: this relatively new branch of the Globus department store in the Bellevue near the Stadelhofen station is totally dedicated to food. There is a large eatery on the ground floor that serves various fusion-type foods (decent noodle bowl) and a passable sushi bar. The ground floor has a gourmet food market, and upstairs there are kitchen wares.
  • Sprüngli Paradeplatz at Paradeplatz. The flagship store of the Sprüngli confectionery store chain has a beautiful turn-of-the-century style dining room upstairs that is extremely popular for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Choose from the menu or from the gorgeous display case filled with beautiful cakes, tarts, open-face and regular sandwiches. Try the muesli! Great people watching too, since this is the place for an after-shopping snack for the rich ladies of Zürich.
  • King Curry near Bahnhof Wiedikon (trams 9 and 14), offers a good value daily Indian lunch buffet.
  • Masala near Stauffacher with Indian food
  • Hiltl [18] the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Europe (from 1890). Behind Jelmoli department store (Sihlstrasse 102). Reponed in March 2007 after renovation work. Phone: 044 227 70 00
  • Tibits behind the Opera house at Seefeldstrasse is the fast-food outlet of Hiltl, Europe's oldest vegetarian restaurant. Offers a nice self-service buffet of fresh veggies and fruit and a surprising variety. Try the freshly squeezed juices.
  • Outback Lodge at Bahnhof Stadelhofen. Unrelated to the U.S. Outback Steakhouse chain. Enjoy Aussie tucker like ostrich, kangaroo, and crocodile - as well as more conventional fare. Popular with locals as well as expats. Has a hopping bar scene (see Drink section). Also a branch in Winterthur.
  • Iroquois tex-mex food in the trendiest part of town, with the best margueritas in Zurich. Seefeldstrasse 120
  • Tiffin's great place for Asian food. Crowded, closed on Sundays. Seefeldstrasse between Kreuzstrasse and Feldeggstrasse
  • Lily's great Thai and other Asian food. Especially recommended: huge portions of Thai curry. Langstrasse between the railway and Limmatplatz. Come before 19 or after 21 if you don't want to wait.
  • Nooba Pan-asian noodle bar at Kreuzplatz, a short walk up the hill from Stadelhofen station. Stylish setting, attentive and multi-lingual service and a broad selection of freshly prepared noodle, rice and curry dishes.
  • Nooch Yet another Pan-Asian noodle, rice and curry joint, at Heinrichstrasse 267, opposite the Cinemax movie multiplex. Also has a sushi bar.
  • Ristoranto Toscano [19] a very good italian restaurant in the old part of the city (Niederdorf). Located at Schmidgasse 17. You should try the Spaghetti al Bacio! Closed for lunch on saturday and all day on sunday.

[edit] Splurge

  • Widder Hotel has a very cool bar - great piano music and very cool red leather and halogen lighting.
  • Zunfthaus Zur Waag - near Bahnofstrasse - very authentic Swiss high end restaurant. To ensure your meal does not get cold - they split your order into 2 plates and bring you one at a time....
  • Bindella Great Italian Food - very authentic - Address: In Gassen 6 off Bahnhofstrasse. Phone 44 221 25 46.
  • Le Dezaley hidden in a small street from Limmatquai near the Grossmünster, with traditional Swiss food from the French-speaking Kanton Waadt (Vaud)
  • Blaue Ente at the far end of tram 2 and 4 near Bahnhof Tiefenbrunnen.
  • LaSalle in the Schiffbauhalle, stylish and romantic.
  • Kronenhalle at Bellevue is the city's most famous restaurant where all the glitterati go to see and be seen. Good Swiss food and heavenly chocolate mousse are one reason to go, the opportunity to dine among original artwork by famous Swiss and European artists (who payed in paintings instead of money) the other. Dress nicely, and treat yourself to a drink at the classy bar before or after your meal.
  • The restaurants at the top of the Uetliberg are great to combine a nice view of town (a hike in the summer) and some great food. It also has a cheaper self-service area.

[edit] Drink

[edit] General

Zurich has a lot of places to go out. There are a lot of clubs, restaurants, cafés, bars but also many museums and theaters.

Event calendar: Züritipp (German language)

What to drink: Beer, Swiss white wine: e.g. Fendant. Swiss red wine is not overly recommended: Spanish red wine is generally good value here. At apéro time (after work), you will find many people drinking a Cüpli (glass of sparkling wine).

[edit] Bars (centre)

  • Nachtflug stylish, coffee and some snacks during the day, large choice of drinks at night. Stüssihofstatt 4 (Niederdorf).
  • Outback Lodge near Stadelhofen station. Australian in theme, drinks and food, but also well visited by the locals.
  • Blue Note jazz club, quite expensive but good atmosphere. Stockerstrasse 45.
  • James Joyce bar where the writer himself used to go. Now mostly frequented by bankers. Pelikanstrasse 8.
  • Oliver Twist is a Irish- / British-style pub with a good atmosphere, many English-speaking foreigners, own small court. Rindermarkt 6.
  • Öpfelchammere (apple chamber). Not a real pub or café: they only serve wine or water. But if you succeed in climbing over the roof beams, you get a free glass of wine to drink hanging upside down and you can mark your name into the wood afterwards. Rindermarkt 12.
  • Widder bar by far the best stocked whisky bar in town. In the famous hotel of the same name. Widdergasse 6.
  • Corazón, Zähringerplatz 11, +41 1 261 09 59. [20] A Spanish themed bar with a good selection of wines and excellent service.
  • Bohemia, Trendy place popular for its coffee during the day and an even better nightlife. Usually a popular place for college students. Kreutzplatz (Just up from Stadelhofen)

[edit] Bars (Kreis 4 & 5 and beyond)

Kreis 4 & 5 are two areas west of central Zurich, probably the most interesting & colourful.

[edit] Kreis 4 (west Zurich)
  • Casablanca bar at the Langstrasse near Helvetiaplatz
  • Xenix small arthouse cinema with busy beer garden in summer, the choice of students, bohemians & bicycle messengers posing with their fixies, Kanzleistrasse 56 by Helvetiaplatz [21]
  • Total Bar tiny bar serving a range of Zurich's microbrews, always good music, Tellstrasse 19 (a block east of the Langstrasse)
  • El Lokal bar, restuarant & intimate gig venue attracting alternative crowd, "soccer vs elvis vs che guevara" themed, Gessnerallee 11 on the Sihl [22]
[edit] Kreis 5 (north west Zurich)
  • 4. Akt for teens and twens near Escher-Wyss Platz
  • Hard One roof lounge on top the Cinemax complex, older crowd, very expensive but stylish, near Escher-Wyss Platz
  • Riffraff [23] cinema bar attracting a largely alternative crowd, Neugasse 57, near Langstrasse.
  • Moods [24] jazz club in the Schiffbau complex, concerts on Saturdays, in the Schiffsbau near Escher-Wyss Platz.
  • Acapulco bar with comfortable seats, Neugasse 56, near Langstrasse, on week-ends quite crowded. Every sunday karaoke evening.

[edit] Clubs

Zurich has proportionally more clubs than any other city in Europe. You will find anything from very "fancy" Clubs to places you can just chill. If you want, you can go to a club every night. There is always a Club that has a party going, and the Zurich young things make sure to splash all their income on going out.

Three of the most renowned clubs are converted parts of the old Toni dairy factory at Förrlibuckstrasse:

  • Toni Molkerei[25]
  • Dachkantine ("roof canteen", closed down February 2006)
  • Rohstofflager ("raw material storage"). This one also does concerts.

A lot of Clubs are located in the so called Zurich West (District 5)

  • X-Tra The probably biggest Club near the Limmatplatz
  • Hive Club (former Club UG) [26]
  • Code Club
  • Indochine [27]
  • K5-Club
  • Säulenhalle[28]

Daily Eventcalender: Usgang.ch (German) This internet site features a Calender which lists all the parties that are on everyday. Very good to decide where to go before you actually leave for the evening.

[edit] Gay and Lesbian travellers

  • Rathauscafé. Coffee and a croissant in the morning, moving over to sparkling wine in the afternoon and early evening. Nice terrace in the summer. Mixed crowd, friendly service. Limmatquai.
  • Cranberry opposite Rathauscafé Very crowded on Fridays and Saturdays 20-24 before the boys head to the clubs.
  • Barfüsser once Europe's oldest gay bar, it has now been converted into a fancy and large lounge and sushi place. More relaxed atmosphere, mixed crowd. Spitalgasse 4.
  • T&M Disco club and Aaaah house club, open most days but only crowded on Friday and Saturday. Share the same house and entry ticket at Marktgasse 14, you can switch atmosphere as much as you like. 23CHF cover charge on busy nights. http://www.gaybar.ch
  • Sunday trash Gay and Lesbian party in Labor bar, Schiffbaustrasse. Place to be on Sunday night, 21-03h. 10CHF cover charge.
  • http://www.gayagenda.ch/

[edit] Sleep

Zurich is the financial center of Switzerland and most travellers come with an expense account. The hospitality sector focuses therefore mostly on the 4 and 5 star sector. Zurich is known for it's superb hotels but these won't come cheap. Best is to go on a company rate because rack rates are sometimes ridiculous.

[edit] Budget

  • City Backpacker/Hotel Biber, Niederdorfstr 5, +41 44 251 90 15 (email: sleep@city-backpacker.ch). Probably the most convenient hostel for backpackers. In the center of the city with dormitory beds for 31 Chf. There are shared bathroom and cooking areas. http://www.city-backpacker.ch/
  • Youth hostel, Mutschellenstrasse 114, +41 43 399 78 00, (email: zuerich@youthhostel.ch). A bit off the very center of Zurich, but still in good reach of the main city. Prices starting from 35 Chf for dormitory bed including breakfast. http://www.youthhostel.ch/zuerich
  • Martahaus, Zaehringerstrasse 36, +41 44 251 45 50 (Fax +41 44 251 45 40, email: info@martahaus.ch). A "clean and friendly" place which doubles as a hostel and a one-star hotel, this is one of the few hotels in Zurich which goes out of its way to proclaim itself gay-friendly. They also have weekly and monthly rates for rooms as well as a couple of studio apartments. 38-150 Chf (dormitory bed to double room with a shower). http://www.martahaus.ch/
  • ZicZac Rock-Hotel, Marktgasse 17, +41 44 261 21 81 (email: rockhotel@ziczac.ch). One of the cheaper options right in the middle of things. It has rock'n'roll 'theme' rooms (generally just the name of the room and a photo on the wall). Good, relaxed atmosphere in an old and slightly worn-down building. 100-200CHF (double w/wout private bath). http://www.ziczac.ch/rockhotel/
  • Otter, Oberdorfstr, 7, +41 44 251 22 07 (Fax: +41 44 251 22 75). Now this is a good hotel for the price! The rooms have been decorated with the kind of care that one normally expects in a much more expensive hotel, each with its own theme. You can choose from the jungle room with its hammock, or the pink Carmen, or go for the top floor apartment. Each floor's three rooms share a bath, shower and toilet (WC), with the exception of the apartment which has its own shower. 90-100 Chf for a single room, 130-160 for a double, and 180 for the apartment (more with more people). http://www.wueste.ch/
  • Hotel Splendid, Rosengasse 5. This hotel is relatively cheap. The rooms are ok and clean, but not very luxurious. Private showers and bathrooms are not available, you share with your floor. What is really great is the location, right close to the Gemüsebrücke and the city center! 60Chf (double room). http://www.hotelsplendid.ch/
  • Etap Hotel, Technoparkstrasse 2, +41 43 276 20 00. This hotel is in a great place if you want to party. Located in Zurich West, next to some great bars and restaurants. The rooms are clean and comfortable. About 82 CHF for a single room, and 92 CHF for a double/triple room. For Zurich, this is cheap. Located near a tram station which takes 10 minutes to get to the main train station. http://www.accorhotels.com (search for hotels in Zurich and choose Etap Hotel.)

[edit] Mid-range

  • Palais Kraft, Kraftstrasse 33, +41 44 388 84 85 (Fax +41 44 388 84 86, email welcome@palaiskraft.com). Two luxury guest rooms in Zurich's most prestigious residential building. Located above the university district at Toblerplatz (Trams 5 and 6, direction Zoo), in the heart of Zurich's prime residential area. The rooms come with a large well-stocked fridge, kitchenette, 32" flat screen TV, wireless Internet access, and are open to the terrace of the Palais Kraft. CHF 330 including continental breakfast, non-alcoholic drinks and vegetarian snacks. The Palais Kraft is a non-discriminating employer and welcomes diversity. http://www.palaiskraft.com/

[edit] Splurge

  • Hotel Widder, Rennweg 7, +41 44 224 25 26, Best hotel in town, known for excellent service and unique location in the old town but just 1-2 min from Bahnhofstrasse
  • Hotel zum Storchen, Am Weinplatz 2, +41 44 227 27 27, Only hotel direct at the river Limmat with exclusive restaurant
  • Baur au lac, Talstrasse 1, +41 44 220 50 20, Perfect location at the lake, excellent restaurant, famous with actors, celebrities and politicians
  • Savoy Baur en Ville, Paradeplatz

[edit] Stay safe

Zürich, like most cities in Switzerland, is relatively safe. Although be on guard for thieves and pickpockets. Carry your wallet or purse in a secure way, not in your hip pocket or a backpack outer pocket.

Public Transportation is very safe. You can use it without any special precautions.

  • Gay and lesbian travellers: Zurich is the favourite place to live for Switzerland's (German-speaking) gays and lesbians and the city is extremely tolerant . The Canton of Zurich was the first to allow registered partnerships for same-sex partners, for example. Gays and lesbians need not take special precaution for their safety on the streets.

[edit] Cope

The Wings lounge (www.wings-lounge.ch) on Limmatquai have free wireless internet.

The Urania Internet Cafe (www.cafe.ch) have PCs, printers and a selection of snacks. Close to Bahnhofstrasse and above a car park!

[edit] Get out

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