Zurich sits at the northern end of Lake Zurich where the Limmat River flows out toward the Rhine, with the Alps visible on clear days to the south. It is Switzerland's largest city and its financial centre, which gives it a certain efficiency and polish, but the old town on the east bank of the Limmat is medieval in structure and unhurried in pace. The Grossmünster and Frauenmünster churches face each other across the river, the latter known for its Chagall and Giacometti stained glass windows. The lanes of the Niederdorf quarter between them are the best part of the city to walk without a plan.
Bahnhofstrasse, running south from the main station to the lake, is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world — Swiss watches, jewellery and department stores occupy the ground floors of grand 19th-century buildings. The lakeside promenade below it is entirely free: boats depart from the Buerkliplatz for lake cruises, and the views back toward the old town and the church towers are the best orientation you can get on arrival. The Swiss National Museum, immediately behind the main station, covers the country's history from prehistoric settlement to the 20th century in a castle-like building that is worth 90 minutes.
Day trips from Zurich are some of the best in Europe. The Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, 45 minutes north, is the largest waterfall in Europe by volume — 150 metres wide, 23 metres high, and accessible by boat from the banks. Lucerne is 50 minutes by train, with the Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne easily covered in a morning. Halal restaurants are available in the city centre, concentrated around the main station and the Langstrasse district. Zurich works well as both a destination and a base.
Best time to visit
April to October
