Zurich – Exploring the best of Zurich in 24 hours
We were in Zurich for a very short time, and we discovered the best of Zurich in those 24 hours.Read along with me, to see what all can you do while in Zurich for a day. Places in Zurich to visit, Rhein falls, Old own, the beautiful lake, strolling the most luxurious street in Europe and of course a bite every now and then of the delectable swiss chocolates.Come along !
After spending last 8 days in switzerland, exploring the beautiful towns of Intrlaken, Thun, brienz, Lucerene, we were now headed to Zurich.
If you have read my previous posts on Switzerland travel, you sure know by now about my journey to interlaken, Jungfraujoch and Lucerne.If not, check the below links to read through.
- Travelling and exploring switzerland
- Interlaken- In and around Interlaken, Lake Thun, Jungfraujoch in 3 days.
- A day trip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken.
- 4 days in Lucerne via lake Brienz and Mt.Pilatus
We had only one full day in zurich, and almost half a more day. Our flight back to Manchester was from this picturesque and lively city of Zurich, in a day.
Day 8- Day 9 – Zurich
Zurich is a pretty charming and a bustling city. If you like shopping and are into big league designer merchandise, you are going to loooove this place. If you are looking for more natural, clean surroundings, smaller places like interlaken and Lucerne are a better option.
In a days time we had our flight back to Manchester. So this day we started our journey back from Lucerne to Zurich ,relentless to go back home, and at the same time excited to travel another lively city.
Day 8
Day 8 morning we had our train to Zurich from Lucerne. We only had just one full day to explore Zurich, and another few hours on the day we reached zurich. The full day we had was good Friday. Unfortunately Zurich’s markets and most eating joints are closed on good friday (Our bad luck, as we did not realise this , and had not planned accordingly).
Though most of the the city was closed, but we were informed that the monuments, museums were open for few hours, and of course the beautiful lake area could be explored. So we changed our plans accordingly.
Rhine falls, is a beautiful natural, the largest waterfall in switzerland and europe , just about 50 mins from Zurich by train. Apart from exploring the city of Zurich, we really wanted to visit the Rhein falls.
So day 8 (few hours we had after reaching Zurich ) we decided to just explore the city and do some window shopping, and day 9 we planned to cover the rhine falls, the lake, and other architecture landmarks to cover.
Bahnhofstrasse- the Luxury street
For all shopping lovers, Bahnhofstrasse is the perfect street to visit in Zurich. This is well known around the globe as one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in the world. So, we actually did not do shopping, but were elated to be walking down the Europes most expensive street. Look at our good luck, our hotel was right by that street. As per google, in 2011, a study named the Bahnhofstrasse as the most expensive street for retail property in Europe, and the third most expensive worldwide.
We spent the evening hours strolling this street, store hopping (If thats a word), exploring the latest luxury brands collections, designer collections, beautiful art stores, tasting chocolates and wines, and just meandering through the little streets.
Day 9- Rheinfalls and Old town Zurich
After relishing an extensive and sumptuous breakfast in our hotel , we were off to Rhein falls as planned. We were staying in a very decent hotel- Hotel Sorrel Seidenhof. This 3-star-superior Sorell Hotel Seidenhof is located in the heart of Zurich, just off the famous shopping street Bahnhofstrasse (yayyyyyy.. shopping lovers!) and 3 minutes’ walk from the Main Railway Station.
Breakfast at Sorrels Breakfast at Sorrels
Breakfast at Sorrels Breakfast at Sorrels
Travelling to Rhein falls-
By train it took us around 50 minutes to reach Rheinfalls. We took the train from Zurich to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall. That is where we got down, and then walked to the falls.
You can purchase the ticket for a boat ride to the nearest point on the falls, on the river itself .
If you walk up the hill (instead of going down towards the lake), there is a castle, which offers beautiful views to the falls. Along the castle there are a few places to eat. Indian food lovers won’t be disappointed, as there is an indian streetfood truck, just outside the castle.
If you walk down from behind the castle , down the river you can have some stunning views from the bridge. Again on the other side of the bridge, there’s a beautiful untouched path along the river, where you can walk , or sit beside the river and listen to the music of running water. It is such a calming and very serene experience.
We spent almost 2-3 hours, and then were back in the city. It was our last day in Switzerland, and in Zurich, and we wanted to do as much as we could.The streets were traversed, the lake side walk done.Boat cruise in the lake zurich was next in our list.
How could we not take the boat cruise? Yes .. a boat cruise again! The views are so so stunning from anywhere in switzerland, that you will not ever get tired of the boat cruises in Switzerland, or maybe even a train ride. It truly has a magical feel everywhere.
This boat cruise, or more of a boat ride, was included in our Rhein falls train ticket. That train ticket acts a day pass. It is valid for commuting within the city, by bus, tram or even boat. So the boat ride was included, and we didn’t want to miss a chance to have a view of the city from water. It is worth its time.
Other beautiful places we visited during the day
Fraumünster church– One of the most prominent landmarks in Zurich, particularly renowned for the glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.In the undercroft you will find the remains of the crypt of the 9th century abbey church.
Grossmünster– Another landmark of Zurich. The cathedral’s twin towers serve as perhaps the most recognisable landmarks in modern Zürich.It is a magnificent building, and the view of the city from the towers is stunning.
Zurich Altstadt/ Old town– The old town area is the heart of Zurich.I was enamoured by the narrow ,winding ,cobblestone streets of the old city. It has a very archaic feel to it. There are millions of small little, pretty streets to get lost in. Meandering through the streets you will discover some very old architecture, quaint cafes , stores and restaurants . I bet , you will never get tired of walking in this beautiful Altstadt in Zurich, with a perfect little view of the waters at the end of every street.
After a perfect day visiting the falls, a boat ride, exploring the architecture of the city, and meandering the streets of old town, we had a last glance of the city in the tram, travelling from one end of the city to the other and then back. We had the city travel pass, and we used the same for our boat and tram ride.I believe Zurich is best travelled on foot, but if you have less time like us, and you have covered as much by foot as possible, end the day with a ride on the tram. A fast and relaxing way to explore the areas which otherwise on foot take longer.
As the night dawned, and Zurich got busier with a bustling night life, we headed back to our hotel, as we had to catch an early flight the next day.
Places we loved to eat in Zurich
The Bauschaenzli beer garden & Grill – perfect spot to sip some chilled bear and get lost in the beauty of the Limmat river and the stunning alps.
Situated right on the river, with some stunning views of the river, seating under some beautiful chestnut trees, this place serves some really nice food, and bears. Though they charge 2 frans for using the toilets, you get a voucher of same amount in return, that you can use to buy food/ drinks for them . I quite liked this idea . They serve buffets, and some simple but fresh pizza options, and ice creams. The food though is ok, but i really loved the location of this place, and in two days, i went there twice . Im not sure how it is is winters, but it was beautiful at this time of the year.
HILTL- A haven for vegetarians
This place is a vegetarian heaven for people looking for Asian vegetarian food. As per google this is one of the worlds oldest vegetarian restaurants. They have some amazing Indian, Swiss, European, Mediterranean, Asian, Thai, Middle Eastern, Central European vegetarian and vegan dishes on their menu. It is like a veggie paradise for all veggie lovers. They have a number of locations in Zurich. We visited Haus HILTL , as it was just below our hotel.
You pay by the weight of the food, if you are taking a buffet. I found it a bit expensive, because a moderate plate would cost you around 20 -25 francs , but overall it was a nice experience.And if you truly ask me, Switzerland is expensive in all respects. They have numerous options to eat, and all the options are excellent.
Are you a chocolate addict looking to devour some delectable chocolates and desserts
Swiss Chocolates-
Who has not heard about swiss chocolates. These are world renowned.If you are in Switzerland, do try some of these sinful sweets. In Interlaken i loved visiting and having chocolates from Läderach. In Zurich, the most famous chocolate producer and confectioner is probably Sprüngli, whose original shop and café are situated on Paradeplatz. Another well-known Zurich chocolate maker is Lindt & Sprüngli. Also Lindt chocolates are available literally in every superstore as well. However a pit stop at Sprüngli, and a few chocolate tasting sessions here will leave you yearning for more. Another chocolate store that i loved visiting , and had some really pretty chocolate decor was Teuscher.
Thank you so much for reading this, and hope you enjoyed and find my experiences helpful in your travel to Zurich- switzerland.
Tell me about your favourite experiences, the food you enjoyed, or your disappointments while you travelled to this beautiful city? Are there any places that you want to recommend.Let me know all of this in the comments.I would love to read your stories, and experiences.
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More on switzerland
- Interlaken- In and around Interlaken, Lake Thun, Jungfraujoch in 3 days.
- A day trip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken.
- Exploring Lucern in 4 days
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