Zurich Guide
Zurich Guide
Zurich Guide
ZURICH GUIDE
MONEY
Essential Information
Money
Communication
Holidays
Transportation
Food
Things to do
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Activities
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Emergency Contacts
Police: 117
Fire: 118
Medical emergencies: 144
Poison emergency: 145
Mountain rescue: 1415
The universal European emergency number
122 can be used too.
Prices
Meal, inexpensive restaurant 20 CHF
Meal for 2, mid-range restaurant, three-courses100 CHF
Combo Meal at McDonalds 12 CHF
Bottle of water at supermarket 1 CHF
Domestic beer (0.5 liter, draught) 6 CHF
Cappuccino 4.50 CHF
Souvenir t-shirt 34 CHF
Gasoline (1 liter) 1.80 CHF
Hostels (average price/night) 45 CHF
4* hotel (average price/night) 250 CHF
Car-hire (medium-sized car/day) 110 CHF
Time Zone
CET (UTC/GMT +1 hour), daylight saving time
UTC/GMT +2 hours from March to October.
Contacts
Tourist Contacts
<ul> <li>Traffic information, driving conditions:
163</li> <li>Avalanche bulletin: 187</li> <li>Tourist
office hotline: +41 44 215 40 00</li> </ul>
COMMUNICATION
HOLIDAYS
Languages
Internet Resources
Mobile Phones
The standard mobile network (GSM/GPRS/3G)
covers even the mountain areas well. If coming
from non-GSM standard country, check compatibility with your local provider in advance.
The only federal holiday is August 1 (Swiss national day). The rest are set individually by the
respective cantons.
The canton of Zurich observes these holidays:
January 1 New Year's Day
January 2 St. Berchtold
Good Friday
Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
Ascension
Whit Monday
August 1 Swiss National Day
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 St Stephen's Day
Museums and attractions usually close during
these holidays.
Opening Hours
The shops in the city center generally open 9 a.m.
to 7 p.m. Saturday opening times are shorter,
usually until 5 p.m. Keep in mind that all shops,
except for those situated at railway stations and
gas stations, are closed on Sundays. In Zurich,
you will find shops at Main Railway Station and
Stadelhofen Railway Station open all year round.
If you intend to stay for a while, you might consider purchasing a pre-paid card. The supermarkets sell them for quite reasonable prices.
The country code for Switzerland is +41, the area
code for Zurich is 44.
Internet
The majority of shops close on public holidays.
There are many free Wi-Fi hotspots in Zurich. Almost every caf, bar or mall offers some kind of
connection and some phone booths allow browsing too. At the major railway stations, there are
paid Internet terminals. Wi-Fi is also available at
the airport.
Hotels and hostels with free Internet connection
are increasingly common, too.
TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION
Public Transportation
Taxis
There are not many taxis on the streets and they
are usually full. Therefore it is always better to
book your taxi by phone or to find a taxi rank. The
fare is always shown on the meter.
Regional Transportation
As mentioned above, Zurich is connected to the
surrounding cities in a compact net with a zoning system. The whole transportation system is
clean, effective and comprehensible one of the
best in Europe. Expect it to operate punctually.
Trams and buses are the main means of transport in the city center. There are night buses
(marked N) running on weekends only. You need
to buy a night ticket and validate it before boarding. The S-Bahn covers the suburbs and connects
them with the city. The main transportation hub
where all lines meet is Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). Boats operate on the lake as well as the
Limmat river. The routes can be tourist-oriented
but there are also lines used by the locals.
Walkability
Zurich has developed into a perfectly walkable
city there are many pedestrian streets and the
public transport is very comprehensible and effective. Walking around is a delight; theres so
much to see on the streets and you can explore
the city very comfortably.
You can also easily rent a bike at Zri rollt (www.
zuerich.com) for a refundable deposit. Check the
rental kiosks locations in advance.
Zurich is also known for its good accessibility;
public transport is, with few exceptions, equipped
with low boarding platforms and pavements and
access to sights is generally designed thoughtfully.
FOOD
Here are some of Swiss specialties:
Zrigschntzlets veal in cream sauce
Chnpfli noodle dumplings
Rsti potato pancakes
Pretzlen
Bratwurst grilled sausages
Fondue, Raclette melted cheese in various
combinations
Tirggel honey pastry, eaten mainly for Christmas
Mandelfisch almond pastry
Birchermuesli the precursor of world-wide
popular msli
The most popular non-alcoholic drinks are Rivella
(carbonated sweet drink), sparkling apple juice
and Ovomaltine (malt and chocolate drink).
January
International Horse Show (en.horse-sport
-travel.com)
February
Art on Ice (www.artonice.com)
March
ZriCarneval
April
Zurich Marathon (www.zurichmarathon.ch)
Sechselauten (en.wikipedia.org) Zurich spring
festival
July
Caliente (www.caliente.ch) Latin music festival
Live at Sunset Festival (www.liveatsunset.ch)
August
Zurich OpenAir Festival (zurichopenair.ch)
Street Parade (www.streetparade.ch)
Weltklasse Zrich (www.diamondleague-zurich.
com) sporting event
Zrcher Theater Spektakel (www.theaterspektakel.
ch)
Langstrasse Festival (www.langstrassenfest.
ch) music on streets
September
Zurich Film Festival (zff.com)
Knabenschiessen (en.wikipedia.org) traditional shooting competition
October
Art International Zurich (art-zurich.com)
Jazznojazz (www.jazznojazz.ch)
Zrichsee Festival (www.zuerichseefestival.ch)
November
Zrich Car Show (www.auto-zuerich.ch)
Kunst Zrich (www.kunstzuerich.ch)
Zurich Six-Day-Race (www.sixdays-zuerich.ch)
December
Christmas Market (www.zuerich.com)
Legal Age
The minimum drinking age for non-spirits varies
according to the canton. It is usually 16 for drinking cider, wine or beer and 18 for spirits.
THINGS TO DO
Free Things To Do
Safety
Zurich is a safe city, even the so-called red light
district is deemed to be safe. Exercise the general
precautions, though: always keep an eye on your
belongings and never wear anything valuable
in easily accessible pockets or backpacks. This
applies especially to the crowded areas such as
transportation hubs and the main thoroughfares.
The tap water is safe to drink.
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ACTIVITIES
/ Altstadt
Historical core of the city. Pedestrian-only walking cobblestone streets and
picturesque houses with authentic feel.
Augustiner Street
/ Augustinergasse
A frequented traditional street with medieval houses. Great place to aimlessly stroll and drift in various shops and cafs.
Bahnhof Street
/ Bahnhofstrasse
The main and most expensive street in the city centre. Full of luxurious
shops and exclusive department stores.
Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
GPS: N47.37253, E8.53830
Opening hours:
Shops usually open at 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
They close earlier on Saturdays and stay closed on Sundays.
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ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Great Minster
/ Grossmnster
A Majestic Romanesque church from 12th century which towers dominate
Zurich. Underneath lies the largest crypt in Switzerland.
/ Fraumnster
Church best known for being decorated with ten meter high fascinating
stained glass windows made by Marc Chagall. Worth seeing.
Fraumnsterstrasse 28, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
GPS: N47.36971, E8.54091
Phone:
+41 044 252 75 69
Opening hours:
Nov Mar: Mon Sat: 10 a.m. 4 p.m.
Apr Oct: Mon Sat: 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
Check the official website for concerts.
Admission:
Admission to the church is free.
Parade Square
/ Paradeplatz
The heart of the city. Lively square with adjacent streets full of shops and
restaurants. Enjoy the real Swiss urban atmosphere here.
/ St. Peterskirche
The oldest church in the city, also with the largest clock face in Europe. It
has an interesting baroque interior with wall paintings.
Schlsselgasse 17, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
GPS: N47.37114, E8.54107
Phone:
+41 044 221 06 74
Opening hours:
Mon Fri: 8 a.m. 6 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. 4 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. 5 p.m.
Admission:
Admission to the church is free.
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Confiserie Sprngli
St. Peter's Church
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ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Schipfe
Medieval fishing district, now somewhat artistic place with many galleries
and craftmen working at the streets. Picturesque and romantic place.
Zurich Lake
/ Zrichsee
Dominant of the city, beautiful serene lake mirroring the city panorama. A
must see.
Teuscher
A prime Swiss chocolate brand originated in the Alps. Flagship store sells
assorted truffles and pralines that are simply delicate.
/ Seepromenade (Quaianlagen)
The promenade runs along the eastern shore and passes a number of
statues and monuments. A popular place for outdoor activities.
/ Rheinfall
These plain waterfalls are the widest ones in Europe. Breathtaking nature
scenery that is worth the trip from Zurich.
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Lakeside Promenade
Rhine Falls
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ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Swiss National Museum
/ Schweizerisches Landesmuseum
Place where you can get lots of information about Swiss history. The collection is usually enriched by numerous temporary exhibitions.
Water Church
/ Wasserkirche
Medieval church built on a tiny river island that is now part of the shore.
Closed during Reformation, since 1940 is in service again.
/ Zrcher Spielzeugmuseum
Museum just perfect for the children: its collections consist of hundreds of
antique toys from the whole Europe.
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Meister Zrich
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ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Schweizer Heimatwerk
Gift shop selling products manufactured according to the tradition. Wide
selection for everyone, a place where to shop for souvenirs!
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Kunsthaus Zrich
Here you can admire European masterpieces ranging since 17th century to
modern art. Interesting collection of art since 1945.
Lake Cruises
/ Rundfahrten am Zrichsee
Enjoy the special experience of a cruise around the Zurich lake and select
what suits you best from a wide offer of trips.
Brkliplatz ZSG, Zurich, Switzerland
GPS: N47.36601, E8.54081
Phone:
+41 44 487 13 33
Opening hours:
Tours take place daily.
Departure times differ according to the type of a cruise.
Check the website for the timetable.
Admission:
Prices start at CHF 8.40 per adult.
Longer cruises cost more.
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ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Zurich on Wheels
/ Zri rollt
You can borrow bikes for free to get around Zurich streets! You only need
to leave deposit and some ID.
Botanical Garden
/ Botanischer Garten
Adjacent to the Zurich University, there are many exotic plants and cactuses in the glasshouses. Free entrance.
Zollikerstrasse 107, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
GPS: N47.35893, E8.56006
Phone:
+41 044 634 84 61
Opening hours:
Mar Sep:
Mon Fri: 7 a.m. 7 p.m.
Sat Sun: 8 a.m. 6 p.m.
Oct Feb:
Mon Fri: 8 a.m. 6 p.m.
Sat Sun: 8 a.m. 5 p.m.
Admission:
Admission to the garden is free.
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