Zurich - Top Tourist Attractions
Zurich For the First-Time Traveller: A Guide to the City’s Top Attractions
When you think of Zurich, it’s hard not to think about money. After all, it is one of the leading financial cities in the world despite its small population where you’ll find the headquarters of the biggest banks and financial institutions.
But Zurich is also wealthy in top attractions, from its natural wonders to historical landmarks that are very quintessential Swiss.
The Old Town
While Zurich is known as a modern financial powerhouse, one of its must-see top attractions dates back to a time when the city had no banks and financial centers.
Right at the Lindenhof district on the left bank of the Limmat River is the heart of Zurich’s Old Town. Walking through this neighborhood’s narrow streets will take to some of the most important spots in Zurich’s history.
At number 17 on Spiegelgasse, for instance, you’ll see the house where Lenin lived in 1917. Cabaret Voltaire on the same street was where Tristan Tzara and Hans Arp started the Dada art movement in 1916. At number 27, you’ll see streets filled with boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Bahnhofstrasse
Known as the city’s main street, Bahnhofstrasse stretches for 1,200 meters from the Bahnhof train station to the Burkliplatz at the head of the lake. But more than its length, Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most beautiful shopping streets in all of Europe where you can see stunning buildings, trees, public art and fountains running through its long stretch.
If you don’t have the budget for all the high-end goods sold in its many shops, Bahnhofstrasse is also perfect for strolling where you can see buildings dating back to the turn of the 20th century.
In the basement of Bahnhofstrasse 31, you’ll see the Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zurich that houses a huge collection of clocks and watches. Bahnhof is also an attraction in itself where the largest Christmas market in Zurich is held every year. Of course, you can’t miss visiting Paradeplatz, which is considered one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the country.
Uetliberg
If you want to take in the best views of Zurich and its lake, go to the top of Uetliberg, the city’s local mountain that rises at 871 meters above sea level. From the Uetlibergbahn, a mountain railroad that runs from Selnau station to the upper station, you can take a 10-minute walk to the summit of Uetliberg. Here, you can enjoy stunning views from the lookout tower during the day or from the summit restaurant at night.
Finally, there’s nothing more quintessential Zurich than enjoying one of its beautiful top attractions and focal point, Lake Zurich. Locals love to jog, swim or have a pini in one of the many parks and promenades that line the lake.
But to get the best experience, take one of the many cruises on the lake, which allows you to enjoy sweeping views of the Glarus Alps. Make sure to stop at the Burkliplatz where a large flea market with more than 500 vendors is held every Saturday from May until October.