The International Writers Magazine: City Living

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Switzerland: Zest for Zurich • E. J. Quite a few people think Zurich is boring, too tidy and too self-controlled. Other appreciates its uncluttered milieu, and believes the orderliness adds to the city's charm.

Perfection at Lindt

The Swiss efficiency is most apparent in Zurich, noted for its safe, clean and effective public transportation system.
S-bahn (local train), buses, trams and boats for the river and lake are included in the punctually network. Moving from one point to another could probably not have functioned easier. Traveling to other Swiss and European cities is comparable in its effortlessness. Trains are scheduled regularly from Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, located at the end of Bahnhofstrasse. You can reach the popular tourist city Luzerne in only forty-five minutes, the capital Bern in one hour, world class skiing in Klosters and Andermatt in less than two hours, and the sights of Paris in approximately six hours. Vacationers who prefer air travel have Zurich International Airport, Switzerland's largest and busiest airport, merely 20 minutes away with the S-bahn.

A report from Mercer Human Resource and Consulting on the 3rd April 2007 once again revealed that Zurich is considered the city with the best quality of life in the world.

Mercer’s annual worldwide survey placed Zurich as the winner, Geneva 2nd, and Vancouver 3rd. Although, with quality comes price, and it's not cheap. Another Mercer survey, "The world's 50 most expensive big cities", put Zurich on the 9th position, right after Geneva and Copenhagen. Even though Zurich is expensive that’s not a reason to travel somewhere else. Zurich is well worth a stay, even for a day if you have a crammed to-do list. The city has a vast amount of excursion points and recreation possibilities, as well as shops, museums, hotels, restaurants, bars, and diverse night spots.

Here are ten places you shouldn’t miss:

1. The Lake Zürich area Where else in Europe, except in Lake Geneva, can you swim in pleasant water as you appreciate the view of stunning Alp tops? The Seefeld zone, near the lake, is one of Zurich’s most sought-after living areas. Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen, a well-known bathing place, is crowded during hot summer days. Don't forget to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in the Chinese Garden on Bellerivestrasse at Zurichhorn. The garden was a gift to the inhabitants from Zurich's twin town Kunming. Last, stroll along the lake towards the center of the city and relish the sights and sounds of the lake area.

2. The Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich is located in the Seefeld zone at Zollikerstrasse 107. The three uniquely bubble designed greenhouses show three sorts of vegetation: humid tropical, warm humid, and tropical to subtropical. The garden is huge, and a calming place to have picnic, read a good book, or chat.
3. Zurich Zoo
An excellent excursion, even if you travel without kids. Explore a part of Madagascar in Masoala Rainforest, Europe's largest indoor rainforest, protected by a great glass hall. Watch the animals, trees and flowers in the warm and humid tropical ecosystem.
4. Uetliberg
Take the Sihltal Zurich Uetlibergbahn (SZU) and step out at the end station. Walk up to Uetliberg (871m or 2856 ft) and admire the view from the 30 metre viewing tower at the top. Alternatively, take the S-bahn from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Adliswil where a 300 metre cable-car climbs up to the station at Falsenegg. From there you can follow the popular hiking path running along a crest overlooking Lake Zürich.

5. Bahnhofstrasse One of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world, lined with numerous elegant designer shops. The renowned shopping avenue starts at the main train station and continues down to the lake. In the middle of the street is Paradeplatz where several Swiss banks have their headquarters, and the city's oldest pastry shop Sprüngli has its flagship store.

6. Hiltl
Hiltl has operated since 1898 and is the first vegetarian restaurant in Europe. They offer savory international and Indian food, as well as a splendid salad buffet. A reservation is recommended as it's usually rather crowded. Sihlstrasse 28.
7. Lindenhof square
Lindenhof square is an oasis of serenity, avid chess players' meeting place, and offers the best view over Zurich. The square is situated on the small hill on the left bank of river Limmat in Lindenhof, the historic center of Zurich. If you can’t find it, look for the neighboring, impressive St. Peterskirche that has the largest clock face in Europe.
8. Niederdorf
The oldest part of Zurich attracts young people, and is a cool nightlife district with lots of bars, restaurants, and clubs. During the day, Niederdorfstrasse and the surrounding narrow alleys and courtyards have a calm medieval atmosphere. Make sure to visit the trendy fashion shops, antique bookstores and reasonable eateries.
9. Zurich West
This former industrial area is now a hip district, overtaken by yuppies and people who are devoted to night life and in-places, or simply like the creative ambiance.
X-Tra Palais is the only club in Zurich with its own restaurant, lounge, hotel, and music label, located at Limmatstrasse 118, at the beginning of multicultural Langstrasse. Grab a free issue of "20 Minuten" for suggestions and upcoming events in zone 5.
10. The Lindt chocolate factory shop
What is Switzerland without its delicate chocolate? Lindt's shop, located at Seestrasse 204 in Kilchberg, has always special offers on the most sublime chocolate. You can reach the chocolate factory shop via S-bahn, or lend a bike for free at the main train station for a pleasant tour along the lake. www.lindt.com To conclude, Zurich is actually both tidy and orderly, but definitely not in a dull or negative way.

© E.J.April 2007
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