Zurich, Switzerland. City of Zurich. Map, sights

Zurich (Switzerland), of course, is the largest city of a small but superbly economically developed country. It's unlikely that you will now meet a man who has never heard of him in his life. Why is that? What is the reason for this popularity? Let's try to figure it out together.

Section 1. City of Zurich. general description

This settlement represents the world financial center, where many trade and industrial establishments are concentrated. Plus, Zurich is the main center of the cultural life of the country.

However, despite this, the city has preserved many neighborhoods with narrow and winding streets, narrow houses, made in the Gothic style. In them for today there are small, but rather cozy cafes, fragrant confectioneries and stunning antique shops.

In Zurich, there are approximately 50 museums and more than a hundred small galleries, where various exhibitions and shows take place. It is here that the beginning of many excursion trips around the country, among which a trip on panoramic trains is especially worth mentioning.

If you consider all of the above, it becomes clear why Zurich Airport never experiences a shortage of passengers.

However, among other things, the village actually boasts an amazing location. It is located on the northern shore of Lake Zurich. Walking in its environs, you do not cease to wonder how beautiful Mother Nature is in those places where it is actually taken care of and protected. "Zurich. Switzerland "- a photo that necessarily becomes worthy of the family archive of even the most inveterate travelers.

Section 2. How not to get lost in the city: public transport

The most popular and, importantly, comfortable transport in Zurich is represented by trams. Here this network is so developed that delays do not happen even during rush hours. Why? In particular, this is due to the so-called "dedicated" communication routes.

Also, anyone can use the bus, trolley bus or take a train ride. In particular, Zurich (Switzerland in general) is proud to be able to pamper its passengers with an excellent level of service. Local administrations strive to ensure that nothing prevents residents and numerous tourists from enjoying staying in their city.

It is noteworthy that absolutely at all stops you can find a city transport scheme, its schedule, a ticket machine and a map of the neighborhoods located next to the stop. It should be noted that the schedule is carried out in a simple and understandable form for everyone, even a foreign language will not be required.

Section 3. Characteristic features, or What to look for

The capital of Switzerland is Zurich - public transport always keeps clean. But that's not all. There are many so-called "low-floor" trams, the entrance to which is facilitated for the disabled and moms with strollers.

Ordinary trams, by the way, have an extended rear door, which also makes it easier to enter if necessary. Under certain rules, if a woman with a stroller has no one to help, this responsibility is borne by the driver of transport.

If we talk about stops, then their demand is made by pressing a special button. In order to open the doors, you also need to press a certain button, located often on the door or near them.

You should also know that you need to buy tickets beforehand, at a stop, as there is no possibility of buying and composting them in public transport.

The capital of Switzerland Zurich differs punctuality in everything. For example, transport should not be late. He walks strictly according to the schedule and does not intend to wait for anyone. Therefore, you should not expect that the driver will regret, stop and pick you up, running, somewhere in the middle of the route.

If you see orange lights flashing on the side of the tram, know that he has already set out to leave, and a closed door can not be opened. However, there is a certain rule: until all future passengers enter the transport, the doors will not close and he will not go anywhere. Therefore, if suddenly your satellite does not have time, it's enough to just stand in the door and not let them close.

Public transport begins its traffic at five in the morning and ends around midnight.

Naturally, here there are night buses, the ticket for which you need to buy directly from the driver. This type of transport usually comes to the rescue of the strolled tourists or those who need to arrive at the airport in Zurich, say, in the middle of the night.

Section 4. The main attractions of the city

It should be noted that the city of Zurich is quite large and geographically complex. The map here will definitely be needed by all those who decided to get to know him as best as possible.

Let's try to list what you need to see first.

1. Bahnhofstrasse

From this place, and you need to start acquaintance with the city. It is here that most of the public routes intersect.

It should be noted that on this street it is impossible to drive by car, only by tram or on foot. Also here is located just a huge number of all kinds of shops, restaurants, banks. Take into account one important nuance: if you move forward, then the level of shops all increases, and in the end, closer to the lake, you can see only elite brands. The main hotels in Zurich are also located here, however the price level in them will not be affordable for every average traveler.

If the weather on the street is clear, then do not neglect the opportunity to walk. Why? Judge for yourself: in the summer there is an amazing aroma of flowering lindens, and in winter beautiful illumination of shops, a balanced color scheme reminiscent of the northern lights, at least for some time will present a fairy tale atmosphere of the holiday. Presented? And now add to this the hot mulled wine and the incomparable aroma of roasted chestnuts.

If you walk to the very end of this street, you can go straight to Burliplatz - the area located near the lake. If you're lucky enough to get here on Saturday afternoons, then you probably want to go through the flea market, and in the spring, you can sometimes open carousels.

It is worth noting that from this area ships periodically leave - especially for those who want to swim in the Lake Zurich. This information is for those in whom romance is still mixed with a thirst for adventure.

2. Lake Zurich

If the weather on the street is favorable, then, perhaps, it is worth going to the embankment of a widely known lake, to walk along it from Grossmunster to Bellevue and further along the pond.

Here you can relax your body and soul in complete silence, and also take up such an interesting affair as feeding swans, because they are in Zurich pretty bold birds, who can freely eat from their hands. Of course, closer to the evening of the weekend, they are already so overfed that they do not even want to look at food, but on weekdays a fist can freely begin because of a piece of a loaf.

If there is a desire, you can go further along the lake to the point where it expands and forms from the shore something that looks like a green park zone. It is especially interesting there on Saturday, because you can meet such a wonderful audience, like clowns, jugglers, gymnasts, musicians who are trying their best to entertain the idly wobbly crowd. Also so-called "free" artists are engaged in creativity right on the shore of the lake, collecting various bizarre compositions from coastal stones.

If you suddenly get your patience and go to the end of the waterfront, you can see a cozy restaurant that offers a snack and at the same time enjoy the view of the lake.

Upon returning back, you can look into the Chinese park or turn from the lake to the tram line, from where it is very easy to get to the city center.

3. Mount Uetliberg

If you get a free day, be sure to visit Mount Utliberg, which will open a beautiful view at once to the whole of Zurich, the mountains nearby - the Alps - and the lake.

The only drawback of this visit is the surcharge for the ticket for two zones, since formally this is no longer the territory of the city, hence the usual ticket for travel is not valid here.

You can reach this place by train in 25 minutes, which will take you directly to the top of the mountain. If you climb on foot a little more, you can climb the observation tower with a stunning view. Or you can just spend time in a cozy restaurant, enjoying the view of Zurich. Reviews of travelers guarantee a great pastime.

Section 5. Where to go with the baby

Went on a trip to the company of the child? Great! This is the right decision for those who went to Zurich. Switzerland as a whole and the capital in particular are ready to do everything possible to make this trip memorable both to the little one and to the parents.

1. The Zoo

To see amazing animals almost in natural conditions, and also to plunge into the amazing world of wildlife, you can go to the zoo, which is open not only for children, but also for adults all year round.

2. The Alpamare water park in Pfeffikon

This indoor water park is the largest in Europe and is open to visitors all year round. Here there are many water attractions for both the smallest and the cautious pensioners.

In addition, adults probably like the so-called Wellness Zone.

3. Museum of the Technorama in Winterthur

This museum is one of the most amazing places that everyone should see. He will acquaint you with the most interesting mechanics and electricity, will show what is meant by the word "plasma", by what principle magnetization works, and will tell about many interesting things.

Here visitors will discover an entertaining and amazing world of science, displayed in all sorts of visual presentations and experiments. Do you think that time is not running so fast? Zurich will certainly prove how wrong you are! It's not that hours, days fly by like minutes.

4. Museum of Culture

This museum will clearly show the development of mankind. Here you can trace the evolution of man and various animals throughout an impressive time period: 600 years. All this is displayed in very visual aids.

Section 6. We spend time in the open air

1. Lindenhof

This place is one of the most beautiful in Zurich and opens a beautiful view both on the city itself and on the Limmat river. It is located on a hill, not far from St. Peter's Church, in the center of the old city.

If the weather on the street is clear, then it offers a wonderful view of the Alps. In addition, you can swing on a swing or play chess. And for the first, and for the second are equipped special platforms.

2. Chinese Park

This park is located near the lake promenade, far beyond Bellevue. It is worth noting that, although the entrance here is paid, it is necessary to go here, because only in this park there is an opportunity to look at a typical Chinese exterior, pleasantly pleasing to the eye, and relax from the noisy crowd.

Section 7. Celebrate together: the main holidays of the city

In Zurich all year round there is a lot of various holidays. For example, the arrival of spring is marked by a unique guild parade, when the central streets of the city are filled with representatives of the city's oldest surnames, passing by the amazed spectators in historical costumes.

In the summer, a street parade is organized here, where young people gather in ridiculous outfits from all over Europe, and concerts of contemporary music take place in the heart of the city.

When autumn comes and the last crop is harvested, the largest exhibition opens in Zurich, where you can taste the best wines from around the world. A real feast. The truth is said: Zürich can pamper, Switzerland likes to treat!

But, of course, the most majestic and beautiful holiday is Christmas, because the old city is transformed beyond recognition. The whole of Zurich is usually decorated with garlands of lights, Christmas markets are open , where people rush to buy gifts for all their loved ones. And only here you can see a really beautiful tree, presented in the form of a huge tree, decorated with all kinds of snowflakes and crystals. It should be noted that the latter is located directly in the station building.

Section 8. Getting to know the local cuisine

To learn a city without enjoying its traditional delicacies is simply impossible.

The traditional dishes of Zurich are Zurcher Geschnetzelte, which is a delicate chopped veal in a creamy sauce, Kalbfleisch, Kalbsnieren, champignons in cream sauce and Rosti, a simple dish made from potatoes, widely known in Germany.

In addition, in this city you can find such interesting dishes as Birchermuesli (muesli) and Zopf (special bread). This is usually eaten in Switzerland only on Sundays. One can not help but mention the delicious cookies called Tirggel, which are used here only for Christmas. This product is a honey-colored short pastry with various spices.

Section 9. Pleasant with utility: features of local shopping

In Zurich, all the shops are located within a few main places, and sales are held mainly in the winter, just after the New Year.

On the street Bahnhofstrasse is a huge number of all kinds of boutiques, shops, where they sell watches and jewelry. It is not uncommon here and chocolate shops - a real paradise for sweet tooth.

On the Bürkliplatz square, with which, in fact, the street itself begins, on Tuesdays and Fridays, there is also a farmers' market. And on the Niederdorfstrasse you can buy shoes or fashionable youth items.

Section 10. What to bring as souvenirs?

In Zurich, you can find a great variety of all kinds of pleasant little things that you can please your loved ones, and you can buy them in memory of this wonderful journey.

Let's try to list several universal gifts.

1. Chocolate is perhaps the best souvenir that symbolizes Switzerland. And you can buy as an ordinary confectionery, and refined, made by hand.
2. Cheese - the second most popular present. It is possible to find any sort of cheese, and all of them are unusually tasty.
3. Memorable souvenirs - for lovers to bring something memorable prepared special products: various small knick-knacks with Swiss symbols.
4. Tableware . Do you want to bring something really memorable from Zurich? Feel free to buy local dishes! These wonderful products with an unusual appearance will constantly remind you of your trip.
5. Clothes - this is something that really worth buying, if you were lucky enough to get here. Firstly, you will get really high-quality material, and secondly, leave the memory of the trip, because on every thing you can see the symbol of Switzerland.
6. Postcards - beautiful little things with all kinds of views on Switzerland.
7. Clock. Famous Swiss watches, which are definitely worth buying, in order to brag about their acquaintances. After all, as you know, these products combine style and durability.
8. The army folding knife is one of the symbols of the country. Must be red and with a white cross.
9. Gingerbread. If you were lucky enough to get here for Christmas, be sure to check out the pre-holiday markets. It is here that you can find the main attribute of the Christmas table - delicious traditional sweet gingerbread.

Section 11. Why should I come?

Zurich is a beautiful city, which is definitely worth a visit at least for the following reasons:

1. Compactness. The entire city can be easily walked.
2. Beauty. Zurich is an old city, in which many monuments of architecture have been preserved. In addition, only here you can see truly beautiful views, which can not be captured in photographs. A visit to Christmas Zurich at least once in life should everyone.
3. Diversity. The old buildings are perfectly interspersed with the new city, not at all in conflict with each other, and a little further away is the pristine nature. Rarely where you find such a perfect combination.
4. Purity. Really fresh air, a huge number of all kinds of plants, even on the central street, green grass.
5. And, of course, Zurich is really an interesting place. After all, there is a huge number of various conferences, exhibitions, concerts and various holidays.

Proceeding from all listed above, it is impossible to draw a conclusion that the journey through this city will leave an indelible impression absolutely for everyone. Travelers will want to come back here again and again.