About Zürich
The River Limmat divides the city of Zürich into two distinct halves. It makes more sense to speak about the two banks rather than the new town/old town split. Niederdorf, on the east bank, is full of shops and cafés, but also home to the twin towers of the Grossmunster and the grandiose architecture of the university. The west bank is the old part of town, which is centred around the Lindenhof area where the streets are characterised by fashion outlets and offices. The beautiful spires of St. Peters Church and Fraumunster church, decorated by Marc Chagall, are nearby as well.
The curving Bahnhofstrasse follows the course of the ancient city walls and is one of Europe’s most prestigious shopping streets. As Switzerland has cultivated stability and neutrality during both World Wars, the country has built up a reputation for its banking system, which for decades has been one of Zürich’s biggest industries. It is also for these reasons that today the stock market in Zürich is the fourth biggest in the world.
Activities
The Grossmünster
The Grossmünster ("Great Minster") is a Romanesque-style church and one of the three major churches in the city. The tall twin towers of "Great Minster" dominate the Zürich skyline. It was from this spot that the humanist Ulrich Zwingli preached the Reformation.
St. Peters Church
The St. Peters Church (Kirche Sankt Peter) was originally built in the 8th century but was much altered in the 13th century and again in 1705. The largest clock in Europe is situated on the tower of St. Peters Church and has a diameter of 8,7 meters.
Kaufleuten
Kaufleuten is a popular club in the city centre with a good mix of hardcore clubbers and young professionals. This club was recently voted one of the world’s best party venues by Wall Street Journal. Here you should definitely dress to impress.
Tips
Good to know
Public Transport
The best way to visit Zurich is by foot, but you also have a list of opportunities to explore the city such as bus, trams and trains. You can choose between a tickets for 1 hour or a Day Cards for various zones, but don´t forget to have the ticket with you at any moment. Another alternative is the Zürich Card: you can use it to enjoy free travel with public transports throughout the city of Zürich and it also gives you the possibility of enter museums for free and have discounts on several restaurants.
Electricity
220 volt, 50 hz
