Zurich Travel

Why Go Now?

Because Zurich is a perfect blend of old and new. The combination of an avant-garde city mixes w/ the quaint cobblestone streets of Alstadt (old town) A picture perfect city combining medieval churches, modern architecture, a red light district (Kreis 4) & a contemporary industrial art district (Kreis 5). A state of the art transportation system of trains, buses, riverboats & streetcars, (remember things really do run on time) takes you anywhere on one ticket. Balanced by the picturesque Limmat River running through the city and situated against a backdrop of jaw dropping snow covered alps, Zurich is not just efficient, clean & safe but vibrant, trendy & enchanting.

Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Location, cost, size & child friendly all play a part. Do you want your hotel, hip & modern with sexy dark lounges, a DJ spinning “singles” on the roof? Or do you prefer a quiet, elegant & romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two which is the hardest to find. You will see an M (married), S (Single), or an MS (married/single) next to each hotel.

Where2Stay

Baur Au Lac – The grand dame of Zurich, run by the 6th generation of the family’s founders. Representing a timeless elegance of a bygone era the hotel mixes art deco w/ a French modern decor. Indulgent and expensive so be prepared. But can you put a price on excellence? (MS)

Park Hyatt Zurich– If modern, contemporary & location is your desire the Park Hyatt is perfect. With the largest guest rooms in Zurich ” this boutique hotel on a grand scale” provides luxury with all the creature comforts that all Park Hyatt’s provide. Situated steps away from the fashionable Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, (not sure if that’s good or bad.) From its enticing lobby, fashionable Onyx Bar & restaurants (see pics below) you can’t go wrong. (Book now for their 2013 Masters of Food & Wine Event June 20th & 23rd.) Ideal for both (MS)

Dolder Grand -Old world elegance (think castle fantasies) w/ an impressive art collection, a 4000 sq. ft spa situated between the edge of the city and the green zone. Elegant, refined and fabulous. (M)

25 Hours Zurich West – contemporary hip hotels & Zurich may be something of an oxymoron but this German owned, whimsical & cutting edge hotel is setting a new standard. Located 10 minutes outside city center  this industrial area is surrounded by art galleries, bars & restaurants.  Rooms named silver, gold & platinum show its humorous side. An affordable ( relatively) value hotel. (S)

B2 Boutique Hotel & Spa – in one word – wow!.  Opened in 2012 this former brewery kept the historic outside and gutted the inside into a state of the art boutique hotel. Cool rooms, mosaic glass bathroom floors, the piece de resistance is the bar library w/floor to ceiling lined bookshelves & the rooftop bath. Not pool but actual baths w/ views of the city. (S)

Where2Dine

Aura -THE hip restaurant for fusion food, Nine for Mediterranean food,  Kronenhalle – a beer hall turned local institution w/original Chagall, Picasso’s & Miro’s on the wall, book ahead. Terrasse– Zurichs latest hot spot w/ views of the river, Canitetta Antinori – great Italian. Acqua for its unique location jutting out onto a lake. Don’t miss Sprungli Confiserie – best pasteries & chocolate, need I say more?  Lets not forget fondue at Chaesalp, La Salle in trendy Zurich West, you dine in an enclosed glass box,  Bodega Espanola an underground lunch place &  Globus – noodle bar for lunch. And what is a visit to Zurich without experiencing a beer hall? Try Zeughauskeller w/ its communal tables, sausages & huge beer steins.

Where2Shop 

Stroll Bahnhofstrasse street for luxury brands, Old Town – local boutiques & Zurich West – furniture & textiles. Try  JAP & Claudia Zuber for unique designers, Entre Deux for consignment, Och Sport – ski attire the Swiss way, Monies – one of a kind jewelry, TA-Bou for swimwear, Cold? Shop Grieder/Bongenie  for furs. Don’t miss Jelmoli, Zurich’s largest premium department store along with a visit to Globus, Switzerland’s premier store.

What2Do

Day-Kunsthaus Museum or Landesmuseum, the Frauenkirche Church, Burkliplatz Farmers Market, Uetliberg for a view of the city & don’t miss Seebad Enge an open air lakeside bath, in evening turns into a trendy bar

Nighttime –  Aura -2nd floor private club. Note the camel video & colored lights. Kaufleuten, the most famous clib in Zurich & Limmatstr & Adajio for salsa dancing. For local color stroll the Kreis 4, the red light district.

Special events not to miss 

Spring Festival– April 15th, Festival Tropical Caliente, largest Carnivale outside of Rio July 5-7,  Zurich Street Parade – 2nd Saturday in August is the largest street party in all of Europe. Food Festival– June 27th to June 30. Zurich Film Festival September 26th -October 6th.

Warming up for Zurich