24 hours in Zurich

River Limmat

Rated as the city offering the ‘best quality of life’ in the world, Zurich is one of the most beautiful destinations in Switzerland astride the river Limmat. Its medieval Old Town with its cobbled streets, churches, cafes and art galleries blends well with the modern transport system, world-class fine dining restaurants, shopping districts and nightlife.

By Sujata Dugar

Stay: If you are looking for a hotel close to Lake Zurich and right in the heart of the city for your day’s stay, the three-star Sorell Hotel Seefeld is a good option. Many of the city’s sights and attractions are within walking distance — Lake Zurich and its restful promenade, the opera house, theatres and museums, and also Zurich’s picturesque Old Town.

Eat: While at Zurich, enjoying a hearty Swiss meal becomes imperative. After all, you can’t be in Swiss country and say no to its delicious rösti (grated potato pancake that is pan-fried), fondue (melted cheese mixed with wine and served on a communal pot over a portable stove. It is eaten by dipping long forks with bread crumbs on it into the cheese) and raclette (a type of round cheese that is melted and its scraped portions are served. It is best eaten with boiled potatoes, gherkins and pickled jalapenos).Visit Hotel Adlers’ in-house restaurant Swiss Chuchi located in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town to enjoy some Swiss specialities.

If you’re looking for some vegetarian food, the over 100-year-old and the oldest vegetarian joint — the Haus Hiltl is the mecca for veggies. In 2012, it was certified the Guinness World Record as the oldest, continuously open vegetarian restaurant of the world.

For an absolutely one-of-its-kind dining experience, head to Restaurant Blindekuh at Mühlebachstrasse. Here, guests eat inthe dark and without any visual prompting, they are made to enjoy the flavours and taste of food by trusting their nose, mouth, hands and ears only. The restaurant’s visually-impaired waiting staff guides you through the meal, making your visit to Blindekuh an unforgettable one.

Or, for a sweet ending, just bite into the melt-in-your-mouth Luxemburgerli (a type of macaroon), truffles, tarts and handmade chocolates at Confiserie Sprüngli café located at Bahnofstrasse and Paradeplatz.

 

Grossmünster

See: Take an hour-and-a-half guided walking tour (Zurich Tourist Service at the main railway station. Spot the famous Niki de Saint Phalle’s giant sculpture inside the station which represents an angel who supposedly protects travellers and is a popular landmark, walk up to some of the city’s old historic buildings lined along the river Limmat – St. Peter’s Church, Grossmünster, or take a stroll through Niederdorf — the old town with its beautiful alleys and quaint shops selling the famous cuckoo clocks. The Old Town tour also includes a visit to Fraumünster Church, which has stained glass artworks by artists like Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.

Buy: Arguably the most famous Station Road in the world, the Bahnhofstrasse attracts shoppers with its rows of boutiques selling international fashion labels; be it jewellery, watches, clothes or perfumes. Globus and Jelmoli are department stores stocking the major high-end brands.

At the end of Bahnhofstrasse, Prada meets flea market at Bürkliplatz, where the market stalls present their second-hand goods every Saturday between May and October. Shop at the Flohmarkt Kanzlei (flea market) for some good bargains. Whether it is the discount designer items or second-hand clothing from Fizzen, Zürich offers fashion clothing to suit each and every pocket. If you want to buy the famed Swiss knives of the Victorinox line or pick up gift items, chocolates and cheese in bulk, retail outlets like Migros and Coop are a good bet.