Welcome to Zurich!
Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich is on the shores of Lake Zurich. The majestic Alps surround the city. From upscale shopping on Bahnhofstrasse to savouring Swiss delicacies in quaint cafes… In Zurich, modern living seamlessly blends with history and nature. As we stroll through the streets today, we may find ourselves getting a bit lost among medieval buildings. Every corner will lead us to another story, another era. We will encounter world-class museums, art scenes, and Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants.
Reminder: To explore Zurich step by step with your digital tour guide, don’t forget to download Piri Guide! 
Where is Zurich?
Zurich is the largest city and financial centre of Switzerland. It is in the northeast of the country and is divided by the Limmat River. This geographical location makes Zurich both rich in natural beauty and an important transportation hub. The population is approximately around four hundred thousand.
How to Go to Zurich?
Getting to Zurich is convenient and efficient, thanks to its well-connected transportation network.
✈️ The primary gateway to the city is Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich) It is 13 kilometers north of the city center. From the airport, you can easily reach the city centre by taking a taxi, train, or tram. The Zurich Main Station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof) serves as a central transportation hub, providing excellent rail connections to and from various Swiss cities and neighbouring countries
🚉 If you’re arriving by train, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Zurich, with easy access to public transportation or a short walk to many attractions.
The Best Season to Visit Zurich
Summer is the peak tourist season in Zurich, attracting visitors with its warm temperatures and long days. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius (59 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the ideal time for outdoor events, festivals, and enjoying the numerous lakeside activities.
Autumn brings a beautiful tapestry of colours to Zurich as the leaves change, creating a picturesque atmosphere. The temperatures are still comfortable, ranging from 9 to 20 degrees Celsius (48 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). The city is less crowded than in the summer.
☃️ For winter lovers: While temperatures can be chilly, ranging from -1 to 6 degrees Celsius (30 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s an excellent time for winter sports enthusiasts. The city also hosts magical Christmas markets, adding a festive touch to the winter experience.
Places to Visit in Zurich
Landesmuseum
This is the Swiss National Museum. The museum is in a grand castle-like building near the Zurich Main Station.
The Zurich National Museum was designed by architect Gustav Gull in 1898. It offers a journey through Swiss cultural history from prehistoric times to the present day. Its extensive collection includes artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that showcase the rich tapestry of Switzerland’s heritage, encompassing everything from medieval artifacts and religious art to industrial innovations and contemporary design.
Augustinerkirche
Originally founded in the 13th century, this Gothic-style church has witnessed centuries of history. It’s in the medieval Old Town. The Augustinerkirche features impressive stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and a serene atmosphere. The Augustinerkirche played a role in the Protestant Reformation in Zurich during the 16th century. It was here that the reformer Huldrych Zwingli preached his sermons, advocating for religious reforms that contributed to the establishment of the Reformed tradition in Switzerland.
Within the church, there is a memorial dedicated to Huldrych Zwingli, commemorating the influential figure in the Swiss Reformation.
St. Peter Clock Tower
The clock tower is part of the St. Peter’s Church in Zurich, which has a history dating back to the 9th century. The current clock was installed in the early 16th century. The clock chimes every quarter of an hour, with a more extended melody played at the full hour. In addition to the timekeeping function, the St. Peter Clock Tower also features an astronomical clock. This intricate mechanism displays the position of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky over Zurich.
⌚️ Switzerland has a rich tradition of watchmaking, dating back several centuries. The country is renowned for producing high-quality and precision timepieces. The “Swiss Made” label on watches is globally recognized and signifies a product of Swiss origin.
Switzerland boasts museums dedicated to watchmaking, such as the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva and the International Watchmaking Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Bahnhofstrasse
It is one of the world’s most exclusive and renowned shopping streets, stretching approximately 1.4 kilometres through the heart of Zurich. The street’s history dates back to the late 19th century when it was transformed from a moat into a tree-lined avenue. The name “Bahnhofstrasse” translates to “station street” in English, reflecting its proximity to Zurich’s Main Station (Hauptbahnhof).
The street is particularly famous for its concentration of Swiss watch boutiques, showing some of the finest timepieces in the world. Brands like Patek Philippe, Omega, and Rolex have flagship stores here. Bahnhofstrasse intersects with Zurich’s financial district, emphasising the street’s significance as both a shopping paradise and a symbol of economic prosperity.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Lindt’s history dates back to 1845. It’s a prominent Swiss chocolatier with its high-quality chocolate. The Lindt Home of Chocolate pays homage to this rich Swiss chocolate-making tradition.
The Lindt Home of Chocolate, in Kilchberg near Zurich, is home to the world’s largest Lindt chocolate shop. The Lindt Home of Chocolate is not just a shop; it also houses an interactive chocolate museum. You can experience a great journey through the history of chocolate, Lindt’s chocolate-making process, and the art of confectionery. : One of the main attractions is the spectacular Lindt chocolate fountain, a towering feature that continuously cascades liquid chocolate.
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