Travel Guide Zurich
Thriving in northern Switzerland, at the northern tip of the magnificent lake of the same name, Zurich is the largest city in the country. Its architecture is old, even pre-medieval, like its old historical centre, the Altstadt, stretching on either side of the Limmat - the river that crosses it - its maze of picturesque alleys, wooded squares, small confidential passages. In this authentic setting with its old-fashioned charm, in elegant villas and old-fashioned trolleys, you can discover the rich and varied Swiss gastronomic culture, as well as luxury boutiques and pretty hotel shops. Zurich's tour guide will also take you to the modern, vibrant and lively part of the city, where banks - the world's financial centre -, prestigious cafés, are well established, with a cosmopolitan and multilingual population leading a high standard of living. Less well known, this part of Zurich is home to an amazing nightlife, as debauched as its old town is bourgeois, with clubs, bars and concert halls flourishing there: ideal for celebrating. Finally, the many galleries, museums (National Museum, Tram Museum, etc.) and gardens (Chinese garden, etc.) that dot the city will offer strollers and aesthetes something to get their teeth into, unless they decide to leave it to target the Alps and its hills planted with vineyards that overlook the metropolis. Whatever the reason that brings you to this destination, you will most certainly be surprised and delighted to know it in more detail.
What to visit Zurich?
Suggested addresses Zurich
When to go to Zurich?
When to go to Zürich? From June to September, during the summer season, pleasant temperatures allow for a wide variety of outdoor activities. If you visit Switzerland in the spring or fall, you can avoid the crowds of tourists and get better rates at hotels. However, remember to bring an umbrella! If you want to enjoy winter sports, the season usually starts at the end of November and ends when the snow melts in early spring. Considering that Switzerland has two peak tourist seasons - July to August, and December to March for winter sports - the best time to go to Zurich is certainly late spring and early fall. But ultimately, to know when to go to Zürich, ask yourself how you want to enjoy the city.
In spring and summer. You'll enjoy the lake activities - swimming, sailing or pedal boating - as well as a variety of festivals.
In the fall, the vineyards are in beautiful colors, there are fewer tourists and more traditional village festivals.
Winter. The snow is an opportunity to escape to the heights for a day of skiing or snowshoeing.
Weather at the moment
The Swiss plateau where Zürich is located is subject to weather conditions equivalent to those in the Paris region. In summer, the shores of the lake are very pleasant and ideal for water sports. In winter, Zürich's temperatures are around 0°C and the sky is often overcast, but the nearby ski slopes offer the opportunity to enjoy winter sports.
The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Like Geneva, Zurich is reputed to be an excessively expensive Swiss city, but one should not forget that Swiss employees are the best paid in Europe. For tourists, the price of food (meat, fruit...) is indeed frightening. On the other hand, the prices of fish, gasoline and electronics are more reassuring in Zurich. In addition, the overall price level is relatively stable (less than 1% inflation).
For a stay of less than three months in Zurich, a valid identity card or passport is required for nationals of Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and some Latin American countries. Beyond three months, an authorization must be requested from the cantonal authorities according to the duration of your stay: the short-term authorization (less than one year), the residence authorization (of limited duration) and the settlement authorization (of indefinite duration). So no visa for Zurich.
You do not run any risk when you go to Switzerland and Zurich. Simply check that your vaccines are up to date (DT Polio, etc.). In case of illness, it is necessary to contact the French consulate. He will be in charge of helping you, accompanying you and providing you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, he or she also informs the family and decides on repatriation. For information on emergencies and facilities, visit www.pasteur.fr - Switzerland has a very good reputation for care. Obviously, the prices are not the same as in France.... Most of the medicines that are obtained without a prescription in France are also available without a prescription in Switzerland. There are of course exceptions but they do not concern the usual medicines; for others and treatments, take what you need with you. Water is drinkable in Zurich.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Zurich? Our advice & tips
It is possible to use the services of tour operators and other specialists in the region to organize your stay in Zurich and German-speaking Switzerland: all-inclusive stay, family or honeymoon trip, tailor-made tour... Everything is possible. We can also combine a visit to Zurich with a visit to the rest of Switzerland.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationFor a direct return flight from northern France to Zurich, count between €100 and €250. More attractive rates can be obtained from low-cost airlines. SNCF operates five TGV trains a day between Paris and Zurich from Gare de Lyon. The complete and direct journey takes a good four hours. It takes about a hundred euros for a round trip without a discount card. You can also travel to German-speaking Switzerland with your personal vehicle.
By car, bicycle or public transport, it is very easy to get around Zürich and the rest of Switzerland. The city is very well served by public transport (streetcar, bus, train...) and these are very efficient. You will often have to use the train and bus network.
