It’s easy to stereotype Zurich as a city of rich bankers and underground vaults overflowing with gold. It’s also fashionable to dismiss such as unjustified prejudice and focus on the superb gastronomy and the vibrant entertainment scene, not to mention the avant garde counter-cultures that have arisen to challenge the status quo. Both stances miss the point, however, because Zurich is both of these things and more.
The long tradition of neutrality has attracted money from around the world and fostered a fantastic business environment, and the generated affluence has diffused throughout the city to create a vibrant, classy urban environment. The Street Parade has overtaken London’s Notting Hill as the largest street festival in the world, whilst former warehouses are being snapped up at a rate of knots by developers keen to create the city’s next big club sensation.
Where to stay
Hotel Schweizerhof is directly opposite the main train station, with excellent transport links; the rooms are well-appointed, soundproofed and air-conditioned, making this a great choice for comfort and convenience. If you prefer to stay close to the airport, the Radisson Blu sets a similarly high standard.
Where to eat
Peter Mann’s Kunststuben is regarded in some quarters as the best restaurant in Switzerland and it’s certainly the fashionable place to be seen. A l’Opera is famous both for the fantastic mural on its ceiling and the superb quality of its continental food.
What to see
The Swiss National Museum is the most important collection of material on the history and culture of Switzerland, housed in an impressive 19th century building with gothic flourishes. The Rietberg Museum and Kunsthaus Zurich both have impressive collections of art. If you’d like to get out of the city, Rhine Falls is a forty minute drive and is an excellent afternoon escape.
