Zurich

Orientation

Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is hailed as the country's cultural capital as the city has many galleries, museums and theaters. Today, Zurich is also a European financial hub, as the city is home to the fourth stock exchange in the world.

City Facts

• Zurich Population: 363,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Switzerland Population: 7,412,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Time Zone: GMT +1 hours
• Languages: Mainly German, but French, Italian and English are also recognized
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

The Zurich summer is typically sunny and warm, with only a few wet or cloudy days and a temperature range of 11°C to 23°C (50°F to 75°F). In winter, however, temperatures can fall to between -3°C and 5°C (23°F to 38°F), and visitors can expect the occasional snowfall.

Travel Tips

Arts and Events

Zurich has a variety of events on offer each year, including Sechselauten, a festival and parade that brings the streets of Zurich alive on the third Monday of April each year; and the Street Parade, a large-scale electronic music festival with international DJs and performers, which attracts large crowds to the streets of Zurich again in August. In November, the city gets a different kind of excitement, as Expovina, held on boats on the river, offers tempting exhibitions and samples of international wines.

Dining

The local Zurich cuisine is in the French style and best enjoyed with a bottle of exquisite local wine. As a cosmopolitan city, cuisine from all over the world, including Italy, France and even India is now widely available in Zurich.

Tipping Advice

Although a 15% service charge is usually included on restaurants and hotel bills, tipping is expected in Zurich, but visitors can tip according to their level of satisfaction.

Transportation

The railway system in Zurich is comprehensive, as the city's Hauptbahnhof railway station offers direct rail services to other major European cities, like Stuttgart, Munich, Innsbruck and Milan. The Zurch-Kloten Airport and roads leading into the city are also good.

Arriving by Air

European and international flights arrive in Zurich at the Zurich-Kloten Airport, which is within convenient reach of downtown Zurich.

Arriving by Car

The N1 is the fastest route from Bern and Basel into Zurich; while the N3 approaches the city along the shore of Lake Zurich.

Getting Around Zurich

Visitors wishing to get around Zurich should use the city's public transport network, which includes the comprehensive and unified bus, tram and S-Bahn network. Taxis are also available in Zurich, though they are usually expensive. Driving in downtown Zurich is not recommended as the area is always busy.

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