Considered as one of the best cities where to live, Zürich has become “my place in the World”.

I know, it’s expensive, winter is long and cold, shops close so early in the afternoon..and blablabla..

But, it’s awesome. Zürich is a small city, but still the biggest city in Switzerland and a must-visit place. If you are planning to come to Switzerland, you should definitely plan a stop in Zürich, and I am pretty sure u won’t regret it!

It is one of the easiest city to visit whether by tram, bike or on foot. It’s quite small, so you won’t feel lost but it’s also not too small to get bored.

Here are my tips on the 10 best places to visit in Zürich.

1. The Lake

It’s pretty obvious, I know. But there are so many different way you can explore it!You can simply walk along the Limmat and lake promenades from the Hauptbahnhof (HB). Passing through Limmatquai you will reach the Qualibrücke and almost instinctively head towards the park that extends to China Park and Tiefenbrunnen.

If you are lucky enough to spend Saturday or Sunday afternoons there, you will be immersed in the multicultural nature of Zurich, with people spending relaxing hours with family and friends right on the shore of the lake.

If you start thinking that you would like to eat with the view of this beautiful lake or maybe just drink a cocktail on a rooftop there. Well, forget it.
Unless you want to spend at least 130chf (115€) per person, I recommend you to leave for dinner and come back to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake at night with a simple “take-away” beer.

2. The Old Town

It’s located on the eastern bank of the river Limmat and it’s where you can really taste the history of this wonderful city.

Here you will see so many medieval alleys and squares, as well as beautiful Renaissance buildings, to admire walking through the old town, that you will not even feel like being in the same city as before.

A couple of tips:

• Visit the traditional colonial goods store H. Schwarzenbach in Zurich’s Oberdorf, founded by Heinrich Schwarzenbach I. in 1864. The delicatessen on Münstergasse is still run by the Schwarzenbach family, now in its fifth generation.
• Stop in one of the many cafes in the inner streets and enjoy the local culture

3. The Grossmünster Church

The Great Church is one of the icons of Zürich.

It has been founded by Charlemagne and the legend states he commissioned a church on the site where his horse fell to its knees by the tombs of Zurich’s patron saints.

Its twin towers are often considered the most recognisable landmark in all of Zürich.

Take 15 minutes to climb one of the two towers, from where you can admire the city of Zurich on one a sunny spring day.
From there you can admire the characteristic buildings that reflect the crystal clear water of the lake and the Limmat river.

4. The Fraumünster

One of the most beautiful spires in Zurich? Definitely the thin blue spire of Fraumünster, the Minster of Our Lady.

The church was founded by Charlemagne’s grandson Louis the German in the 9th century, although most of the architecture is from between the 12th and 15th centuries.

As you will cross the threshold of the church, it will seem to you that you are suddenly enveloped in the luminosity released by the light colours of the walls and vaults of the church.

Suddenly everything will turn colour thanks to the stained glass windows. Don’t forget to admire the uniqueness of the Giacometti’s windows.

5. The Bahnhofstrasse

Anyone who knows me knows that I can not escape the magic of shopping in any city I am.

Yes, Zurich also has a shopping street. And it has nothing to envy the Milanese Monte Napoleone, the Roman Via Del Corso, the New York Fifth Avenue or the Parisian Champs Elysées.

Here is quite simply the Bahnhofstrasse.

6. The Chinese Garden

It is perhaps one of the most special places in Zurich.

The first time I entered it, I felt transported into a parallel world. Walk among the perfect oriental vegetation, the typical buildings of the country of the rising sun and the small romantic bridges.

It will look like a fairy tale.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to relax and find some peace and quiet, now you’ve found it.

7. The FIFA World Football Museum

As a great fan of Italian football, with a passion for A.C. Milan has been cultivated since I was a child, I must necessarily speak to you about the FIFA World Museum.

Whatever your opinion on the sport’s governing body, the museum is obligatory for al the lovers of the beautiful game: The exhibition takes you back to football’s earliest days and documents every World Cup since the first in 1930.

8. The Zürich Opera District

Located right on the bank of Lake Zurich, this area is characterised by the elegant building of the Zurich Opera House.

Needless to say, I recommend you watch a show. Needless to add, the prices are high.

But an awesome thing: Free Wi-fi in the whole area!
And you can comfortably enjoy some free access sitting on the available chairs right in the middle of the square.

Online and with the view of a magnificent square. What else?

9. The Lindenhof

It’s an oasis at the heart of the city that looks back on a moving history.

The elevated spot provides a glorious view of the Old Town, Grossmünster Church, City Hall, the Limmat River, The University and even more.

The Lindenhof is a serene place now, but has had a busy history: Long after the days of the Roman fort, Charlemagne’s grandson Louis the German built his palace here in the 9th century.

Take one of your favorite books with you and enjoy the peace of this place with the typical afternoon wind.

10. The view from Uetliberg

Want a breathtaking view of Lake Zurich?
That’s your place.

Uetliberg is located right on the top of the mountain just outside the city of Zurich and can only be reached on foot or by train.

Remember to carry a coin of 1chf with you. It will be your pass to the top of the tower on the mountaintop.

You won’t regret it.

We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.  – cit. Anaïs Nin (& me)