The most important and largest city in Switzerland, Zurich is a huge cultural centre of international renown. Though it may sound strange, studies have shown that this is the city with the best living standards in the world and a declared global city, with a significant impact on the political, commercial and cultural world affairs. Not only its sights, but its geographical position is well-favoured by visitors who enjoy hiking tours in the wooded area around the city. Thus, great picturesque hills and secular forests are part of Zurich’s attractions.
The history of Zurich goes back to the Roman times when it used to be called Turicum and functioned as a tax-collecting point at the border of Gallia Belgica. On the very foundation of the Roman fortification, another castle was built by Charlemagne’s grandson, the remnants of which can be visited today. The same period brought Zurich the beginning of intense Christian life with the foundation of the Benedictine abbey of Fraumunster. The development of the city continued undisturbed for centuries coming to the present-day prosperity.
One of the main tourist sights is the Grossmunster, a church with a crucial role in the development of Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. Situated on the banks of the Limmat River, the church is a true representative of the Romanesque style. Dating back to the 12th, the Grossmunster lies on the foundation of an earlier Carolingian church that existed on the site. Legend says the church was founded by Charlemagne himself, to justify preeminence over Fraumunster. Tourists are completely taken aback by the majesty and the atmosphere of the construction.
A popular stop off on any city tour is museum visiting, and Zurich is a truly rewarding cultural environment. You will discover for yourself in any of the many museums in Zurich. You’ll find the history of Zurich on show at Museum Barengasse, and the picture you get here is fully completed at the Swiss National Museum. For classic art, the best spot is Kunsthus Zurich, not to mention that there are antique Asian art galleries at Museum Rietberg and fashion, architecture and design exhibits at the Museum Belletrive.
One of Zurich’s landmarks is the monumental bridge known as the Munsterbrucke; built in 1838, it makes the connection between the two great churches Fraumunster and Grossmunster. The entire centre of the city is a treasure for visitors eager to discover more of Zurich’s beauties. For instance, you will definitely like the Paraplaz, the most traveled town square in Europe. Once a market for cattle owners, it is now the home of an exquisite mansion open to public visitation. This is Credit Suisse!
Some other very popular tourist sites are the quays of Zurich, ideal for leisurely walks on the beautiful strolling paths organized in a well-preserved network. Walking is the best way to visit Limmatquai at the heart of the city or Mythenquai that comes right after Lake Zurich. In the same city centre you’ll also find another square that used to serve the purposes of local tradesmen as far back as the 17th century. I’m talking about Weinplaz, a corn exchange market, and now one of Zurich’s landmarks. Documents attest it as the oldest square in the city.
Another fine experience in Zurich is eating in one of the local traditional restaurants, among the specialties I would definitely recommend the veal and beef steaks. There is a very nice system going on in many restaurants in Zurich, one which tourists really enjoy. Some restaurants place a stranger at your table, very often another foreigner like you, and you can enjoy a unique “inter cultural” meal. Or you can have the very owner of the place have dinner with you. Usually table booking is a must, given the large number of guests.