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Zurich
Switzerland

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Everyone knows the Swiss capital is clean, runs on time, and is home to the emblematic Swiss bank accounts. But Zurich, which is promoting itself as “Downtown Switzerland,” is propagating a reputation as a funky, haute shopping and culture capital as well. With the revival of Zurich-West, a one time red light district and industrial area, young designers and design-savvy restaurateurs are setting up shop. The fact that it is possible to swim in the river running through downtown alone gives it loads of character.  This very managable city has 1100 fountains and views of the snowcovered alps.  What's not to like!

Activities Dining Shopping Resources Nightlife  

Zurich Lakefront
Utoquai

Starting from the tram hub at Bellevueplatz, take a leisurely walk along the shimmering lake (which, unlike most urban waterways, is clean enough to swim in). Take a stroll through Zurichhorn Park, which is lively with young people and creative types and filled with sculptures by Jean Tinguely and Henry Moore, among others.

Lindenhoff Square
Top of Fortunagasse

Go to this beautiful little square at sunset and be seduced by the quaint charm. Climb the steps and stand where the initial Roman fortress, Terricum, once stood. Play chess on one of two giant boards, or practice tai chi in the mornings with students who head there.

Beyer Clock and Watch Museum
31 Bahnhofstrasse
Tel. +41 (44) 344.6363
www.beyer-chronometrie.ch
While it seems there couldn’t be a more stereotypical touristy thing to do in Switzerland, looking at timepieces can be very interesting and educational.  This place will surprise and impress, because not only are there cuckoo clocks and watches, but all kinds of timepieces dating back thousands of years – sundials, pictorial clocks, grandfather clocks and more.  This is a memorable experience.

Zurich-West
This hip, up-and-coming neighborhood used to be home to the red-light district and was a downtrodden part of town. If coming to Zurich by train, head north from the Hauptbahnhof to Langstrasse, the main street of this gentrifying area. Great people watching, hip boutiques and bars, and great multi-ethnic cuisine can be had here.

Kunsthaus Zurich
Heimplatz 1
Tel. +41 (44) 251.6765
www.kunsthaus.ch
This solid art museum features the second largest collection of Munch paintings, and the best works by Alberto Giacometti.

Flussbad Oberer Letten
Lennsteg 10
www.badi-info.ch/oberer_letten.html
This riverfront oasis in the middle of the city is where bankers, athletes, Bohemians and young mothers all hang in the warm months.  There are wooden terraces and squares of grass to have a picnic or a nap.  Cafes and small beer gardens are everywhere.