Zurich Tourist Attractions

The Swiss city of Zurich has more than 50 museums and 100 galleries to offer art lovers and hobby historians. With some excellent gourmet dining, unlimited shopping facilities for all budgets and some of the loveliest scenery Europe has to offer, Zurich is a great place to come for a city break.

Zurich Airport is a mere 10 km distance from downtown Zürich and with car hire companies offering excellent deals, tram, taxi, bus and train services connecting the airport with the city, there is no difficulty getting around.

At the airport information desks tourists can purchase the ZürichCard, which is also available from the main tourist office in the city. The ZürichCard allows visitors to enjoy not just free rides on buses, trains, boats and trams but also cable cars. It is possible to save CHF 12.80 on travel from the airport to the city with a ZürichCard, effectively allowing passengers to travel "for free" between the city and the airport. The card also allows tourists free access to all museums and further offers up to 10% savings on shopping in the city. Selected restaurants also participate in the scheme and offer a "culinary surprise" with each main course.

Among the many Zurich tourist attractions rank the events that are staged in the city, such as the International Horse Show or Mercedes-CSI for example. The Zurich Opera House, various cinemas and theaters, the zoo, the spa and some city sightseeing tour operators also participate in the ZürichCard scheme and families visiting the city can enjoy great savings this way. Adults pay CHF 20.00 for a 24 hour pass, children aged 6 to 16 pay CHF 14.00 for a 24 hour pass. Passes for up to 72 hours are also available.

So what Zurich tourist attractions can one see with a 24 hour ZürichCard? Starting with a walk through the city's Old Town district of Niederdorf – lovingly referred to as "Dörfli" or "little village" by locals – visitors can enjoy a stroll through narrow, winding alleys, discover tiny independent shops such as craft studios, boutiques, second hand book shops or stores that sell the most delicious chocolate and confectionery.

After a thorough exploration of Old Town visitors can be forgiven for feeling a little peckish – the wonderful Zimmerleuten Guildhall offers traditional fare with a modern twist. The restaurant can be found in the center of Zurich, on the right hand side of the River Limmat embankment.

Taking a cruise on the River Limmat also ranks among the main Zurich tourist attractions for visitors with a 24 hour pass. There are a total of three stops, before the boat arrives at Lake Zurich and then the boat takes tourists to the Swiss National Museum, housed in a 100-year-old building that looks much like a fairy tale castle. On rainy days it is a great place to flee with the kids as there are permanent as well as changing exhibitions. On sunny days one can explore the History of Switzerland first and then head into the gorgeous park located to the rear of the museum building.

Visitors who prefer Lake Zurich to spending time in a museum can enjoy the river lidos along the way, where in summer water babies of all ages can have fun. The amazing views from the Lake can be enjoyed all year round and on clear days one day can catch a glimpse of the Swiss Alps.

Zurich tourist attractions also include a vibrant nightlife, such as spending the evening at the Moods music venue, the city's most popular place for Jazz, avant-garde and funk music. At Turbinenplatz visitors can enjoy great food in an unusual building, namely a former foundry called "Gnüsserei", where diners can enjoy a gourmet meal in the restaurant AND find delicatessen at the foundry's very own shop, where one can buy gifts for friends and family at home.

For more information about Zürich tourist attractions, please visit the official tourist office website at www.zuerich.com.