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Here are two suggestions from Fodors.com. I am sure it will help.
Suggestion #1
Start in the small but luxuriously gentrified Altstadt and window-shop along the Bahnhofstrasse. Wind through the medieval streets toward the pretty Limmat River, looking into the Fraumünster to see the Chagall stained-glass windows. Then cross over to the bustling Oberdorf and Niederdorf areas to see the Grossmünster and the Rathaus. If you're in the mood for a museum, choose from three excellent, varied collections: Asian art at the Museum Rietberg, historic and cultural artifacts at the Swiss National Museum, or contemporary paintings and sculpture at the Kunsthaus.
Suggestion#2
Grab any of a number of trains from the airport train station (lowest level at the airport) for the main station downtown (Hauptbahnhof). Head for the Bahnhofstrasse (one of the most expensive streets in Switzerland). Meander along for about 1 km to Paradeplatz. There you will find "Sprungli," (on the right side of the street as you head away from the train station) one of the best, if not the best," chocolate shop in town. From Paradeplatz... leave the Bahnhofstrasse, and head toward the River Limmat. You will then come into the old section of Zurich. Quaint little alley ways, shops, etc. In this area one finds much of Zurich's past, eg. Lindenhof, St. Peter's Church, Frauenkirche, and more. By now, it will be time for lunch. On the opposite side of the Limmat, as you head toward "Bellevue" along the river, you will see a "Starbucks" (they're everywhere, they're everywhere!!). Directly behind the infamous coffeehouse you will find a perfect place to dine (day or night).... the "Blockhaus" restaurant. After some exquisite swiss cuisine, you can wander into Niederdorf (just up the hill from the river). Another delightful chocolatier is located in the middle of this district.... "Cafe Schober." Great place for an afternoon coffee, a little Kuchen, and upon departure, some more Schoggi for the road. If time is short, head back toward the HB (Hauptbahnhof), and catch a train back to the airport. Remember, a round trip ticket from the airport to the HB is good for 24 hours, and covers you on all means of public transportation, ie. trains, buses, trams, and ships. There's so much more, but I'm afraid "the day" will draw to a close, BUT what a day it will have been.
Also just for fun, here is some more info:
If you are in town on a Tuesday or Friday morning before about 11, there is a farmer and flower market in Burliplatz on the lake. Just walk straight down the Banhofstrasse from the main train station (or take a tram) basically until you hit the lake, you will see the stalls on your left as you approach Burliplatz. There are several bakers selling here as well, you can have a breakfast of fresh bread or chocolate croissants.
On Saturdays from May until the end of October there is a flea market from about 8-4 pm at Burliplatz. Lots of fun, junk and good stuff. There is a small stand here selling bratwurst and sandwiches.
A good map of Zurich would help make your trip a bit easier, if you don't have one there is a tourist office in the main train station that has good maps.
IMO, the Fraumunster is best seen before Noon, as most of the windows get the morning sun, and on a sunny morning they are quite spectacular. It is closed on Sundays, although you can attend a service if you want (in Swiss German).
Shops close at 4 pm on Saturdays, and generally around 6 pm on weekdays. If you are in town on a Sunday, all shops will be closed, except for some in the train station.
You can take a ferry ride down the lake and back, either a circuit without getting off, or you can take a ferry to a town like Thalwil, Horgen or Kustnacht, walk around a bit, and then take a ferry back. Horgen is probably the most accessible in terms of restaurants and a bit of an old town right on the lake. The train station is also near the pier, so you could take a train back rather than a ferry.
You can walk or bike a fair distance either along the lake, or along the Limmat river away from the lake and into the countryside. Quite pretty, and there are cafes along the way to stop and rest. You should be able to rent bikes for free or a small fee at the main train station.
If the weather is bad (and this is Switzerland, where the amount of rain we get is our dirty little secret along with those numbered bank accounts. . . .) head to one or more of the museums. Museums are open all days (e.g. Sunday) except for the occasional holiday closure. Many have restaurants in them as well. Some to consider:
Landesmuseum/National Museum of Swiss History. Take a look at http://www.musee-suisse.ch. This is behind the main train station and would be a good start. You might skip the early part of the collection which is about pre-historic Switzerland, and to go Roman and medieval parts of the collection.
E. G. Bührle Collection - great collection of 18th and 19th century art, including many impressionist paintings. Take a look at http://www.buehrle.ch. This has somewhat limited opening hours. This is a bit out of the main town area, but it is a nice tram ride through a residential part of the city.
Reitberg - great collection of Asian and other non-European art. Take a look at reitberg.ch
Zunfthaus Zur Meisen - porcelain museum. In a lovely baroque building next door to the Fraumunster church. Their huge ceramic stoves are worth a short visit. http://www.musee-suisse.com/
I would normally recco the Kunsthaus, but virtually the entire museum is shut down until 2006 as they are doing major renovations. Take a look at http://www.kunsthaus.ch.
For a list of all the museums in Zurich, go to http://www.zuerich.com, and click on “Museums & Art†from the left hand menu. |
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