Serviced Apartments Zurich

What Do I Need to Know about Staying in Zurich?

To experience the best of the Swiss city. We have provided a quick guide with all you need to know about Zurich.

Facts About Zurich

• When visiting Zurich, don’t waste your money on bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive and bad for the environment, Zurich has some of the world’s cleanest drinking water. 
• Muesli was created in Zurich. So be sure to grab a bowl. 
• Zurich often tops Happiness Index ratings. 
• Zurich is home to Europe’s largest church clock. 
• Lake Zurich has been known to freeze, despite being almost 100 square kilometres. 
• Google’s largest European office is located in Zurich.

Cost of Living in Zurich

Zurich is a very expensive city to live in. In 2021, Zurich was ranked the fourth most expensive city to live in worldwide. To live comfortably in the city, a single person would require a salary of around 3500 CHF - which equates to roughly £3100 per month. The cost of living in Zurich is high due to housing prices, the cost of goods and services and the high standard of living.

Tips for Visiting Zurich

• Swiss Travel Pass is the most cost-effective shortcut to access public transportation and is available on transport throughout the city centre.
• Zurich runs a number of late-night buses but it requires a ZVV ticket and a night supplement, which is available at the counter. 
• A universal adapter is a must here. 
• Considering the sudden temperature drops, a light cardigan or a coat would be useful for evenings. 
• Although the official language of the city is German, you are likely to find most people have a good level of English.
• Taxis in Zurich are some of the most expensive in the world, so be sure to walk or use public transport wherever possible.

Places to Visit in Zurich

When staying in Zurich, there is so much to do. If you are balancing limited time with work commitments, you will need to use your time wisely. Luckily, we spoke with our reservation experts to find out their highlights. 

• St. Peter’s Church - Europe's oldest church and its largest clock face stand majestically right here in Zurich. The clock was erected in the 9th century. 
• Lake Zurich - Pack a picnic and take in the astounding beauty of Lake Zurich. 
• Old Town - Immerse in the beauty of the Limmat River and the warmth of Zurich locals in this mediaeval part of the city. 
• Swiss National Museum - Zurich's most celebrated museum has over 860k artefacts from across the world.
• Grossmünster Church - From the legacy of its stained glass paintings to that of the patron saints buried here.

What to Eat in Zurich

If you want to live in Zurich like a local, you have to immerse yourself in the local cuisine. Given the city’s cultural and financial importance, it is not surprising that Zurich has a wonderfully diverse range of cuisines available throughout the city. In recent years, Zurich’s reputation as a foodie paradise has grown. 

If you want to dive into the local culture, here are some of the must-try foods:

• Cheese Fondue
• Raclette, a strong cheese served with baked potatoes. 
• Älplermagronen, a grain served with potatoes, macaroni and cheese.
• Rosti, grated potato shallow fried.
• Muesli is a combination of grains and dried fruits. 

Of course, what is a visit to Switzerland without sampling some of the best chocolate in the entire world?

Shopping in Zurich

Zurich is a great place to indulge in some retail therapy. From hip boutiques to high fashion, the city has plenty on offer for shoppers of any inclination. Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main shopping district, runs parallel to the main station towards Lake Zurich. Many global fashion chains like Zara and Mango are located here. If you head closer to Paradeplatz, the main banking district, you will find major designer brands like Chanel and Gucci.

Although the Old Town possesses somewhat more traditional shops, the place has a reputation for being a bit of a tourist trap. So be wary if you visit.

Transportation in Zurich

Zurich benefits from an extensive network of public transport which is simple to use, even for the uninitiated. With connectivity to most neighbourhoods of Zurich and even outside the city, visitors find it very convenient to explore around at their own pace. With kids or family tagging along, one can expect no hassles in travelling within the city. 

Buses, trams, metro, and rail are the major reliable sources of travel. While locals heavily rely on these affordable networks, ferries top the charts for tourists. Considering the beauty of the Limmat River and Lake Zurich, their connectivity is almost a footnote given the stunning scenery. Reaching local attractions while enjoying the soft breeze and the waterfront views on the way make it a very popular means of travelling - but do take a coat during winter months as it can get very cold on the lake. Some of the key transport stations here include:

• Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB), which connects the city to other parts of the country and mainland Europe.
• Oerlikon
• Stampfenbachplatz
• Zürich Triemli
• Bahnhof Selnau
• Zürich Enge
• Köschenrüti
• Zürich Wipkingen

Best Time to Visit Zurich

Like much of continental Europe, Zurich has four very distinct seasons of weather and a moderate temperature throughout most of the year. In winter, visitors should be sure to wrap up well with thick coats and jumpers as temperatures do regularly drop below zero. However, in the summer, Zurich can get very warm, with temperatures often hitting 30 degrees. As a general rule, visitors should always be prepared for all outcomes with the weather.

If you want to know more about Zurich Switzerland apartments, get in contact with our team.