A City You’ll Appreciate More Than You’ll Admire
At first glance, Zurich may not seem like the most exciting city for tourists. Unlike cities such as Vienna, it doesn’t have countless world-famous landmarks or impressive historic buildings. Architecturally, I found Zurich to be rather modest. However, after spending some time there, I realized that’s not what makes this city special.
Zurich’s greatest strength is its exceptional quality of life. The city combines everything you could ask for: a beautiful lake, easy access to the Alps, excellent public transport, countless parks, and an impressive level of cleanliness. It’s the kind of place where you can easily imagine living rather than just visiting.
One of my favorite things about Zurich was simply walking around. The city is full of green spaces, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks that invite you to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. If you like hiking, you’re also only a short trip away from fantastic mountain trails and scenic viewpoints overlooking the city and Lake Zurich.
Another detail I really appreciated was the number of public drinking fountains. Fresh drinking water is available almost everywhere, making it easy to stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water.
Public transport is another highlight. Trams, buses, and trains are clean, spacious, punctual, and connect almost every corner of the city. The only downside is the zone-based ticket system, which can be a little confusing for first-time visitors.
For tourists, Zurich does have several attractions, but many of them are relatively small. Rather than spending an entire day at one landmark, Zurich is best enjoyed by combining different experiences - walking along the lake, visiting parks, exploring the Old Town, relaxing by the water, and enjoying the city’s atmosphere. If you’re interested in chocolate, I also recommend visiting the Lindt Home of Chocolate, although I’ve written a separate review about that experience.
Pros
- Excellent quality of life
- Beautiful scenery with the lake and nearby mountains
- Great walking and hiking opportunities
- Plenty of scenic viewpoints
- Public drinking fountains throughout the city
- Exceptionally clean
- Clean, spacious, and reliable public transport
- Lots of parks and green spaces
- Easily accessible swimming spots
- Excellent public transport connections
Cons
- Relatively few major tourist attractions
- Zone-based public transport tickets can be confusing
Tips
- Don’t be afraid of supermarket prices. While Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive, stores like Lidl were only slightly more expensive than what I’m used to. Coop is a bit pricier but still reasonable.
- For affordable meals, the Coop Restaurants offer surprisingly good value.
- For burgers, I highly recommend Holy Cow. They use bread from a local bakery and offer one of the better value fast-food options in Zurich.
Final Verdict
Zurich isn’t a city that impresses with iconic landmarks or spectacular architecture. Instead, it’s a city that wins you over with its atmosphere, cleanliness, outstanding public transport, and stunning natural surroundings. If you enjoy relaxing walks, beautiful scenery, and a city where everything simply works, Zurich is absolutely worth a visit.