A Quick Guide to Living in Zurich

At FDM, our clients are based all across Europe; this can offer our consultants the opportunity to relocate to exciting new locations. This guide offers the inside scoop on the top things to do, and places to go, if you are placed in the beautiful city of Zürich.

Zürich is located in the centre of Switzerland, on the waterfront, with an incredible view of the Alps. It is also known as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world.

Exceptional sights

The former industrial district of Zürich west is on the move like no other part of the city. The quarter is full of contrasts and sparkles with an unpolished charm. Where once was industry, is now the trendy quarter of Escher Wyss.

Via Röntgenplatz you reach the Josefwiese, which sprawls like a garden in front of the Viaduct and contains Zurich’s most exciting shopping street, and is very much a part of Zurich’s creative sights. Under the arches of the railway viaduct built in 1894, design, creativity, vintage and pleasure come together.

The Limmat flows directly into Lake Zurich and is the perfect place for swimming in the summer, as well as renting a canoe, pedalo or boat.

The Swiss like hiking and you only need to travel one hour to reach the mountains.  Explore the breath-taking trails in the summer, or hit the slopes and make the most of a spontaneous skiing trip during the winter months.

Another recommendation for hiking enthusiasts is the Zürichsee-Rundweg. Along the way, there are several restaurants, exciting wine cellars, sports and leisure facilities, museums, cinemas and stages.

The classic among Zurich’s sights — a tour of the old town

Take a stroll through the old town and its narrow, winding alleys to see countless well-known buildings and historical sights. One highlight of Zürich is the Lindenhof, a small park above the alleys, from here you get a wonderful view over the old town.

There are many small pubs, restaurants and cool bars in the old town. Zürich is multicultural and its cuisine offers food from all nationalities; including Vietnamese, Thai, Italian and Spanish. The Swiss cuisine inspires the palate with its “Geschnetzelten”: a delicious combination of Rösti, meat and cream sauce. You can also enjoy great cheese fondue and raclette in Switzerland.

Along the Stadthausquai you will pass the famous Frauenbadi and arrive at Bürkliplatz, from where Lake Zürich stretches out.  Around the lake’s basin there is a colourful mix of street artists, skaters, bathing friends and market sellers. Soak up the atmosphere for the perfect balance of tranquillity and hustle & bustle.

Finally, look out for the statue of Zürich politician and entrepreneur, Alfred Escher, which stands on Bahnhofsplatz. He contributed to the development of the city by founding the Swiss North-East Railway in the 19th century.

Going out

For those looking for the best places to explore at the weekend, the Langstraße in district 5 is an ideal place to visit to find the coolest clubs and bars.

There are countless events in Zurich. One of the best being the traditional spring festival; Sechseläuten, or “Sächsilüüte” as it is called in the Zurich dialect. This is celebrated in April, when the first flowers and trees bloom, signalling rising temperatures and longer days.

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Featured image credit: Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash