Visit Zurich in 2 days – a weekend in the heart of Zurich – Day 1
Day 1 in Zurich: Visit the Old Town and relax in the Zurich thermal baths
With this and the next blog entry I make you a suggestion, how you can visit Zurich in two days and this without much stress but still alternately. Visit Zurich in 2 days (and come back for longer afterwards)!
Arrival via Zurich Airport
If you arrive at Zurich Airport, I have good news: within 10 minutes you can reach by train, e.g. S2 or S16 or an intercity or regional train in the city centre of Zurich. The airport station is in the lower part of the airport and you can find it without any problems by means of the signs.
You can already see how easy it is to move around here!
Arrival via Zurich Central Station
If you are using the train (e.g. with night trains) at Zurich Central Station ("Zurich HB" or "ZHB"), you are already in the middle of the city anyway. If you leave the station south via the main entrance, you will come directly to the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse.
Recommendation: The Zurich Card
I recommend the Zurich Card, the ideal way to visit Zurich in 2 days. It allows you to use public transport free of charge and unlimited for the weekend! The Zurich Card is available for 24 or 72 hours and costs CHF 27 (at 24 hours) or CHF 53 (at 72 hours). It applies to the city of Zurich (zone 110 ) and the surrounding zones (111, 121, 140, 150, 154, 155). In addition, you benefit from discounts on certain visits and also the cruise on Lake Zurich is free of charge in the mentioned zones! It is also worth noting that the transfer of Zurich Airport to the city centre by public transport and the trip to üetliberg, Zurich's "Hausberg" are thus included.
Schipfe to Lindenhof
Let's go in the middle of Zurich's old town and discover the Schipfe district on the left bank of the Limmat. We immediately fall under the spell of its small cobbled streets and colorful facades. We are impressed by the cleanliness of the city… Zurich is a great place to live, and you can feel it from the first moments here. We stop in front of a few trendy shops and breathe hipster spirit, then we go to the Lindenhof, which is located on the heights of the district. It goes a little uphill to get there, but afterwards Si ee are rewarded with a great view! You will have a breathtaking view of the other shore in front of you.
A walk through the streets of Zurich is a nice way to get your appetite! Eat where you like! For cheap food, I recommend the self-service restaurants of Migros or Coop. If you don't want to sit in a restaurant, you'll find lots of takeaways and you can sit down somewhere on one of the many benches or walls. If the weather is nice, take a look at the lunchtime (in Zurich approx. 12 a.m. to 1 p.m.), where all the business people lunch.
Villabassa
It's time to explore the right bank a little closer! The district of Niederdorf is as enchanting and picturesque as the Schipfe. The colourful facades and the beautiful house decoration give us the impression of strolling through a small village from another time. There are small wooden toy shops and pretty cafés.
Grossmünster
In the heart of Niederdorf you will find a landmark of Zurich, the emblematic Grossmünster. You can't miss it, you often hear your bells ringing! If you like, climb the tower.
You pay CHF 5 to climb to the top of the Grossmünster. Caution, the credit card is not accepted for this visit, so don't forget to take some small money with you. Don't miss this magnificent viewpoint!
You have to be in good physical condition and have the courage to take the narrow spiral staircase that leads to the top of the tower. At the top of the many steps you will discover a small wooden staircase, then you are at the top! The view of the lake is incredibly beautiful; enjoy the colours of Zurich! We know that nature in Zurich is so close to the city. Here you can see it, right from the heart of the city. On the other side you can admire the view of the old town.
Here is a Zurich Insider tip: Avoid visiting the Grossmünster on a Saturday afternoon, it is very crowded!
If you can visit Zurich in just two days, visiting the Old Town and these two districts is a must!
Swiss National Museum
Then go to the Swiss National Museum to learn more about the cultural history of the country. Admission is free with the Zurich Card, so have fun! As soon as you arrive, you can admire the incredible contrast between old and modern architecture. Inside, the exhibits are worth a look!
Thermal baths in Zurich
After this cultural visit and the long walks (including possible ascent of Grossmünster), I recommend a relaxing visit to the Thermabald & Spa. You pay CHF 36 to get to the thermal baths. We did that and we were not disappointed. The staff of the thermal bath is very hospitable and provides you with a bathrobe and a towel!
Here everything is very luxurious and there is a pleasant atmosphere. Under the stone vaults you can enjoy a relaxing moment in the thermal baths. The atypical architecture and wooden pools create a soothing atmosphere from which you will never tire.
If you are flexible about time, the best recommendation is to come early. Depending on that, there are a lot of people here in the bathroom. But on the roof, the view from the open bath quickly makes us forget the world around us! Once outside, the city offers us an enchanting spectacle, the view of Zurich is unbelievable. What a pleasant feeling to be outside, immersed in the warm water of the thermal baths, while looking at Zurich – whether illuminated by the sun or the night lights. A difficult decision: Do you want to be on the Grossmünster or up here at the blue hour? If you only come to Zurich for 2 days, you have to decide…
If you are in Zurich for two, this romantic experience is a must. And if you have more time, let yourself be seduced by the "Roman-Irish" Spa!
Dinner in Mrs. Gerold's garden
If you have a good rest, go to "Mrs. Gerold's Garden" for a typical Swiss dinner. In the trendy district of Zurich, whose hipster spirit I like very much, you feel like in London, in the heart of Camden Town! In summer we come for a drink with friends at this alternative-special place, where we can admire the mountains from the terrace and learn about gardening in the vegetable garden. In winter, the village turns into a cosy restaurant with cheese specialities such as the famous fondue! We leave our coats in the dressing room in front of the restaurant so that we don't have to smell the cheese all winter long. If you are in Zurich in winter, it is now time to honour the Swiss taste. Settle down in the wooden hut with mountain hut feeling and enjoy the fondue by the fire.
If you're not cold, you can enjoy a raclette on the terrace, in the light of the garlands and around a wood fire, original, right? Sip on a hot cocktail and gather around the table football. Ms. Gerold's garden is ideal for a convivial and festive evening with friends. Don't forget to make a reservation, the restaurant is also very popular with Zurichers!
Overnight stay at the 25hours-Hotel Langstrasse
After this beautiful first day in the heart of Zurich, you've probably grown tired! Go back to the hotel to be in shape for the second day of your visit. After arrival, you have already checked in at the 25hours-Hotel Langstrasse, which is only 15 minutes away. To your great surprise, the hotel bar is very lively on your return! Choose a last drink or go straight into Morpheus' arms.
This hip and trendy hotel has access to the hotel shop, gym, games room and even a coworking area. The hotel is also a meeting place for Zurichers who meet for lunch in the hotel restaurant with its oriental specialities. It is only 10 minutes walk from the train station, which is very convenient on arrival from the airport to drop off your belongings!
After this beautiful first day, look forward to the second day with ZurichInsider.com in Zurich!
