The people are very friendly and polite. Quality of life her is some of the best in the world, which is what we all look for as we get older. It’s famous for many things but what is there for the more mature members of society to do in Zurich?

Getting around Zurich won’t be a problem for a start because the city is the master of buses and the trams. There is range of trams on offer, from electricity to diesel and a good old fashioned trolley bus system too, which will have many of you reminiscing. The transport is everywhere so don’t worry about too much walking.

• The Grossmünster church

The Grossmünster church is a must-see for those interested in architecture and history. Dating back as far as the 12th Century in parts, this Romanesque design is a box shape with two large towers at it front – which Wagner once called pepper mills. These will be seen from most points around the city so you can’t miss it. Within the church there are a number of ornate stone carvings and gargoyles, some of which are quite strange. The crypt is well worth a visit and is in keeping with the Roman style. Before you leave, make sure you glance up at the more modern stained glass windows by artist Augusto Giacometti.

• Beyer Watch and Clock Museum

Time is something many older travelers will know a great deal about, but perhaps not as much as the Swiss due to their famous love of clocks and watches. While you’re in town, don’t miss a rare chance to soak up to Beyer Watch and Clock Museum, found on Bahnhofstrasse 31 just across the river from the Grossmünster and in the busy shopping area of the city centre. Take your time as you wander between the cabinets that present around 500 time pieces, some dating back as far as 1400 BC. Just when you think you’ve seen more interesting ways to tell the time, then discover the unique water clocks, sundials and oil clocks.

• Zurich Botanical Garden

Then there’s the relaxing ambience in the Botanical Garden Zürich to the south east of the city, the nearest tram stop being Hegibackplatz. As well as the luscious gardens that have some exotic plants, flowers and very interesting medicinal herbs on display, there is also an arboretum on site too. The trees in the arboretum and divine. Set against the Schanzengraben moat, it’s a real treat for any horticulture lovers out there. The whole site is part of the University of Zurich so has many links with the research areas of their study. With over 1.5 million plants it’s certainly a vital part of the city as well as being a beautiful spot to spend an easy day. It’s open between 07.00 and 19.00 on weekdays and 08.00 and 18.00 over the weekend and doesn’t cost a franc to get in.

Senior-friendly hotels in Zurich:

• Hotel Engimatt – 4-star Hotel – Double room from €150.5 per night
• Hotel Opera – 4-star Hotel – Double room from €188 per night
• Claridge Swiss Quality Hotel – 4-star – Double room from €211 per night

Picture of  Zurich, Switzerland, by Beat Küng

Often referred to as ‘downtown Switzerland’ Zurich offers both the pristine landscape that Switzerland is known for and the regular hustle bustle of city life. Rolling green mountains come down to high class shops and bargain markets. Cobbled streets look up at skies bluer than any blue your eyes have seen before. However, for a first time tourist, here is a list of the top five reasons to go to Zurich.

3. Zurich Churches

The twin towers of Grossmünster rise above the smaller, quainter buildings of the city making it the most visible landmark of Zurich. The building, dating back to the twelfth century, sits near the river Limmat. Legend says that Charlemagne had this church built as a choristers’ cloister where he found the graves of Felix and Regula, the martyrs of the city. Huldrych Zwingli, the priest at Grossmünster until 1519 started the Swiss-German reformation from here. Perhaps for this reason, unlike its brethren churches in Europe, the Grossmünster is comparatively austere in décor. Don’t miss the Romanesque crypt, the Reformation museum in the cloister, the Bronze Doors by Munch and the choir window by Giacometti.

Directly across Limmat river stands Fraumünster. Fraumünster was founded by King Louis the German in 853. However, the present structure is from the thirteenth century. The tall slim steeple of the church is visible from far. To mark the founding of the church Paul Bodmer painted a series of frescoes in the cloister. Today Fraumünster is best known for its latest addition ─ the five large stained glass choir windows by Mark Chagall. Red is the Prophets window, Blue the Jacob window, Green is the Christ window, Yellow the Zion window and Blue is the Law window.

St. Peterskirche has a different claim to fame. Its clock face, with a diameter of almost nine meters, is the largest of any other church in Europe. It is Zurich’s oldest parish church. The mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles makes for lovely architecture.

2. Zurich Museums

Zurich has no less than forty five museums! Ever been to a museum that feels like a fairy castle. That is the Swiss National Museum. It is a sprawling museum dedicated to Swiss cultural history. It claims to cover all ages from the pre-historic times to the present. Especially worth viewing are the ancient wheels which were discovered in Zurich, probably the oldest such wheels discovered anywhere. Artifacts from the golden period of chivalry and carved wooden altars and statues make up the Middle Ages exhibit. There is also an impressive collection of Swiss-made arms like old crossbows and swords. The beautiful grounds are the ideal backdrop for several events and exhibitions. During winter they put a skating rink and Christmas trees creating a world truly out of some little girl’s fairy tales book.

Kunsthaus Zurich is the Museum for Modern Art in Zurich. In the official website of the Museum, its director Christoph Becker points to how they have paid special attention to achieving the optimum lighting for each painting that shows the work off at its best. And the results are so great that a visitor does not even notice the effort, only the brilliance of the painting. The museum features some of the best works of the 19th and 20th century art. Rodin, Picasso, Chagall, Monet are all prominent displays. A special place has been given to Alberto Giacometti who was a native Swiss.

Museum Rietberg is dedicated to art from countries outside Europe. There are collections of paintings and graphic art from India, China, Japan, Tibet, Africa and the rest of South East Asia.

The Zurich Toy Museum has on display toys from all over Europe beginning from the eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. In this display you can almost see life in Europe thrugh the two and a half centuries, albeit in miniature. There is everything from doll houses, dolls, trains and steam engines.

3. Zurich Gardens

In a country that can so easily be called a garden on earth can there be any dearth of gardens?

The Botanical Garden houses more than fifteen thousand varieties of plants from all over the world belonging to all different climates. It is affiliated to the University of Zurich.

The Zoological Garden is home to almost 260 species of animals. While most of the landscape is kept as natural as possible there is a very special space within the zoo. Want to experience Madagascar in Switzerland? There is the tropical rain forest hall completely authentic in temperature, plant life and animal life.

4. Zurich Streets and views

To view the city inside out, walk the streets or stand further away to create proper perspective. The cobbled streets of Old Town with all its quaint shops and restaurants seem to be out of another era. Bahnhofstrasse is probably the worlds’ richest street with big banks, expensive boutiques, and high end restaurants. Lake Zurich offers numerous boat rides that start from Burkliplatz and from Uetilberg you can catch a birds’ eye view of the city.

5. Zurich Food

In the home of cheese and chocolate can food not be one of the five reasons to go to Zurich? In terms of stars awarded to restaurants per capita the 2005 the Michelin Guide rates Switzerland second in the world. Eat at the restaurants, go chocolate tasting at the Lindt factory, eat dessert at the several Sprungli stores and remember life doesn’t get any better.

Popular Zurich Hotels on Venere.com:

• Swiss Quality Hotel Ambassador
• Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
• Helmhaus Swiss Quality Hotel

Photo of sky and house in Zurich Old Town by Swisscan

Swissôtel Zürich – Zurich

Book 2 nights at the Swissôtel Hotel in Zurich and save15% on your stay. Book 4 nights and save 20%. Special Hotel Discount valid for a double room (prepaid non refundable).

Seefeld Hotel – Zurich

Special Double Weekend Offer: Book a double room for 3 nights at the 3-star Seefeld Hotel in Zurich city center and get a 30% discount off on the third night.

Hotel Leonardo – Zurich

Book 2 nights at the design Hotel Leonardo and save 10% on your stay in Zurich. Special Discount valid for a double hotel room (prepaid non refundable).

Zurich is considered to be one of the cleanest and most efficient cities in the world. Surprisingly, it has only been within the last 10 to 12 years that the city has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The city’s increasing cosmopolitan population, cultural liberalization, and cuisine have been the key reasons for Zurich’s rise in popularity. However, it is most renowned for being the gateway to Switzerland’s Alps – the home of the finest skiing in all of Europe and quite possibly the entire world. Zurich has been appropriately nicknamed the “portal to the alps”.

The concept of alpine skiing was one of the Alps’ best kept secrets for many years. Only a few people were aware of it but now it has become quite popular with this area being a targeted destination for skiing vacations. Gradually, as more and more tourists started coming to the Alpine ski areas, more lodging facilities began appearing. As a result, the activity grew from a few hundred participants to over 40 million per year. Listed below are 5 of the most popular skiing destinations in and around Zurich.

1. Beckenried

You will find 14 ski lifts here capable of transporting up to 10,000 skiers/snowboarders per hour to 15 pistes and over 40km of downhill skiing. Beckenreid is facilitated by three different airports that are situated within a two hour drive of the resort, with Zurich being an hour away (in good driving conditions).

2. Flumserberg

With 17 ski lifts available, Flumserberg is one of the busier ski resorts situated within an hour’s drive of Zurich – pending good driving conditions. The highest lift takes you up to 2,220m and there are 20km of cross-country trails to choose from.

3. Oberiberg – Ybrig

13 ski lifts, 30km of cross-country trails, and 50km of downhill skiing make this area a desirable skiing destination. It is facilitated by three airports within 2 hours of the resort, Zurich being an hour away based on weather conditions.

4. Andermatt

Four airports within two hours (Zurich within an hour and a half based on driving conditions) facilitate Andermatt. There are 13 ski lifts, 20km of cross-country trails, and 56km of downhill skiing. (NOTE: Rated for intermediate skiers and above)

5. Engelberg

Located within 1.5 hours of Zurich (based on the weather), Engelberg is a premier ski resort with skiing for all levels – beginner, intermediate, and expert. It is rated as 4-star for snowboarding as well. There are 23 lifts, the highest of which tops 3,000m, 41km of cross-country trails, and over 80km of downhill chutes to choose from.

Photo of Flumsrberd, Switzerland, by MuntyPix

Zurich lies in the German part of Switzerland. So along with the famous Swiss chocolates and Swiss cheese the cuisine staples here include things like Rösti (a potato dish similar to hash-browns) and Älplermagronen (meaning an ‘Alpine herdsman’s macaroni this is a meal-in-a-dish, that includes meat, cheese, macaroni and vegetables).

To list the five best places to eat in Zurich is very easy and very difficult at the same time ? both for the same reason. Very easy because there is such a wealth of restaurants to choose from and very tough because how does one shortlist only five out of so many great eateries. I am going to solve the problem by selecting five restaurants from the luxury range, five from the average-price range and five from those that give excellent value for the buck.

Luxury restaurants in Zurich

These restaurants may be a little heavy on the pocket but you can leave them with a heart sans all regret.

• The Restaurant Lindenhofkeller was established in 1860 and has been satisfying hungry stomachs since then. The restaurant is situated high above the Limmat river and has a wonderful view that only compliments the mood created inside. Imagine having the chance to choose from over 600 wines! Of course, if the task seems too tedious the waiters are always ready with recommendations. Everything on the menu is not just mouth watering but of the melt in your mouth variety. Their house specialty that is a must have for all meat lovers is the Zurich style prime veal that comes straight from the oven to your plate.

• Zunfthaus zur Waag is located in the very heart of the city at Münster square in the Guild hall belonging to a guild with the same name. The building dates back to the Biedermeier period and belonged to the wool weavers and hut makers. They not only have an extensive international wine list but they also have a special list of wines from the Lake of Zurich Area. The main menu is enough to write home about but keep enough space in your stomach for dessert. The Chocolate Mousse by famous cake maker Marcel Chardon is extraordinary and there is a good reason why Zunfthaus zur Waag closely guards the secret recipe.

• The Widder Restaurant is situated within the Widder Hotel renowned for its iconoclastic architecture. Though decorated in a rustic style its menu is extremely high-class. The Atelier Gourmet Menu provides an already prepared four or five course meal with wines paired with the food. The general menu however keeps changing almost every week, the constant being the quality.

• Veltliner Keller was originally a wine cellar and has been a restaurant since 1551. It is located in Old Town next to St. Peter’s Church. With an interior carved out of local carve wood grown only in Switzerland, this restaurant serves some great Swiss food. Order the house’s signature dish ?baked macaroni with meat and beef liver cooked slowly in a casserole.

• Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten is one of the architectural showpieces of Zurich. Try the ‘Lake Zurich fish soup’ here.

Average-price restaurants in Zurich

• Alt Züri, started in 1804 as a wine shop, is the oldest restaurant in town. You can taste some great Zurich wines here. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday evenings you can enjoy a performance along with a great dinner.

• Weisser Wind or The Grey Hound is located in a very old building first mentioned in old documents around 1434. The Salmon Trout fillet with Chive sauce and the Zurich style sliced veal are two dishes to keep in mind from their house specialties. This restaurant is closed on Sundays.

• The menu at Alpenrose puts special stress on the freshness of the ingredients it uses. Almost everything comes from local farmers and markets. ‘Älplermakaronen’ (Alpine macaroni) is definitely worth a try.

• Le Dézaley is situated in downtown Zurich. In the German dominated city this is a great place to try some French cuisine.

• FreiEck is a small restaurant with mainly Austrian cuisine. The Schnitzel mit lauwarmen Kartoffelsalat is definitely worth a try.

Value-for-money restaurants in Zurich

• The Swiss Chuchi restaurant offers genuine Swiss cuisine. During summer the restaurant opens up to allow for open air dining on the Hirschenplatz. The menu has traditional dishes like the Adler cheese fondue.

• Weisse Rose is probably Zurich’s smallest restaurant. Dining on traditional Swiss fare on small benches outdoors is an experience not to be missed.

• Kronenhof is a small restaurant located in the Affoltern area of the city.

• Crazy Cow is a trendy little restaurant in the heart of the city popular for, as the name suggests, great beef dishes.

• And to round off the five best places to eat in Zurich list is Zur Schtund, a small bistro. Enjoy a Tarte Flambée in the relaxed atmosphere of this restaurant.

Zurich is often called downtown Switzerland because of the number of restaurants here. Don’t forget to fill up on your visit to this paradise on earth.

Photo of onion soup at Crazy Cow Restaurant, Zurich originally posted by austinevan

During summer, these Zurich badis, offering gorgeous views of the city skyline and water bodies, draw swimmers from all walks of life. An array of recreational facilities, including art galleries, volley ball courts, diving boards, yoga classes, massage services, and much more complements a swimming holiday. In day time, most of the badis serve either men or women but the badis morph into restaurants, open-air cinemas, dance floors and bars; and welcome both genders as the night falls. You can start with any of the five popular badis: Seebad Enge, Oberer Letten, Frauenbadi, Schanzengraben and Strandbad Mythenquaim.

1. Seebad Enge

Set on pontoons floating into the Lake Zurich, is one of the best bathing spots in the city. Seebad on the west bank of the lake has two sections: one for women and other for both genders. Onsite lockers and changing cubicles are a big plus. In winter, Seebad provides sauna facilities.

2. Oberer Letten

On the river bank transforms into a cinema, chic bar and Asian restaurant, Pier West, at night. Here, you can enjoy a swim in rushing water. There is a separate sun roof for ladies but the badi is unsuitable for children.

3. Frauenbadi

A riverside women-only bath house, can accommodate only 150 people. Though you have to walk in barefoot to avoid any damage to wooden planks, house slippers, Finken, can be used to keep your feet warm. The kiosk serves espresso, mineral water, salad and pastries. At night, the badi becomes Barfussbar, which presents variety of cultural events; and provides foot reflexology and Esalen massage services. On Wednesday, you can enjoy comedy programs and reading sessions. Sunday highlight is La Balera, dance on the water.

4. Schanzengraben

Men-only badi on the Schanzengraben canal, doubles as Rimini Bar at night. After a relaxing swim, you can enjoy do-it-yourself (DIY) barbecues with your family and friends in the night. The badi is located between the Old Botanical Garden and the new Stock Exchange.

5. Strandbad Mythenquai

The oldest badi in Zurich, has a paddling pool, self-service restaurant, spa boutique, sandy beach and three diving platforms. Strandbad on the lake is perfect for a family weekend.

Happy swimming!

Picture of Frauenbadi bath house on the Limmat River in Zurich, Switzerland originally posted by schoschie

Where is Sprüngli located?

Situated at the heart of the banking district right at the corner of the Paradeplatz, Sprüngli is considered one of Switzerland’s best pastry shops, chocolatiers, and cafes. A main stop for streetcars, the square is constantly bustling with the traffic of tram-crossings and pedestrians, locals and tourists alike. The paradeplatz is home to two of Switzerland’s largest banks, two of Zurich’s most luxurious hotels, and the center of the main shopping strip in Zurich, the Bahnhofstrasse.

Sprüngli has many locations throughout the city where you can pick up a pastry, a box of their famous chocolates, or any other one of their confections. But their location at the Paradeplatz is the only place with a café on the second story where you can enjoy a breakfast or brunch buffet, or if you prefer something lighter, an a la carte item.

What can I eat here?

The breakfast buffet isn’t overly fussy and serves the basics of a European breakfast including muesli, fresh fruit and orange juice, a variety of breads with butter and jam, croissants, coffee and scrambled eggs. All of these items can be ordered off their menu individually or in smaller combinations. I recommend their quiche (in any variety they have available for the day) which is wonderful any time of the day really. The crust is perfectly flaky and light and the filling is never dry and full of flavor.

Will it fit my budget?

The prices at Sprüngli run quite steep and especially with the Euro so high, the bill might come as a shock to you. Remember to check the menu before you sit down so you aren’t shocked at the end of your meal. If it seems out of reach for your budget, trying one or two items from their shop downstairs might be a better option. On the other hand if price isn’t a concern, definitely make a stop here. Breakfast at Sprüngli is as European as it gets and you will definitely feel like you are a part of the upper crust of European society here.

Can I bring my children?

Because of the location, mornings see the restaurant full of business men and women who are eager to get a head-start on their shopping. The clientèle is mostly adult and because of the atmosphere, kids are far and few in the restaurant. However, if you are toting around your little ones, you can always pick up to-go items in the confectionery on the first floor and have them on the patio chairs outside. Children will love the variety of sweets and you’ll enjoy trying a little bit of everything as well.

Sprüngli offers a chance to truly feel the economic pulse of Zurich and a touch of what life as a successful banker in Switzerland might be like. The food is of the highest caliber and the confections are highly recognized as the cream of the crop. With it’s convenient location, you can head straight for the shopping strip after breakfast and if you enjoyed what you had and want some more, you’re certain to run into another Sprüngli in Zurich before your trip is over.

Photo of Sprungli chocolates originally posted by biskuit

Every year in May, Zurich – which defines itself as the ‘indisputable gay capital of Switzerland’ – is home to Warmer Mai, an important gay and lesbian festival featuring an array of events, art exhibitions, concerts, cabarets, parties, seminars, workshops, and sports activities.

This year’s festival highlights are the Pink Apple gay and lesbian film festival (Apr 30 – May 7, 2008), the “Zürcher Gayball En Robe” dance party held in St. Jakob church (May 3, 2008), “Cheap Blacky” theater performance at Theaterhaus Gessnerallee (May 1, 2008), “Coming Out” theater play at Cabaret Voltaire (May 27, 2008), and last but not least, Carolina Brauckmann lesbian songwriter’s concert at Miller’s Studio (May 28, 2008).

Another major gay event in the city is the CSD Zürich pride organized on a yearly basis since 1994 and open to all LGTB associations. Pursuing the goal of promoting gay and lesbian rights and drawing people’s attention to tolerance issues, Christopher Street Day celebrations (May 30 – June 1, 2008) include a movie evening on Friday, a parade through Zurich city center and many parties on Saturday, as well as a brunch and a church service on Sunday. In addition, in 2009, Zurich will host Europe’s largest LGTB event, the EuroPride 09.

Zurich gay-friendly accommodation on venere.com :

The Hotel Goldenes Schwert is centrally located in Zurich Old Town, a trendy area filled with theaters, cinemas, discos, cafés and restaurants such as Barfüsser, the Europe’s oldest gay bar that has now been converted into a sushi restaurant, or the Labor Bar club with its weekly Sunday Trash Gay and Lesbian party.

Offering comfortable rooms and spacious suites only a few steps from the world-famous Bahnhofstraße and Zurich train station, this gay hotel boasts two nightclubs, as well as the friendly Pigalle bar featuring a summer terrace.

The Hotel Goldenes Schwert is not exactly the ideal place for a relaxing holiday in Switzerland, but it is certainly the perfect spot to experience Zurich gay scene and nightlife.

Picture of the Limmat river, Zurich, Switzerland originally posted by aforero