Zurich guide | Zurich attractions and things to do

About Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, clocking in with almost 400,000 residences and nearly 1 million in the city limits and surrounding area. However, contrary to popular belief, it is not the capital city.

The city has been around since before 2 AD, however this was the first time a name was mentioned for the city; Turicum. Turicum began as a collection point for taxes on trafficked goods in the surrounding areas. Around 835AD, a Carolingian castle was built and an abbey soon after. Thus, the beginning of Zurich was born.

Zurich is known for its quality of life. Contrary to what many think, it has a nice climate that ranges between 9 and 29 degrees Celsius (50 to 85 Fahrenheit) throughout the year. It is also considered one of the planet's most international cities. Most citizens can speak several tongues including German, Italian, English and French. The city has long been known for these cultural touches and its clean, efficient manner, however, in recent years it has become an extremely popular European center thanks to the heavy emphasis on these societal aspects plus the additions of party hot spots and gastronomic delights. Guests are also recommended to bring a pretty penny to spend on Swiss watches, chocolates and even Swiss Army Knives!

Things to do in Zurich 

Our mini-guide to what's on in Zurich lists the top events in 2008 in a handy Zurich Calendar format. If you take your short break in Zurich, Switzerland when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Zurich.

January: CSI Zurich - Hallenstadion goes buck wild with cheers during its annual international equestrian event, the CSI Zurich. Over 42,000 visitors come to see the world's top riders and their horses compete. CSI runs on Thursdays through to Sunday but times and admission prices vary.

February: Zurich Carnival Procession - The center of Zurich becomes filled with floats and dressed up participants during this annual carnival parade that traipses all around the town each February. Post-parade activities include traditional guggen sounds at the Guggen Monster Concert and a masked ball in a tent that is pitched in Munsterhof square. Hours and admissions vary to event.

March: Opera Ball - The Zurich Opera House hosts its annual ball which features international opera stars as entertainment. This high society event includes only the finest of attire, a four course meal and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Dinner admission is around SFr900 and dancing only is about SFr280. Hours run from approximately 6:00pm through 4:00am the following morning.

April: Sechselauten (Six Chimes) - The Swiss introduce the fresh summer months annually with a burning of the Boogg, a straw item that symbolizes the cold season. Six Chimes kicks off with a parade of thousands of children followed by a second parade the following day that includes almost 8,000 participants, 500 horses and 28 orchestras. Following the big parade, everybody makes their way to the Sechselautenwies in front of the Opera house to see the Boogg go up in flames at 6:00pm, the signal that summer has nearly begun.

May: Zurich's Medieval Festival - Each May Zurich becomes a makeshift medieval village filled with jugglers, fools, court jesters, swordfighters, dancers, minstrels, acrobats and more! The festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Most events are free of charge.

June: Zurich Pride - All of Zurich puts on their party hats and dancing shoes for this outrageous festival. The crazy crowd rallies at Helvetiaplatz for a speech on equal rights and tolerance to all, a shining example of the city's pride in their liberal culture. A parade kicks off the partying at 2:00pm and from there on many clubs, bars and restaurants participate with free concerts into the next morning.

July: Zurich Festival - First held in 1997, the Zurich Festival is increasingly gaining interest each year and is sure to become one of Europe's largest performing arts fests very soon. This fest takes place from June through July. Hours, venues and admission vary from event to event.

August: Zurich Street Parade - Modeled after the infamous Berlin Love Parade, this street parade attracts nearly half a million people to the streets of Zurich. There are plenty of pre and post-parade activities throughout the city that include drinking, dancing and merrymaking from around 1:00pm and onward. Admission is free.

September: Circus Monti - The Circus Monti makes their annual stop in Zurich each September. The circus boasts performers from countries all over the world including Sweden, Italy, Guatemala and Finland. The Circus Monti sets up the big top at Kaserne. The show starts at roughly 8:15pm. Admissions costs vary.

October: European Biggest Pumpkin Championship - Zurich's Jucker Farmart AG comes alive each October for the biggest pumpkin challenge. The largest pumpkins all over the world come to compete but beware. Competition is heavy, literally. The winning pumpkin from last year weighed in at 534 kilograms! Admission is free. The competition begins at noon.

November: Raben-Chilbi Turnip Festival - Zurich goes back to its roots, quite literally, each November to host Europe's largest turnip festival. Tens of thousands of turnips are carved into lanterns to guide the way for the big festival parade. There is also music, entertainment and many turnip entrees for those with a hungry belly. The Turnip Fest takes place at Richterswil and the parade begins at around 6:30pm. Admission is free.

December: Whiskyship Festival - Every December the Burkiplatz holds Zurich's anticipated whisky fest where drinking and cigar smoking is certainly encouraged. Nearly 650 different types of alcohols can be found here. Tickets are required and cost approximately SFr18. Whiskyship is open from Thursday through Friday and Saturday through Sunday.

Zurich Airport

The Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest and busiest in all of Switzerland. Following along with the Swiss tradition of efficiency, the airport is a simple 10 minute ride into Zurich and nearly every hotel provides a shuttle bus to and fro for their guests.