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The cleanliness, the efficiency and the crispness of Zürich seems to represent
everything a Swiss city ought to be. Its financial centre is one of the most
impressive and powerful in the world, representing the wealth and business
acumen of many of its inhabitants, and the stylish hotels and restaurants – as
well as their high prices – also seem to reflect a certain standard of living
which places itself a cut above the rest of Europe. Whilst Zürich may have
once been defined solely in terms of its cleanliness and seeming perfection, it
has now earned itself a slightly edgier reputation for having an excellent range
of classy bars and clubs, as well as a buzzing atmosphere which pulses through
city days and nights of Zürich. Whilst it is still a challenge to find any of
the usual city vices – graffiti, drunks, the occasional cigarette or chewing gum
mark on the floor – Zürich has certainly become more than its limiting first
impression.
It is also a city crammed with culture. The Kunsthaus is one of the world’s
most prominent art galleries with continually updated exhibitions and a
wonderful collection of works by Alberto Giacometti. The Grossmünster and the
Fraumünster are both worth a visit, the former for its eventful and dramatic
history and the latter for the stained glass windows in the choir designed by
Marc Chagall.
For travellers on a budget Zürich is a challenge even by usual Swiss
standards but there are ways round the expense. Student tickets are available
for all galleries and museums and there are a few hostels available for online
bookings as well as the ZicZac Rock-Hotel – a trendy and friendly establishment
offering very reasonably priced accommodation. For
cheap
hotels you might want to check out lastminute.com.
Wherever you go in Switzerland it pays to have decent
travel insurance
cover from a recognised provider like AA Travel. |
