Things to Know Before You Arrive in Zurich
Switzerland is known for its yodelling milkmaids, winding cuckoo clocks and silky-smooth chocolate, but there's so much more to this country than meets the eye.
With a historic city center, lakes and parks, vibrant bars and restaurants, a big expat population and bustling nightlife, Zurich is a great place for any traveler to spend time. But if you're planning to visit Switzerland, there are some things you need to know before you arrive.
1. Getting There
If you’re planning on visiting Zurich, there are some things that you should know before you arrive. They can help you save money, stay safe, and enjoy your trip more!
Despite being one of the most expensive cities in Europe, you can still experience the best of Zurich without breaking the bank. Thankfully, the city’s streamlined transit system, efficient transportation options and free activities make it easy to get around.
The city’s public transport network, known as the VBZ, includes trams, trains, buses and cable cars that connect all of Zurich’s neighborhoods. Tickets can be purchased at a ticket office or automatic ticket machine.
Taxis are another option, although they can be a bit pricey. If you’re staying at a hotel that offers a shuttle bus, this is an ideal way to avoid the expense of getting a taxi into town.
It’s worth spending time exploring the historic districts of Old Town and the Schipfe district, where you can find narrow backstreets full of quaint shops and restaurants. There’s also a wide range of traditional German-style eateries in Old Town, serving up dishes like “Nach Zurcher art” (Zurich-style sliced veal in gravy) and rosti.
You can also take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich or the Limmat River. These waterways are a must-visit in Zurich and add to the city’s appeal. You can explore the lake’s shoreline, check out its famous landmarks and even take a silent disco cruise!
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Switzerland has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Zurich airport will cost about 18 euros per day, in Basel Airport - about 19 euros per day.
2. Languages
If you’re planning on visiting Zurich, it’s important to know what languages are spoken. There are four official languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
The national language of Switzerland is German, which is the sole official language in 17 cantons and co-official with French in three more. However, Swiss people don’t necessarily speak German as their first language. Instead, they speak a variety of varieties of “Swiss German” that are different from standard German.
This makes it difficult for visitors to understand what’s being said, especially if they don’t speak German. It’s best to learn some basic vocabulary before you arrive in Zurich so that you can be able to communicate effectively with locals and make the most of your time there.
In addition to the national languages, Swiss people also speak several regional languages. They do this to help maintain their distinct identity in a country that is multilingual.
It’s also a way to ensure that they are able to read product labels in the supermarket, stay informed about what’s going on in their region, and communicate with locals without having to rely on a foreign language. The most common regional languages in Switzerland include English, German, and French.
Swiss people are also known to have a strong sense of belonging towards their home canton. This is why they call themselves either Zurcher (for those in the German-speaking region), Basler, or Berner. They’re proud of their heritage, culture, and history. This is often reflected in their attitudes towards people from other regions.
3. Budget
Switzerland is known for being one of the most expensive places in Europe, but if you’re prepared to make some smart choices, you can still have a great time without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your money in Zurich while staying within your budget.
A good place to start is your housing expenses. Although average rent in Zurich is a bit higher than the global average, you can still get a comfortable living situation by planning carefully and finding an apartment that fits your needs.
If you’re traveling in a group, look for an apartment near public transport zones to save on travel costs. Alternatively, some expats choose to live in residential areas and commute by bicycle.
Another cost that can be significant is food and drink. You’ll pay high prices for sodas, bottled water, and cocktails at restaurants. A better option is to bring your own reusable bottle and fill it up with tap water in cafes and at fountains throughout the city.
In addition, if you’re shopping in the city, try to shop locally. There are many shops that sell Swiss-made products. These are usually quite affordable, especially if you’re willing to spend a little more than usual on your purchase.
Finally, be sure to set some money aside in case of unforeseen emergencies or costs. This will ensure that you have funds to fall back on if things go wrong during your trip.
4. Transportation
The city of Zurich offers an expansive, reliable, and affordable public transportation system that’s easy to use. Whether you’re in town for an extended stay or on a short trip, you should consider using the city’s trams and buses.
You can also get around the city by bike, as Zurich is a fairly bike-friendly city. You can rent bikes from many rental stands throughout the city (see a list of them below), and you can even rent e-bikes for a small fee.
If you’re looking for a unique way to see the sights of Zurich, a boat ride on Lake Zurich is definitely worth considering! You can purchase a ticket online or from one of the many shops in the city center.
Another great option for getting a great view of Zurich is Lindenhof Hill, which provides panoramic views of the city’s landmarks across the Limmat River. The hill isn’t as high as some other Swiss mountains, but it does offer spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.
It’s also an enjoyable place to walk and take photos, so it’s definitely worth visiting!
While you’re in the city, don’t miss Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets. It’s an iconic area in the heart of downtown and a must-visit for visitors to Switzerland.
5. Weather
Weather in Zurich is a little bit variable, so it’s always best to keep an eye on the forecast. The city is not known for its extremes, but the summers can be humid and hot.
The winters can be cold and snowy, but they also offer some great opportunities for ice-skating and other winter sports. December is a particularly festive time in Zurich with lots of Christmas markets, and it’s also one of the best times to visit the city if you love to go skiing or snowboarding.
March is the earliest month to see spring weather, but it can still be cold. Dress in layers, with a woolen hat, scarf and gloves to combat the chilly temperatures.
Temperatures in the spring and early summer tend to be mild, but they can vary a lot from day to day. Bring a rainproof jacket and waterproof footwear if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, especially if you want to explore the lakes and mountains around the city.
Weather forecasts are usually released up to 48 hours in advance of severe weather events, and warnings are issued if weather conditions are expected to be very bad. Depending on the severity of the weather, we will issue orange, red and violet warnings. The orange level is for a moderate severe weather event, while the red and violet levels are for severe weather.
6. Safety
Zurich is a city that is very safe for tourists, especially in the downtown areas and railway stations. It is also a city that is very well connected to other cities and countries in Europe.
One thing that you should keep in mind while traveling to Zurich is the safety of your belongings. It is not uncommon for pickpocketing to occur in crowded places, so it is always important to stay aware of your belongings and watch out for suspicious individuals.
Another safety measure that you should take is to avoid communicating with strangers in a public place. This is because there are a number of terrorists in the world who target public places, so you should stay away from them at all costs.
You should also stay away from beggars. Although they are not usually looking to steal from you, they can become very aggressive if you do not keep your distance from them.
Finally, you should be careful while driving in Zurich as there are many speed cameras around the city and traffic fines can be very high. Be sure to stop at yellow lights when possible.
Zurich is an amazing city to visit and is very safe for visitors, however there are some things that you should keep in mind before you arrive. These tips will help you to enjoy your trip to Zurich and make the most of your time in this beautiful city.