Insider tips for Zurich from locals

Planning a weekend in Zurich and looking for the best insider tips for the city on the Limmat? Then I've got the perfect mix for your short vacation here, with tips from locals and the most important sights of Zurich!

-> Food guide for Zurich with tips from breakfast to bar.

A detour to the Sihl (the lesser-known tributary of the Limmat), a few parallel streets to the west of Bahnhofstrasse. Here you can take a leisurely stroll or unwind after an exciting day of shopping or sightseeing in the city.

In general, it's worth it in Zurich not to just follow the larger and more famous streets, but to simply stray from the path and take a turn into a small side street or alley - you'll discover something different everywhere and experience the city's uniqueness.

...holidays, freedom, and fresh air. Despite being an internationally recognized metropolis, one feels like they are on vacation (even on a workday) when gazing over the lake and seeing the mountains in the distance.

Its friendliness and tranquility. People greet and acknowledge each other very pleasantly at all times. Even in supermarkets during shopping ('poschte'). The 'speed' that Zurich residents are known for in Switzerland is, by German standards, a relaxed calm and inner tranquility - which surprisingly you also adopt after a while (something I never would have believed).

...the tram, on foot, by bike, or in the summer with a rickshaw (with a very entertaining and informative city tour). A car is only suitable for locals and those who have parking. Since parking fees are VERY high, parking garages are very tight, and everything is full on weekends.

By train and the S-Bahn, you can get to the center of Zurich in 10 minutes for CHF 3.30 (Euro 2.70). Quite a bargain, even for Swabians.

A Cervelat with Bürli (sausage with bread roll) at Bellevue from Sternengrill (again, not cheap) or a pretzel from Brezelkönig for about CHF 3.50 without toppings (Euro 2.85), with salami or ham just under CHF 7.- (Euro 5.75 - at this price, many might be taken aback).

You can find good food everywhere! Unfortunately, it's not very cheap. Typical specialties like Zurich-style sliced veal with rösti are available at Zeughauskeller, but it is usually very busy there. As a tip, there's the Odeon at Bellevue, where the prices for local dishes are 'more reasonable' and one eats at an 'intellectual meeting point'.

Celebrities like Thomas Mann, Albert Einstein, Max Frisch, and Friedrich Dürrenmatt were often seen there in the past. Afterward, make sure to stop by Sprüngli to pick up the famous 'Luxemburgerli' or go to Cakefriends for 'Zvieri' (afternoon snack or coffee and cake). The cream cakes are unbeatable.

In nice weather, naturally by Lake Zurich! Simply breathtaking and perfect for unwinding, even if you only have a short time. Around the lake, there are opportunities everywhere to relax on a bench watching the swans and ducks or to lay on the grass and enjoy the weather, often with pleasant background music from street musicians.

In bad weather or winter, the thermal bath in Hürlimann-Areal is the place to relax. The highlight is the rooftop pool - with indescribable views over Zurich (fantastic even at night). There you have an amazing view over the city with the mountains in the distance.

The nights in Zurich are long, and you can party everywhere. Impressive places include the Barefoot Bar on the Limmat. As the name suggests, you have to leave your shoes at the front.

At Bauschänzli. Good, generous food & drinks. Acceptable prices for tourists (in the self-service area). The beer garden on the peninsula by the Limmat offers - as almost everywhere in Zurich - a great view towards the lake, mountains & the city with its typical church towers that shape the city's silhouette.

The city's landmark is the 'Grossmünster', the two large towers that watch over Zurich, the 'Fraumünster Church', which one must definitely visit (for free) - even if you're not culturally enthusiastic, the view of the rear part of the church, with the famous Chagall windows (visible ONLY from inside) and the 'Paul and Peter Church' a bit further back, with the largest clock face in Europe, is worth it.

Afterward, one should get a day ticket for public transport, which also allows you to take the boat along the Limmat & explore the city from the water.

Every morning when I cross the General-Guisan Bridge. At that moment, I feel at home and still admire the beautiful city after over 6 years and I'm glad to call it my home.

The legendary Zürifäscht. Unfortunately, only every 3 years, always on the first weekend of July, from Friday evening to Sunday. In 2013, there were record-breaking 2.3 million visitors. Despite incredibly many people, who spread out surprisingly well (except directly after the fireworks), it's a city festival that one should experience at least once.

Now, in addition to the annual program of events like wakeboard shows on the Limmat, a high-wire act from a church tower over the Limmat to the Grossmünster (even at night with floodlights) and the impressive flight show of the Swiss Air Force 'Patrouille Suisse', there's also a hip-hop festival and the famous Caliente (Latin festival).

Many thanks to Julie and Flo, who have lived in Zurich for 10 years and, like me, are from Heilbronn.

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