Zurich is one Cool City
As we continue to explore Europe, we are introduced to new cities that can easily be included in our list of European cities we think you should visit. Similar to rating fashion and music, the criteria used to determine a city’s coolness factor is purely subjective and will ultimately be impacted by one’s experience – who you travel with, what you do, when you do it and what type of weather you have during your visit.
It only took a few minutes for us to connect with Zurich. It has a lot of similarities to our hometown Vancouver, with its waterfront parks and close proximity to snow-capped peaks and endless outdoor adventure.
However, unlike Vancouver, Zurich is loaded with historical buildings and remarkable classical architecture. We found ourselves constantly reaching for our camera, snapping photos of virtually every building in Zurich’s Old Town. Though the rumors are true – Zurich is crazy expensive – it is an attractive, energetic city that should be included on any itinerary to Switzerland.
Below are a few photos from our time in Zurich.
The Grossmünster cathedral dominates the cityscape of Old Town Zurich
Baby B’s curiousity has been at an all time high during this trip to Europe
Waterfront buildings on the Limmat River. If you plan to visit Zurich, we recommend you stay within walking distance to the Old Town (it’s the most attractive part of the city). You can find hotel reviews and deals for Zurich by visiting sites like Trivago.com.
The warm evening sun splashes on the backside of the Grossmünster
The peculiar Ganymede Statue on the waterfront near Bürkliplatz
We thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor restaurant culture in Zurich. We didn’t have to walk very far before stumbling on an inviting patio that served cold beer
Strolling down the shaded paths on the city’s lakeshore
When the sun comes out, the locals flock to the lake to swim, socialize and get noticed. It was a hazy day, but if you look at the horizon you can see the mighty Swiss Alps
Hanging out with 1,000 of our closest friends! This beach park (I believe its called Arboretum?) reminded of us Kitsilano in Vancouver. It was insanely busy that sunny Sunday afternoon.
Party-goers chill out on boats and floating docks as music vibrates and echoes off the active lake – it’s the place to be on a hot summer day!
Taking in the city sights with Baby B
The quiet streets of downtown Zurich as the morning sun wakes up the city
A river boat floats down the Limmat River
River boat tour – an easy and inexpensive way to see the city and lake
Of course, no city can officially claim cool status without a little protesting!
Colourful shopping strip in downtown Zurich
Kayakers playing in the Limmat River
Streetcar arriving at the bustling Paradeplatz
Have you visited Zurich? What did you think of it?
Share your experience in the comments section below, we’d love to read about it!
Many thanks to our travel partner Rail Europe. Travelling by train is the best way to see the wonders of Europe, and with Rail Europe you can see 22 countries and 25,000 destinations on over 11,000 different routes. Learn more – www.RailEurope.com.au
Cameron and Nicole Wears are a Canadian couple and newbie parents living in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. A passion for travel and outdoor adventure has taken them to over 65 countries & territories on 6 continents in the past 7 years. Consider following us via 
I love the architecture of Europe…I’m looking forward to spending a few months in Zurich and exploring Switzerland
Have fun! Where else will you travel aside from Zurich?
I’ve been 3 or 4 times to Zurich and never really liked it that much, always just used it as a base for my travels around Switzerland. I’m more a fan of Bern or Luzern or Geneva
We also used it as a base to travel to Liechtenstien and Luzern, but we had a different experience. Travel can be so unpredictable at times!
Nice explorations Cam, and baby B is a trooper! Looks like you’ve included him into your travel style seamlessly!
cheers, Priyank
Thanks Priyank! Yes, he certainly is a trooper. It took him a few days to adjust but we think he had a good time.
Lovely photos and so glad you had a great time! Zurich was ok when I went earlier this year, but for the money, within Western Europe, I enjoy cities in France much more–Swiss food with few exceptions was disappointing and ironically (for a country with an image as pristine, pure, etc.) there were tons of people smoking. If I go back to Switzerland I’d definitely like to try Geneva and also get up to Interlaken.
We had similar observations Hilary. When we first stepped off the train at the Haupbahnhof we were surprised at how many people were smoking – and indoors too!? But that can be said for most of Europe. It seems they are behind on the realization that smoking kills.
I agree with you that for the price (we saw a Big Mac combo for roughly $15 CDN!) there are better options in Europe. We prefer Germany to Switzerland… so stay tuned for more posts and photos from our time there. Nevertheless, we still think Zurich is one cool city!
Beautiful shots! I’m disappointed I won’t be able to see more than the airport and train station when we head that way in October. It’s just a connection as we head up to Bern for a week with friends. Next visit I’ll have to schedule some time in though, just not when it’s me traveling alone with my 2 little guys
Despite spending a semester in Switzerland a long time ago I have never seen anything of Zurich. It does look lovely but the high prices scare me off. I never think of it in terms of having lakes for kayaking & swimming. Interesting.
Hope Baby B is a really good traveler.
Just now I’m watching the city Zurich of Switzerland. It’s like a sweet dream, which i want to visit. and thanks for excellent pictures.
Hello! I’m new to blogland; just found your blog and enjoyed it. I haven’t been to Zurich. Thanks for making me travel there variously through your lovely photos. It’s a much more beautiful than I thought. Your baby seems like he’s born to travel:) Looking forward to exploring more of your blog.
Such a beautiful place this Zurich. You have captured the essence of the place very beautifully. I have been to Zurich once but it was winter then.
Looks like a really cool city! We only made it to Bern and Grindelwald last year but plan to head back to Switzerland for 10 days or so over Easter…will have to put Zurich on our list.
Just seeing your photos, it makes me more enthusiastic to visit Zurich. Though I know it is expensive, I know I will have blast in visiting this historical place.
Zurich is a good hub when visiting Switzerland, but it is not on my must-see list when people seek my advice on where they go when visiting Switzerland. BUT, Switzerland in general is clean, pristine, and beautiful, so I would never tell someone not to travel to Zurich. Looks like you guys had a great time!
I had no idea that the Swiss loved the beach so much! HA! It’s been a few years since I’ve been there but I never went to Zurich. I loved hiking in the mountains though. Great photos!
We were just in Lucerne last week! I loved Switzerland – except for the prices of everything. The price to eat out was just ridiculous.
As a native Zuricher now residing in Canada, I am happy to see that you enjoyed my hometown, and will admit getting a bit homesick at the sight of your excellent pictures – many thanks for sharing!
I have to say that the skiing 90min outside Vancouver is at least as good as that 90min outside Zurich, though!
There are some beautiful little places to explore along the lake in Zurich, we took the boat/s-bahn and spent half a day exploring little villages around the lake. Also the windows inside the Fraumünster church are just spectacular
You guys had a really great weather day it looks like. I have been to Zurich a few times and actually do like it a lot. However every time it has been cold, overcast and/or raining.
I have a bit of an odd imagination and just see seal lions on the docks in San Fran when I look at the sunbather pictures.
Wow these photos of Zurich are simply awesome. We (family) have yet to visit Switzerland but hope to next year. Hope we can get some amazing photos like these
I haven’t explore Europe that much, this was the first time I heard about Zurich City. I would like to see the place and try kayak at that lake.
It is an amazing city – I was in other in the country, but Zurich is on my list of places to visit.
Lovely photos too, I loved them!