With a 2008 population of 361,000, Zurich is Switzerland's largest city. Located in the northern part of the country where the River Limmat exits Lake Zurich, the city is Switzerland's main cultural and commercial center and is referred to as the Cultural Capital of Switzerland.
In recent years, Zurich has consistently ranked amongst the top in cities with the best quality of life. It is also the wealthiest city in Europe as well as in 2009 the sixth most expensive city in the world.
Zurich has a well preserved old town, which takes root on both sides of the river. There are many winding streets with countless points of interest in this area. Starting at the main train station and extending down to the lake is the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the longest, most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in Switzerland. Along the way is Paradeplatz, a famous square which is a great place for cafes and fine chocolate. There is also a massive new shopping area in the southern end of town called Sihlcity which features an entertainment complex, restaurants, clubs and movie theaters. Also in the city is a wonderful zoo, complete with a new outdoor lion enclosure and an enclosed tropical rainforest.
There is much culture in the city, amongst which includes over 50 museums, many interesting historic buildings and churches, and Lindenhof hill which is the site of a Roman and medieval castle. There are also many festivals held throughout the year, with the most famous festival in Zurich being the Street Parade, a huge technoparade occurring on the second Saturday in August.
With the straight-laced reputation of the Swiss, it may be surprising to some that there is a burgeoning nightlife in Zurich, much of it centering around the lake shore, and expanding considerably lately as a result of a recent easing of restrictions. Zurich also has a well-known red light district.
In recent years, Zurich has consistently ranked amongst the top in cities with the best quality of life. It is also the wealthiest city in Europe as well as in 2009 the sixth most expensive city in the world.
Zurich has a well preserved old town, which takes root on both sides of the river. There are many winding streets with countless points of interest in this area. Starting at the main train station and extending down to the lake is the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the longest, most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in Switzerland. Along the way is Paradeplatz, a famous square which is a great place for cafes and fine chocolate. There is also a massive new shopping area in the southern end of town called Sihlcity which features an entertainment complex, restaurants, clubs and movie theaters. Also in the city is a wonderful zoo, complete with a new outdoor lion enclosure and an enclosed tropical rainforest.
There is much culture in the city, amongst which includes over 50 museums, many interesting historic buildings and churches, and Lindenhof hill which is the site of a Roman and medieval castle. There are also many festivals held throughout the year, with the most famous festival in Zurich being the Street Parade, a huge technoparade occurring on the second Saturday in August.
With the straight-laced reputation of the Swiss, it may be surprising to some that there is a burgeoning nightlife in Zurich, much of it centering around the lake shore, and expanding considerably lately as a result of a recent easing of restrictions. Zurich also has a well-known red light district.
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