Switzerland, a dream destination for many. Likewise it was for us too till a few summers back. Hence after a night out, when our cab picked us up very early from our hotel, we were still excited. Barcelona looked beautiful before dawn. And this was the parting shot from a city we fell in love with. A Barcelona sunrise that we would never forget as we boarded our flight to Zürich. Check out with us what you could do on your first day in Zürich, the charming capital city.
Barcelona Airport
The Vueling flight touched down in Zürich at its scheduled time of 9 AM. As the luggage formalities didn’t take much time, we were soon on our way to the airport train station. Our destination Bahnhofplatz, Zürich HB Main Station.
First Day in Zürich – Airport to City Center
Zürich Airport
Trains run daily from Zürich Airport to Zürich Main Station every 5–10 minutes between 5 am and midnight. In addition, the S-Bahn lines S2 and S16, as well as various regional trains transport guests swiftly to Zürich Main Station at the city center in just 10 minutes. Buses too are available outside the terminal and take around the same time. Moreover you could also avail a relaxed tram ride which takes around 35 minutes. Check out all the information on Zürich Airport to Zürich Main Station.
Best way to go around in Zürich
Bahnhofplatz, Zürich Main Station
The Zürich Card allows unlimited 2nd class travel around Zürich and nearby areas for either 24 or 72 hours. One pass covers a multitude of transport options. Travel by Zürich train, tram, bus and cableway and enjoy a lake cruise as well as a Limmat river cruise. Your ride on the train from the airport to the main station is also included. Further you are also entitled to a free or reduced admission to 43 museums, a 50% discount on the Zürich Old Town Walking Tour and much more. We decided to go in for the 72 hour card for the two of us. And a Day Pass for our last day.
Our Stay- Hotel Olympia
We took the Tram 3 from the central station to reach our hotel. Hotel Olympia located on Badenerstrasse 324 is a nice small 3* property in a residential area. It is connected well to the city center. The bus and tram stop is located just outside and the reception extremely traveler friendly.
A nice continental breakfast spread for an addition payment of CHF 16.50 per person and in the evening you can enjoy your favorite drink in their bar. Furthermore the rooms are special with the best part being the windows. We were lucky to check in early at 12 noon without any additional payment as the room was available after an early check-out by a guest.
Reception
The Breakfast restaurant
Spacious and clean room
The view from our room
First Day in Zürich. Exploring the City Center
Paradeplatz
We took tram 2 from our hotel to reach Paradeplatz which is a square at Bahnhofstrasse. It’s considered as the most expensive real estate destination in town. The Swiss Banks UBS and Credit Suisse are headquartered here.
A walk on Bahnhofstrasse Street to Lake Zürich
Bahnhofstrasse Street is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. It is home to brands like Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada and many others. This street starts at the central train station (Hauptbahnhof) and ends near Lake Zürich. Let’s take this walk to lake.
Visit the Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster Church
Visit the Bürkliplatz Flea Market
Bürkliplatz & Lake Zürich
Bürkliplatz is the town square named after Arnold Bürkli. It is one of nodal points of public transportation and of the lake shore promenades. You have enough around to spend hours relaxing by the lake. Experience a bit here.
Take a boat ride on Lake Zürich
Spend a few hours at Bürkliplatz Park
Rest a while. Freshen up
We were back at our hotel. It hardly took us 20 mins to get back using Tram 2. It had started drizzling a bit and Zurich in the night looked beautiful. But we were hoping for the weather to change as the evening progressed. For a taste of nightlife here in Zürich.
Zürich Nightlife
Zürich’s nightlife is renowned for offering the most colorful choice of parties in the whole of Switzerland. And Langstrasse, the most popular entertainment district. We are right now in the thick of action. At Mascotte Club. Our Zürich Card entitled us to a free entry. We spent a while before moving on. Get a feel.
Mascotte Club
Ole Ole Bar, our next stop
A walk down the streets of Langstrasse
Before moving back
For a quiet dinner in our hotel neighborhood
First Day in Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich. It was the first taste of our dream destination for years. And the day turned out to be a great start. There were many dreamy days that followed. Will be back soon with some truly beautiful experiences of Zürich & Switzerland. Till then stay safe, stay happy.
I LOVE seeing your travels! <3 Especially as I am in lockdown right now! I am SO happy that you are still seeing the world and discovering new places
Thank you Laura.
I have read about the beauty of Zurich Lake prior to reading this post and you confirm what I had understood before. I am looking forward to visiting myself and would also love to check out the park you visited. Zurich is an example of a lovely city with natural beauty close by.
Yes Nicole Zurich is certainly worth visiting for a few days.
Zurich sounds like a good destination to add to my list. I love reading other people’s travel experience and it sounds like you had a great time.
Zurich looks like such an incredible place to visit – there seems to be something for everyone. Your hotel is really nice. I think a lot of people make the mistake of only giving 4* and 5* hotels a chance, but there are some GREAT locations that are rated 3* and will exceed your expectations while also saving you a little money. What’s not to love about that?
I am looking forward to traveling again, and Switzerland has always been at the top of my travel bucket list. You’ve given me a great place to start with this post too! Your informative posts always make planning a trip so much easier.
Wow love your photos. How detailed is your review – very useful. Switzerland Zurich looks amazing and we can’t wait to travel again x
I loved it in Zurich. Switzerland is overall a very welcoming and exciting place, I enjoyed it there enough to want to come back. Your first day sounds lovely