19/06/2008 Uptight and staid is a common perception of the Swiss. But for every rule there has to be an exception. Welcome to the biggest party city in Switzerland; Zurich
IT’S A FACT!
Zurich is one of the banking capitals of the world, where billions change hands every day.
It’s sited beside a lake, with the crystal clear river Limmat running through the city and making for ideal swimming opportunities.
A natural spa feeds thousands of public drinking fountains throughout the city offering gallons of free Evian!
Zurich is in the German-speaking region of Switzerland, but English is commonly spoken
TONGUE-TIED?
Do you speak English? - Sprechen Sie englisch?
What's your name? - Wie heisst du?
Where is the toilet, please? - Wo befindet sich die Toilette, bitte?
Thanks - Danke
CHECK THIS OUT
Think Zurich and think bankers, suits… and boredom? Think again. The city’s a cultural hotbed with one of the liveliest party scenes in Europe; along with beaches and spas galore on the banks of the city’s lake.
So it might be a banking hub where billions change hands on a daily basis; but come the weekend the suits jump in their Ferraris and head for their Alpine chalets, leaving the city to the hedonists.
As you’d expect there’s Prada, Gucci and all the usual suspects in this city. You’ll find them on Bahnhofstrasse; but the real treasures are to be found around the corner. Every weekend Burkliplatz turns into a sprawling flea market containing every imaginable collectable under the sun. Discover things you need - or never knew you needed in your life before you saw them. Lederhosen? Suits you Sir.
Dada was one of the most important art movements of the last century, paving the way for the contemporary arts scene with its deliberately nonsensical stance. Where was it born? Right here in Zurich! Cabaret Voltaire (Spigelstrasse 1) operates as a shrine to the movement, with a café, shop, exhibition, and performance space dedicated to all things Dada  related (www.cabaretvoltaire.ch/).
To get a flavour of what’s creating waves in the Swiss art scene today, take a short tram ride to Damnweg for the Kunsthalle. A former Lowenbrau Beer brewery has been turned into art central, hosting a maze of galleries with cotemporary and conceptional works. Most are free, but the eight Swiss Francs (£4) that the sizeable Migros Museum charges to view its collection is money well spent. (www.kinsthallezurich.ch/).
Churches might not be your bag, but there’s one that shouldn’t be missed in the city. The Fraumunster at Munsterhof is home to five stained glass windows designed by the Russian-Jewish artist Marc Chagall. Not surprisingly four out of the five deal with issues in the Old Testament, but the Jew had to compromise and concede one to the life of Jesus.
Water prevails in Zurich. The city is built on a lake and a river runs through the centre. The river is crystal clear (a far cry from the Thames) and is almost of drinking quality making it ideal for swimming. Every summer the city residents flock to swimming areas on the river banks and lake. Most of the piers also offer massages and yoga making them an ideal place to detox and clear the head after a big night on the tiles.
SWEAT BOXES
Party zone in Zurich is located on the eastern side of the river Limmat. Narrow streets open up into courtyards populated by all manner of bars and eateries. Do as the locals do and indulge in bratwurst or fondue, before heading to an bar with an oompah band. Bar of the moment is the Moroccan themed, Pur Pur (Seefeldstrasse 9), but it has a rival with Kaufleuten Lounge (Pelikanstrasse 18) which is earning a reputation as celebrity central after playing host to Madonna and Prince.
Cranberry (Metzergasse 3) and BarFusser (Spitalgasse 4) are a popular choice with the gay crowd, before heading to the cavernous club X-Tra (Limmatstrasse 118)
CSD PARTY
London has Pride. But Switzerland and Germany have Christopher Street Day (CSD), with Zurich painted pink on the last weekend in May. Compared to London, it’s a modest affair; with a parade of just 15 floats winding it’s way though the city. But the festival attracts 13,000 up-for-it party people, with entertainment from world class DJs and singers. Ultra Nate headlined this year. (www.csdzurich.ch)
IT’S A DATE
April – On the third Monday of April, locals dress in historical costume and light a firework-filled ‘snowman’ (the boogg) for Sechselauten, to celebrate the end of winter.
June-July – The Zurich Festival is dedicated to the best in performance across the arts, from music to theatre, opera to dance.
 Mid-August – Berlin has the Love Parade. Zurich has the Street Parade, as techno takes over the city for Europe’s largest street party. (www.street-parade.ch )
GET AWAY AND STAY
Swiss International Airlines operate daily flights to Zürich from London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham and Manchester. Fares start from £49 return, including all airport taxes. For reservations call 0845 601 0956 or visit www.swiss.com/uk.
The four-star Ambassador Hotel is the last word in luxury, with grand spacious rooms and plush bathroom. As a bonus for culture vultures, the world famous opera house is just steps away. (www.ambassadorhotel.ch) |
