Zürich
Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and one of the most important financial centres in Europe. With a population of over 400,000 people, Zürich is located in the northern part of Switzerland, on the banks of the Limmat River. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Swiss Alps visible in the distance, and its thriving cultural scene. Zürich is home to several museums, art galleries, and theatres, as well as a vibrant nightlife. The city is also a hub for business and innovation, with a strong focus on banking, finance, and technology. Zürich is home to several international organizations and is a centre of education and research, with several universities and research institutions. The city is located at the centre of Switzerland's excellent transport network, making it easy to explore other parts of the country, including the nearby Lake Zürich and the Swiss Alps.
Don't worry, be happy!
Zurich is considered to be one of the happiest cities in the world!
Is Zürich Street Parade the biggest in the world?
The Zürich Switzerland Street Parade Festival is the biggest techno and electronic music festival on the planet. 1,000 people joined the first parade in 1992. In 2023, an incredible crowd of 920,000 partied in the streets—the largest turnout since 2018’s festival.
Hydration Haven: Zürich's Abundance of Clean Water
Zürich has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world! In fact, there are over 1,200 drinking fountains across the city.
Population
As of 2023, the metropolitan area population of Zürich is 1,432,000. Of course, this number is constantly changing.
Local Attractions
Fraumünster - Fraumünster Stadthausquai 19 8001 Zürich | within city centre
The Fraumünster (Church of Our Lady) is a sight you won’t miss when in Old Town, due to the famous blue spire that rises from the top of the church.
The interior is reminiscent of Roman architecture, with a Gothic touch. Don’t miss the stained-glass windows, which were constructed by infamous artist Marc Chagall.
Zürich Opera House - Sechseläutenpl. 1, 8008 Zürich | 1.5km from city centre
The Zürich Opera has existed within this neoclassical building since 1891 and has housed many famous poets, playwrights, and musicians. Mozart, Wagner, and Shakespeare are just some of the names on exhibit, as well as shows and performances available, including Ballet.
Uetliberg - Uetliberg, 8143 Stallikon | 5.9km from city centre
This local mountain is a great spot to take in the panoramic views of Lake Zürich, the Alps, and the rest of Zürich. It’s easily reached any time of the year, but it’s advised you visit in the spring when the flowers are blossoming, and the weather is crisp!
FIFA World Football Museum - FIFA Museum, Seestrasse 27, 8002 Zürich | 1.8km from city centre
This museum is paradise for any football/sport lover and is spread over three floors!
It holds over 1,000 exhibits, including items from the first ever World Cup tournament in 1930.
Air and Rail Connections
Flughafen Zürich (Zürich Airport)
Zürich Airport (Flughafen Zürich) is the largest international airport of Switzerland and the principal hub of Swiss International Air Lines.
Zürich Centraal Station - Zürich HB, Bahnhofpl, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich Hauptbahnhof (often shortened to Zürich HB, or just HB; Zürich Main Station or Zürich Central Station) is the largest railway station in Switzerland and one of the busiest in Europe.
Housing and living costs
Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.
- 1 bedroom – 1,265 euros
- 2 bedroom – 1,415 euros
- 3 bedroom – 1,650 euros
For further information, click here.
To calculate Swiss tax click here.
For information about the Swiss tax system click here.
International Education
Inter-Community School Zürich
This fully accredited school is the only school in Zürich offering the IB programme for all years.
International School Zürich North
This school is the only one in Zürich that has a combination of the IB curriculum and the British national curriculum.
Activities
Seebad Utoquai - Utoquai 50, 8008 Zürich | 1.8km from city centre
This wooden ‘Bathing Palace’ on the lakeside has diving boards, plus rafts anchored in the lake to which you can swim. Additionally there are pools for non-swimmers, a sauna and a restaurant.
Solar System Walk - Wolframpl. 21, 8045 Zürich | 2.1km from city centre
The Uetliberg mountain is the highest in Zürich at 2,864 feet. Not only does the mountain provide spectacular views, but it also offers a lesson in astronomy. You can learn about the solar system with an interactive planet trail (known as the Planetenweg).
The scale of the planets is 1:1 billion, and it offers an insight into the grandness of space! For example, the Sun is a yellow ball which is three feet in diameter, however Mercury is smaller than a golf ball in size!
Zoo Zürich - Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich | 5.9km from city centre
Opened in 1929, this popular attraction features more than 370 animal species in themed habitats.
Events, Festivals and Holidays
Zurich Film Festival
Once a year, thousands of ‘cinephiles’, film enthusiasts and media aficionados attend the Zürich Film Festival to see one of the many movies screened over a span of 11 days. The vision of this festival is to give an insight into the work of developing filmmakers from around the world.
Züri Fäscht
Every year, millions of visitors take over the streets alongside the River Limmat, causing cars, trams, and buses to come to a halt. This huge festival involves music, food and people of all ages. On the Friday and Saturday evening of the first weekend of July, two musical fireworks displays are presented – said to be the highlight of the event!
Food & Drink Options
Wirtschaft zur Burg - Auf der Burg 15, 8706 Meilen | 15.2km from city centre
The restaurant is located by Lake Zürich and dates back to 1676. It features green tiles and wooden panelling – both of which are part of the original architecture.
Kronenhalle - Rämistrasse 4, 8001 Zürich | 1.3km from city centre
This Swiss kitchen is dense with history and art and is easily accessible due to its central location. It’s one of the oldest and most infamous restaurants in Zürich, having housed many celebrity guests such as James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, and Coco Chanel. Its interior is artsy and intriguing, which combines with the cuisine beautifully!
Hotels
Townhouse Boutique Hotel (3 Stars) | within city centre
Address: Schützengasse 7, 8001 Zürich
Phone: +41 44 200 95 95
25hours Hotel Langstrasse (4 Star) | within city centre
Address: Langstrasse 150, 8004 Zürich
Phone: +41 44 576 50 00
Park Hyatt Zürich (5 Star) | 1.4km from city centre
Address: Beethovenstrasse 21, 8002 Zürich
Phone: +41 43 883 12 34
Getting Around The City
Public Transport
Zürich has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, trams, and trains. However trams are the most prevalent form of transport here!
Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.
Taxi Companies
Taxi Subito | +41 (0) 76 600 30 37
Alpha Taxi AG | +41 (0) 44 777 77 77
Shopping Malls
Bahnofstrasse (Shopping District) - Bahnhofstrasse/HB, 8001 Zürich | within city centre
This shopping district has it all in terms of luxury shopping. It’s considered to be one of the most expensive shopping avenues out there, but is always bustling with keen shoppers.
Glatt - Einkaufszentrum Glatt, Neue Winterthurerstrasse 99, 8304 Wallisellen | 6.6km from city centre
This shopping mall is the most popular in Switzerland and houses over 100 shops across 43,000m². There is an array of international and national brands, as well as department stores, jewellery shops and much, much more…
Local Football Teams
FC Zürich
Founded on August 1, 1896, this is one of the oldest sports clubs in Switzerland. The club colours have been the Zürich city colours of blue and white since 1909.
Pharmacies
BENU Apotheke Kreuz
Address: Seefeldstrasse 33, 8008 Zürich
Phone: +41 44 261 13 50
Amavita Stadelhofen
Address: Stadelhoferstrasse 8, 8001 Zürich
Phone: +41 58 878 25 40
Odeon Apotheke
Address: Limmatquai 2, Bellevueplatz, 8001 Zürich
Phone: +41 4 42 52 59 59