MUSEUMS
Swiss National Museum Zurich
This museum is the best one to understand and know about the history of Switzerland and the people of Switzerland. The Swiss life is put up on the show and this show includes the life of Swiss people from the prehistory to the present time and other than that there are permanent exhibitions of crafts and arts. There are several special showings that show the culture of the country along with its history. This museum is the most visited cultural museum in entire Switzerland and recently it has even received an extension and according to it, the museum could display more pieces.
Money Museum
The best place to learn about the history and present of money is from one of the largest centers for banking in the entire world. This museum is featuring the pieces from the private collection of the Swiss numismatist Juerg Conzett. It displays the story of money by linking it back to its roots, then its present and also beyond it. The story of money all the way from the time it had originally started to the modern currency of bitcoin is displayed here.
Museum Rietberg
This museum is very popular among the list of Zurich art museums. Museum Rietberg is the only art museum which has been dedicated to non-European art in entire Switzerland. This museum is also one of the largest museums in Zurich. In this museum, the artworks from America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania are displayed. The most stunning pieces of this museum are the Buddhist sculptures which are from China. These sculptures are dated to be far back from the 6th century. This museum has been housed in a villa which has got a makeover recently and now the entrance has been made through a beautiful glass which is known as ‘Emerald’ extension.
Kunsthaus Zurich
Kunsthaus Zurich is the place where you will be able to find the best Swiss art by internationally renowned artists and there is a collection which is expected to be dated back to the Middle Ages. Artists like Monet, Lipchitz, and Picasso are on the show as well as the Swiss artists like Holder, Giacometti and Rist are also very popular. This museum has such a great level of collection of fine arts that no other museum in Zurich could compete and reach the level of its collection.
Museum of Design
There is a museum in the campus of Zurich University which is situated in Switzerland. It is a top design museum and it is considered to be one of the best museums of its kind in entire Europe. The collections of this museum could be divided into main four categories namely Design, Applied Art, Graphics and Poster. There are approximately 500,000 objects which come under these categories and the development of these objects in terms of design is shown from the time of 1875 to the modern age of 20th century.
Zurich Tram Museum
There are various methods of transportation in Zurich but the most popular and the most loved mode of transport in Zurich is by trams. This museum lets a person know about the story of the trams of Zurich. The Tram carts from the year 1897 to the present time are kept on a show here. The journey of getting to the old tram depot which is at Burgwies is like a journey of through the history on its own. The oldest tram of the city which is functional runs through the Museum Line.
FIFA World Football Museum
The FIFA World Football Museum had been opened in the year 2016. There are more than 1,000 exhibits which are reminding a person about the 1st World Cup Tournament that had been played in Uruguay in the year 1930. In this museum, all the 211 Member Associations of FIFA has been showcased in one way or another, and also the football minnows of those who have never even reached the finals.
Beyer Clock and Watch Museum
There is a famous street for shopping which is Bahnhofstrasse and near this place, there are the world’s best collections which have been dedicated to horology. There are more than 300 exhibits which are able to trace the history of timekeeping back to the time of 1400 BC and it also includes various rare items that are often made to travel the entire world to get featured in the museums of other countries. This museum has a permanent expanding exhibition of oil-lamp clocks, shadow sticks, grandfather clocks and much more than that.
FocusTerra
There are many things of which people are unaware when it comes to understanding Earth. At focusTerra, a person could learn about the tremor beneath the feet and also learn about the science behind ticking of a volcano. This museum has been packed with geology exhibitions and there are a lot of minerals and rocks. There is also an Earthquake stimulator that will surely surprise you. focusTerra is considered to be an ideal free museum in Zurich for children as it includes both entertainment and education.
Zoological Museum, University Of Zurich
In Zurich, the University of Zoological Museum is the best of its kind in entire Switzerland. It is often rivaling with the Natural History Museum which is located in Geneva. The animals which are the native in Switzerland and also from the different corners of the world are all featured in the halls of the museum. In all, there are more than 1,500 exhibits to think about. In addition to this, there are regular special events in the museum like the “Jelly eyes: Vision and Evolution”.
PARKS
Zürichhorn
Leading towards central Zurich, Zürichhorn is a popular lakeside park containing many glorious plants. The outdoor swimming pool is always a major draw card during the summer months, although visitors also come here to marvel at the Chinese Gardens (Chinagarten), which honours the twinned city of Kunming. With fish-filled ponds, bridges, lanterns, ornate pavilions, maples and plenty of bamboo to go around, the Chinese Gardens are especially impressive in the spring, when the many pink cherry trees burst into flower. Autumn is also a good time to visit, when the maples quickly colour up and adorn vivid coats of fall colours.
Bäcker Park
The appealing Bäcker Park is known for its extreme beauty and is a surprisingly tranquil spot, considering its position alongside central Zurich. Locals and tourists regularly frequent Bäcker Park, coming here to enjoy the gardens, eat their lunch, stroll along the many pathways, have a meal at the onsite restaurant, and even enjoy a summer concert.
Bruno Webers Weinrebenpark (Sculpture Gardens)
The Bruno Webers Weinrebenpark is one of Zurich’s more unusual parks and is filled with fun animal sculptures. This attraction is always a big hit with families and you are not only allowed to touch the creations, but climb on them and just generally have fun. Be sure to bring your camera here.
Irchelpark
This medium-sized city park resides within the district of Kreis 6 and is known for its pond, which comes complete with plenty of ducks that always seem to need feeding. Whether you are looking for somewhere green to sit down, a space for the children to play, or to simply enjoy refreshments at a popular cafe, Irchelpark is the place to come and even features its very own museum.
Platzspitz Park
Home to the Swiss National Museum (Schweizerisches Landesmuseum) and many other popular attractions, Platzspitz Park has been transformed in recent years and is now promoted as a family friendly space. Sandwiched between both the Sihl River and the Limmat River, Platzspitz is often used to host events during the summer months, which are usually well attended and becoming increasingly popular.
MARKETS
Flea Market Bürkliplatz
Zürich offers numerous flea markets, with one of the best taking place at Bürkliplatz. The market is ideal if you want to rummage for eclectic rarities and antiques, as well as offering numerous second-hand jewelry items, clothing and other high-quality products. Vendors range from professional traders to spontaneous set ups. Visitors can browse these diverse stands before heading on to some mainstream shopping on the glamorous Bahnhofstrasse around the corner.
Bahnhofmarkt
Every week the main hall of Zürich’s main train station turns into a bustling market place with various vendors selling culinary delights and fresh products from all over Switzerland. In addition to Swiss specialties, visitors can expect to find aromatic cheeses and meats. Food lovers will thoroughly enjoy wandering through the aisles and buying some tasty nibbles as well as shopping for fresh vegetables. The Bahnhofmarkt is an excellent way of discovering Switzerland’s regional cuisine and experiencing an authentic market atmosphere.
Helvetiaplatz-Markt
The Helvetiaplatz, located in the city’s multicultural district 4, sets the scene for Zürich‘s all year round food market with 400 vendors offering an exceptional range of goods. The colorful produce includes home-grown and exotic fruits and vegetables and visitors are likely to encounter a diverse array of nationalities at this market. It is considered Zürich’s most international food market and visitors can expect to find almost anything from Greek specialties to local, organic farm produce. Additionally fresh fish, chicken and other meats can be purchased here.
Kanzlei Flea Market
The Kanzlei Flea Market is probably Zürich’s biggest and most famous flea market. Over 400 different vendors sell numerous second-hand goods from paintings, jewelry and bicycles to rarities, books and fine china. Visitors can find pretty much anything here, whether it is electronic equipment or leather bags. The market is an intriguing place to wander around. There are also plenty of places to get a coffee and refreshments.
Rosenhof Market
From March to November the Rosenhof craft market comes to life and fills the square in the Old Town with eclectic treasures. In the picturesque setting vendors sell exotic as well as Swiss handicrafts such as clothes, jewelry, gem stones, leather goods, handmade pottery and antiques. The market has a distinctly bohemian atmosphere with its hippie clothing and trinkets and there are various stalls serving a range of refreshments. Many of the products are one of kind and the Rosenhof Market is a perfect way of exploring the dynamic city center.
Christmas Market
Come September, Zürich transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with glittering fairy lights and dazzling Christmas decorations. When the temperature drops there is no need to stay hidden inside: enjoy the city’s enchanting Christmas Market and some delicious, sweet waffles and mulled wines. There are several Christmas markets throughout Zürich such as the picturesque Christmas fair in the Niederdorf square or the Christkindlimarket, one of the biggest indoor Christmas markets in Europe, located inside the main train station. A 50ft high sparkling Christmas Tree towers over the bustling aisles, which are full of all sorts of trinkets and nibbles.
Bürkiplatz Farmers Market
With its scenic location overlooking the lake, the Bürkliplatz offers a charming market atmosphere and is filled with Swiss farmers twice a week. This market is probably one of the more pricey yet the quality of the products is unparalleled. Blooming flowers, fresh fish and regional specialties, such as Swiss cheese, are just a few of the numerous goods on offer. A wide range of the vegetables and fruits have been grown organically and will delight anyone in search of healthy and fresh ingredients. One of the biggest markets in the city, the Farmer’s Market is an excellent way to do your daily shopping.
Mercatino Rimini
The Mercatino Rimini Market is the place to be for Zürich’s fashion lovers and takes place at the stylish Rimini Bar during the summer months. Young Swiss and international designers sell their unique works which range from the latest trends to flea-market and vintage pieces. The market is an exciting platform for a diverse crowd from designers to artists and the young and trendy. In the evening Rimini turns into one of Zürich’s hippest open air bars.