LANGUAGE

German

CURRENCY

Swiss franc

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June to August

NEAREST RAILWAY STATION

Zurich Main Train Station

NEAREST AIRPORT

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

EMERGENCY HELPLINE NUMBER

112

INTERNET ACCESS

Free public wireless access is available at many cafes and public spaces, including at Zürich’s airport and train station. Most accommodation options also have free wi-fi, and many provide computers for guests’ use.

VISA

Generally not required for stays of up to 90 days. Some non-European citizens require a Schengen Visa.

For up-to-date details on visa requirements, go to the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (www.sem.admin.ch).

Visas are currently not required if you hold a passport from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, whether visiting as a tourist or on business. Citizens of the EU, Norwegians and Icelanders may also enter Switzerland without a visa. A maximum 90-day stay in a 180-day period applies, but passports are rarely stamped.

Other non-European citizens wishing to come to Switzerland have to apply for a Schengen Visa, named after the agreement that has abolished passport controls between 26 European countries. It allows unlimited travel throughout the entire Schengen zone for a 90-day period. Apply to the consulate of the country you are entering first, or your main destination.

In Switzerland, carry your passport at all times. Swiss citizens are required to always carry ID, so you will also need to be able to identify yourself at any time.

HOTEL

Most of Zurich’s top-rated attractions lie close to the Limmat River, between the Bahnhof (main train station) and Bürkliplatz, where the river flows from the lake. Connecting these two points on the west side is the broad Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s most fashionable shopping street. Rising from the other side of the river is the Old Town of narrow streets and squares lined with Medieval and Renaissance buildings.

LUXURY

Baur au Lac

Park Hyatt Zurich

Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich

MID-RANGE

Hotel Adler

Hotel St. Josef

Zurich Marriott Hotel

BUDGET

Walhalla Hotel

Arlette Am Hauptbahnhof Hotel

COST OF LIVING

As picturesque and lovely as it may be, Zurich is tough for travelers on lower budgets. This is definitely a business city with an emphasis on the banking crowd so most everything is geared toward those on liberal expense accounts. There are a few hostels in Zurich, and even though they are quite pricey at least they keep the city within reach of the backpacker set, for a night or two at least. Hotels in Zurich are notoriously expensive as well, with prices rivaling those in Stockholm and London.

Transportation can be affordable, especially by just walking or using the free bikes offered during summer. Most of the attractions are reasonably priced as well. Food can be tricky as most of the proper sit-down restaurants will charge outrageous prices. There are many street stands selling sausages and such, so at least filling and affordable meals aren’t completely out of reach. Drinks are quite expensive in bars and restaurants, but weirdly, they are fairly cheap in supermarkets.

Hotels in Zurich are expensive all year round by nearly anyone’s definition, and they are at their peak prices during the summer high season, lasting from May through September. Prices tend to be a bit lower the rest of the year, but it’s unpredictable since this is a major business and finance capital and any major event (or lack thereof) can influences prices up or down. Some weekend bargains may be available in off season. There are only a few hostels in Zurich, and they are also expensive by European standards.