Discover Zurich: Festivals, Sites, and Accommodations
The largest city in Switzerland is Zurich, located in north-central Switzerland, at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. As of January 2023, the municipality had a population of 443,037, while the urban area had 1.315 million in 2009, and the Zurich metropolitan area had 1.83 million in 2011. The largest and busiest airport and railway station in the country are located in Zurich.
The Romans founded Zurich, and it was originally called Turicum. During the Middle Ages, Zurich gained independent and privileged status as an imperial immediacy. In 1519, under the leadership of Huldrych Zwingli, it became a primary center of the Protestant Reformation in Europe.
Festival: Every three years, on the first week of July, the largest Swiss folk festival in Zurich is held, known as “The Züri Fäscht.” This event takes place in the city center and around Lake Zurich. Various events are held during this festival, including half-hour fireworks displays on Friday and Sunday. There are open-air stages and fairs at Bürkliplatz and Bellevue. Different kinds of flight demonstrations are traditionally offered over the lake. Attractions are showcased, and competitions are held in the water along the lake shore and the Limmat River. This festival attracts both locals and tourists, making it a vibrant and lively occasion.
Tourist Spots: The city of Zurich is well known as a global center for banking and finance. Additionally, there are numerous tourist attractions in Zurich. These attractions offer a blend of historical, cultural, and natural experiences, catering to a variety of interests. Below are some notable sites to explore:
- Grossmünster – Zurich’s Famous Landmark
- Fraumünster – The Chagall Windows
- Uetliberg – Zurich’s Very Own Mountain, offering beautiful views of the city and lake
- Lake Zurich
- Zurich Opera House (Zürich Opera since 1891)
- Lindenhof – From Roman Fort to Green Vantage Point Over Zurich
- National Museum Zurich
Best Time to Visit: Visit Zurich in the summertime, between June and August. This period is the best time for travelers as all outdoor activities and tourist attractions around the city are open. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city’s many attractions.
Where to Stay in Zurich: There are lots of hotels and homestays available. It is preferred to stay in a homestay house, as it will give you full access similar to your own home. Some recommendations are:
- Piscopo BnB, Rotwandstrasse 48, 8004 Zürich. 10 min driving away from the National Museum Zurich and 39 minutes from Lake Zurich’s main spot.
- Good4Yew, Trittligasse 12, 8001 Zürich. 7 min driving away from the National Museum Zurich and 36 minutes from Lake Zurich’s main spot.
- Trimons BnB, Badenerstrasse 87, 8004 Zürich. 9 min driving away from the National Museum Zurich and 38 minutes from Lake Zurich’s main spot.
- L&L, Gehrenholz 4e, 8055 Zürich. 15 min driving away from the National Museum Zurich and 39 minutes from Lake Zurich’s main spot.
- Gemütliches B&B in Zürich “Da Ciccio,” Im Wyl 42, 8055 Zürich. 14 min driving away from the National Museum Zurich and 38 minutes from Lake Zurich’s main spot.
- BnB Hardhof, Hardhof 18, 8064 Zürich. 17 min driving away from the National Museum Zurich and 47 minutes from Lake Zurich’s main spot.
- BnB Bammatter, Mattackerstrasse 1, 8052 Zürich. 17 min driving away from the National Museum Zurich and 38 minutes from Lake Zurich’s main spot.
- bnb Balgrist, Russenweg 18, 8008 Zürich. 14 min driving away from the National Museum Zurich and 27 minutes from Lake Zurich’s main spot.
Staying in these locations will provide you with a comfortable and convenient base to explore Zurich.
