Zurich (Switzerland)

Just give me three good reasons to go to Zürich. No litter, no graffiti, no children. ‘Nuff said? I hope not!

Zürich is a place that greatly rewards you for a little research either by getting a guide to the city before you go or, the method I chose, repeated visits to the city where you build up your own feel for the place.

I was living relatively nearby in Böblingen, Baden-Würtemburg in the Southwest of Germany about two hours by car.

I believe it is better to discover places for yourself rather than following the well-trodden path. So, in a sense I am ruining that opportunity for you. But if you don’t have the option to travel there often then this may be of help to some for you first or only visit so you don’t miss the must see sights.

If you don’t speak German not to worry neither do the people in Zürich. A little unfair really but the Swiss German speaking folks understand regular German – you may have to repeat the word a couple of times or do the charades thing and speak English trick as most people outside the UK can speak, to a greater or lesser extent, more than just their own language.

If you arrive by car and don’t plan to stay overnight, there is a large underground car park close to the centre of town – use it. The price may seem high in price SFr45 (£15) but the parking fines are fantastic SFr250 (£85). Your hotel may arrange parking if you are staying the night.

TIP don’t sleep with the window open if your room if it overlooks the street as these are brushed clean by scaled-down road sweepers and, depending where you are in the city, they can pass as early as 05:30!

Zürich is not cheap but that’s not to say you can’t enjoy a good meal with a bank loan. The Niederdorp is a pedestrian road in old part of town on the east bank of the River Limmat, as is populated by little bars and restaurants. I took my parents to a trendy and s tylish eatery with great food and service, which cost only SFr90 (£29) for the three of us. One couple seemed to do even better after explaining they had left their wallet at home were allowed to leave after supplying their address. They’re that honest in Switzerland. Another time, three mates and myself went to a pasta restaurant, which had three or four plate menus we couldn’t all sit together, but it was cheap SFr15 (£5) for a filling yet basic meal. Afterwards we retired to a couple of English-style bars.

Sights – all on the west bank of the Limmat - Lindenhof – site of Roman fortress accessible by the narrow streets between Bahnhofstrasse and the River Limmat. Now go south to see the huge clock on the tower of the Peterskirche (Mon–Sat 8am–6pm).

Another church Fraumünster (Mon–Sat 9am–12.30pm & 2pm–6pm), an ancient church which began life as a convent, hence the name, and have some stained glass by Marc Chagall. From their head to the Münsterhof, then cross the river using the Münsterbrücke back to the Niederdorf. Sit down and either have a beer or an Ice cream and then discover your Zürich. I may see you there!