Forbes: Things To Do In Zurich

Nel-Olivia Waga
January 2, 2020
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It’s just a 20 minute drive from the Airport to Zurich’s city center and the lake around which so much happens in this international yet idyllic Swiss city. In summer, most activities take place with the backdrop of Zurich city and its beautiful lake. Here are a few essential places to see when visiting.

A walk by the lake 

If you stay at either Park Hyatt Zurich you are just a few footsteps away from Zurich’s gem:  Lake Zurich with its mesmerizing views over the Swiss Alps. Get yourself a green juice (or coffee) and take a morning walk along the lake to see the city waking up.

It’s worth checking out the recently renovated Pavillon Le Corbusier which houses an outstanding art museum dedicated to the work of Le Corbusier himself. Recognised as an architectural jewel, the building was the idea of Heidi Weber, who commissioned Le Corbusier to design it and oversaw its completion in 1967. It is the last structure created by this influential Swiss architect and his only made of steel and glass.

Pavillon Le Corbusier in the park close to Lake Zurich © MUSEUM FÜR GESTALTUNG ZÜRICH

Kunsthaus Zurich

Zurich’s Kunsthaus is the city’s most wonderful and famous art museum, where it’s easy to spend a whole day, only a short walk away from the Baur au Lac Hotel. It is home to many of the world’s important artworks, such as paintings from Monet, Picasso, Chagall, Warhol’s pop art or installations by Miró.

New Concept of Kunsthaus Zurich (to be finished by 2020) © KUNSTHAUS ZURICH

The museum’s permanent collection contains more than 4.000 artworks spanning from the Middle Ages right up to contemporary pieces, with a particular emphasis on Swiss art. Kunsthaus Zurich regularly hosts interesting exhibitions and events. A must see for every art lover – both serious and recreational.

The recent "Fly me to the moon" exhibition at Kunsthaus Zurich © FRANCA CANDRIAN FOR KUNSTHAUS ZURICH

Shopping 

Right across the lake, crossing Zurich’s famous Paradeplatz which houses the Headquarters of the two most famous Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse, is one of Zurich’s largest shopping streets. A few footsteps away from the Luxury Boutique Hotel Widder, on Bahnhofstrasse you will find most of the renowned global (luxury) brands such as from Dior, Hermes Cartier and Prada. The high-end shopping experience continues going on to the Swiss Old Town where you will find discover leading names including Valentino, Moncler and Celine.

Paradeplatz Zurich © MY SWITZERLAND

On your way from Bahnhofstrasse to Storchengasse, you should definitely stop by Zurich’s hottest shopping address: TASONI in St. Peterstrasse 1. A curated fashion concept store (for both women and men) that is the answer to the probably most exclusive, welcoming (and private) shopping experience you can get in Zurich. With a selection of limited edition and unique pieces which you might not find elsewhere, the store also provides its discerning clients the privacy they desire. TASONIfollows its ethos of creating a personal world, where the selection of brands is based on the values of craftsmanship, design and luxury, backed by an attentive and personalized service culture.

Tasoni Fashion Concept Store, St. Peterstrasse 1 in Zurich ©TASONI

The two female entrepreneurs Taya and Tary Sawiris know how to set statements in fashion by featuring emerging designers such as By Walid, Jacquemus and Muzungu Sisters next to select pieces by luxury brands such as Berluti, Loewe and Lanvin.

The emerging designer duo Muzungu Sisters at TASONI Zurich. © TASONI

Architect Tarek Shamma designed a signature TASONIworld, serving as both a platform for upcoming creative talent and a window into the world of Tasoni. The storefronts are commissioned and executed in close collaboration with young artists and designers. The boutique’s harmonious concept is complemented by a discrete art work commissioned by Swiss artist Pamela Rosenkranz “The Alien Blue Window (Sankt Peterstrasse) 2016” which takes a site specific window into the store.

Swiss Chocolate

Swiss chocolate is world-famous and definitely a sweet delight. That’s why no one should leave Zurich without visiting the traditional Sprüngli cafe and shop (since 1859) on Paradeplatz in the city’s center. Whether you opt for the iconic truffes du jour or shop the variety of handmade pralinés and cakes, a pit stop at Sprüngli is a must.

Sprüngli Cafe and Shop at Paradeplatz Zurich © SPRÜNGLI

For those who want to dive into the brand’s history and see the artisan chocolate atelier, they can book a chocolate experienceand make their own truffes or book chocolate tastings alongside Lindt & Sprüngli’s chocolate artisans. And, for those traveling with children, the Lindt & Sprüngli museum and shop is just ten minutes away down the lake in Kilchberg. It holds regular exhibitions all around the famous Lindt chocolate. A sweet paradise – not only for the kids.

Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Artisan © LINDT & SPRÜNGLI

Old Town 

Zurich’s Old town is always worth a stroll. Along the River Limmat you will find the perfect vista of medieval houses and be able to explore the fascinating history of the city.

Evening View on Grossmünster and Limmat. © SWITZERLAND TOURISM - BY-LINE: SWISS-IMAGE.CH / JAN GEERK

My favorite time to take a walk there is around sunset and once it has become dark. That’s the time to enjoy a drink at the bar of Storchen Hotel with its romantic views over the river and the beautiful lighting on Grossmünster and Gemüsebrücke.

Farmers Market Bürkliplatz

Every Tuesday and Friday morning (starting at 6AM) sees the famous Farmers Market on Bürkliplatz. Taking place in the city center right by the lake, it offers organic and fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and much more besides – all presented by local farmers. It’s a special shopping experience for all early birds who want the freshest of locally-sourced produce.

Farmers Market on Bürkliplatz Zurich © KEYSTONE

HER/etiquette

Founded in 2014, re-launched in 2019, by Nel-Olivia Waga. HER/etiquette is an international luxury lifestyle blog, that features curated stories coming from a conscious mindset. It collaborates with leading brands and specialists who share the idea of generating a positive impact in the world. Based in Zurich, we cover local hotspots and global trends around sustainability, innovation, well-being, health, beauty, travel, time, art, business and philantropy.

Nel-Olivia Waga is the Founder & Publisher of HER/etiquette. She is a Brand Consultant, an Author and Entrepreneur, most passionate about well-being, travel, nature and art. Her work can regularly be seen in her column on FORBES. Her consultancy YMPACT LAB, creates innovative projects for luxury brands based on passion, purpose and sustainable impact.

CONSCIOUS LUXURY

#ConsciousLuxury is the theme of HER/etiquette. We combine luxury lifestyle with consciousness. Each story we share, is underlined with values. The purpose and innovation of the brands we collaborate with, are as important to us, as their initiatives towards ethical craftsmanship, sustainability, holistic health and social responsibility.

This is our first step towards contributing to the global movement of creating a more positive impact within our community and beyond.

PLANT TREES WITH US

CONSCIOUS LUXURY

#ConsciousLuxury is the theme of HER/etiquette. We combine luxury lifestyle with consciousness. Each story we share, is underlined with values. The purpose and innovation of the brands we collaborate with, are as important to us, as their initiatives towards ethical craftsmanship, sustainability, holistic health and social responsibility.

This is our first step towards contributing to the global movement of creating a more positive impact within our community and beyond.

PLANT TREES WITH US

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