Welcome to another exciting blog of my Switzerland series! Today, I will take you on a virtual tour of Zurich, one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Not only will I show you the city’s stunning sights, but I will also provide a complete breakdown of expenses, making this the perfect guide for budget travelers.
Zurich is known for its class, beauty, and high cost of living, making it one of the most expensive cities in Europe. But don’t let that deter you! With the right planning and some insider tips, you can explore this city without breaking the bank.
Upon landing in Zurich, I found that a taxi ride to my hostel would cost around 40 francs. However, I discovered a much cheaper alternative. By using Google Maps, I navigated the public transport system and found that I could take the S16 train to Haat Brook station and then hop on bus number 72 to reach my hostel in just 13 stops. The cost? A mere 7 francs for a Multiple Transport Airport Connection Ticket, valid for 60 minutes. This ticket allows you to travel anywhere in the city, regardless of how many buses or trams you need to change.
My accommodation in Zurich was a youth hostel, where I stayed in room in a 4-bed dorm. After settling in, I started my first day in Zurich with a free European style breakfast at the hostel, which included cereal, cheese, jam, fruit, bagels or ham, and free coffee. Then, I headed straight to the city center. But before that, I rented a free bike, which is an excellent way to explore the city. You can get free cycles by keeping a security deposit of ten francs.
Zurich is home to some of the most expensive real estate properties in all of Europe, including Paradeplatz, one of the most expensive squares. This square is home to large Swiss banks like UBS and Credit Suisse. The city is also known for its luxury designer stores, where you can find everything from high-end handbags to Swiss watches.
Zurich’s historic old town is a must-visit, adorned with cobblestone streets and local galleries and restaurants. The city is also home to two historic churches, the Fraumunster Church and the iconic Grossmunster Church. For a small fee, you can climb the tower of the Grossmunster Church and enjoy panoramic views of Zurich.
Another great spot for views is Lindenhof Hill Park, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Here, you can enjoy a game of chess with the locals or simply soak in the stunning views of Zurich city.
After exploring the city, I headed towards Lake Zurich. The shores of the lake are lined with beautiful parks, perfect for relaxing after a busy day of touring. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the lake, which operates on a pass system.
In terms of expenses, my two-day trip to Zurich cost me around 600 Swiss Francs for the hostel, 20 Swiss Francs for two luxury Swiss chocolates, 3.5 Swiss Francs for the entry fee to the Chinese Garden, 100 Swiss Francs for food, and 600 Swiss Francs for a 24-hour transport pass.
In the next blog, I will discuss car rental and Swiss Pass in detail, covering topics like car insurance, basic rules, rental websites, pricing information, and my full booking details. If you have any questions about this, let me know in the comments so that I can answer them.
I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of Zurich. If you did, don’t forget to leave a comment. I’ll be waiting for your likes, shares, and comments. Happy travels!