Why
Zurich Old Town
is special

It has well-preserved centuries-old buildings in a picturesque river-straddling setting.

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Zurich Old Town
tips & insights

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Reputation

It has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the world's major financial centers. However, the common perception that the city is staid is out of date. Today, Zurich Old Town pulses with a spirited restaurant, bar, and club scene.

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Culture

Zurich Old Town is rich in artists, art galleries, performers, and stages. And just beyond its borders are several world-class museums: Museum of Fine Arts (spans the centuries but is especially renowned for its Giacometti's sculpture collection) Swiss National Museum (specializes in historical and cultural works)  Rietberg Museum (focuses on Asian art).

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Churches

The two must-visits are Fraumunster (a showcase for Marc Chagall's stained glass windows) and Grossmunster (great panoramic view from one of its steeples).

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Shopping

Zurich Old Town is a shopper's paradise. Running down its fringe is the uber-fashionable Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most celebrated shopping streets. It's populated with luxury boutiques and department stores selling famous brands and labels.

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Sightseeing pointer

Zurich Old Town is relatively compact and there's much to see and appreciate down its narrow lanes. So walking (or riding a free bike) is a better option than motoring.

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Photo by Pazit Polak - CC BY 2.0

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