Zürich was the very first city we explored after landing in Switzerland. Located in north-central Switzerland at the northwestern end of Lake Zürich, the city is not only the largest in the country but also the capital of the canton of Zürich. As a major hub for road, rail, and air travel, Zürich plays a vital role in connecting Switzerland with the rest of Europe. Both Zürich Airport and Zürich Main Train Station are the largest and busiest in the country.
Getting into the city was incredibly easy—it takes only about a 10 to 15-minute train ride from Zürich Airport Station (German: Zürich Flughafen) to the city centre.
Zürich Main Train Station was bustling with energy. This is also where visitors can purchase the SBB Swiss Travel Pass, a super-convenient all-in-one travel pass designed especially for international travellers. The pass allows you to hop on and off trains, buses, trams, and even boats across Switzerland at a fixed price. There are several options available depending on your travel needs, including first or second class, as well as passes for different durations.
From there, we made our way to Zürich’s Old Town.
It was a beautiful, sunny day—and isn’t the view of the Limmat River straight out of a fairytale? We chose to explore the area on foot so I could wander through the charming streets, peek into local shops, and discover cosy cafés along the way. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there’s also the option of taking a Limmat River Cruise, which glides past many of Old Town’s most picturesque sights.
Cafés, restaurants, and boutiques line both sides of the river, but naturally, I had to find the perfect spot for my daily dose of coffee. I eventually settled at Rathaus Café, right by the river. The café serves both coffee and alcoholic drinks, the staff were friendly and welcoming, and the view—absolutely stunning. As you can probably tell from my slightly sleepy eyes, I was still battling jet lag (yawn), so yes… coffee and more coffee it was. A Latte Macchiato at Rathaus Café was exactly what I needed.
After recharging, we headed to the famous Zürich Opera House (German: Opernhaus Zürich), one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Tickets can be booked online for those interested in catching a performance.
To wrap up the day, here’s a street shot of Zürich—clean, elegant, and effortlessly charming.
Until next time. ✨
