Zürich is one of the leading financial centers of the world despite having a relatively small population. Amongst the many museums and art galleries that can be found in the city, the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus are the most notable. It is also home to the Schauspielhaus Zürich, one of the most prominent and important theatres in the German-speaking world. Public transport is extremely popular in Zürich, and its inhabitants use public transport in large numbers. It also makes it easier for a tourist to get around the city without having to rent a car. Zürich offers a great deal of variety when it comes to night-time leisure. It is the host city of the world-famous Street Parade, which takes place in August every year. This amazing city has something special even for those who are traveling alone. Read on and find out about the best things to do alone in Zurich, Switzerland.
1. Explore the book collection in B2 Hotel Zürich - contributed by Tour Guide, Iuliia Solodenko
B2 Hotel Zürich has one of the most popular Instagram locations in the banking capital of Switzerland. Its bar (and part-time breakfast room) has a massive book collection that takes up several floor-to-ceiling bookcases. You can access the books using wooden ladders and settle down with them at one of the many tables and chairs.
The hotel also has a spa and rooftop pool if you’re seeking other ways to unwind.
B2 Hotel Zürich
Address: Brandschenkestrasse 152, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: B2 Hotel Zürich
2. View the “Angel of the Citadel" in ETH Zürich - contributed by Tour Guide, Iuliia Solodenko
ETH Zürich boasts “Angel of the Citadel,” a sculpture made by Marino Marini. It features a rider astride a horse. To communicate the male rider’s state of ecstasy, Marini spread his arms out wide and gave him an erect phallus. He also made the phallus a separate figure that can be screwed on and off as desired.
ETH Zürich
Address: Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: ETH Zürich
3. Visit Rodin's Gate of Hell - contributed by Tour Guide, Iuliia Solodenko
Rodin’s Gate of Hell, which is located near the old Kunsthaus building in Zurich, cannot fail to attract the attention of visitors and ordinary passers-by. The Gate was originally commissioned by the French state in 1880 to Auguste Rodin as the entrance door to the Museum of Decorative Arts. One of the casts, the fourth, was created in Paris in 1942. The order came from Germany and was intended for the Fuhrer Museum in Linz, Austria.
In the new Kunsthaus building opened in 2020, there is a scandalous collection of paintings by Emil Bührle, who paid for Rodin, a witness to the dark past of the German businessman.
The origin of the Gate is almost never mentioned.
Nearby, in 2020, an “anti-war sculpture” by Kader Attia was installed. It depicts two “Gueules cassées” surviving soldiers of the First World War whose faces and souls were scarred for the rest of their lives by terrible injuries.
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4. Take part in the Techno Street Parade
..only 2 weeks left until the Street Parade - Official! very proud to be a part of it! Year after year, the most...
Posted by Pat Farrell on Friday, 14 August 2015
The parade was started in 1992 by Marek Krynski as a demonstration of freedom, love, and tolerance. The first techno parade had about 1,000 participants and has since grown to well over a million in 2016. With a crowd that large, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new friends and learn about the local culture as well. Still legally recognized as a political demonstration, its official website states that “The Street Parade is still a demonstration that calls on everyone to live together in peace and tolerance.” So take part in the movement and spread the love.
Techno Street Parade
Address: Lake Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Website: Zurich street parade
Opening hours: Starts on the second Saturday of August.
Zurich Tour Guide
Iuliia Solodenko
Learned to read at the age of five. Loved fairy tales. For 11 years I studied the cello at the school that Oistrakh graduated from ( I am from Ukraine). My favorite lesson at school is history, it is my only passion. I dreamed to became an archaeologist, but I graduated from the acting faculty and worked as an actress in the theater. In 2008 I moved to Venice. Experience since 2011 in travel... Read more
5. Tour the city on a cable car (from USD 74.0)
Take your vacation to new heights by taking a cable car to the vertiginous Felsenegg vantage point. Ascend to a dizzying height of 2,630 feet (800 meters) and once you get to the top, breathe in the refreshing mountain air of the Alps and view the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountain towns. This short trip takes you up to one of the best lookout points in Zurich via the only aerial cable car operating in the canton of Zurich. Please note that the Felsenegg cable car is closed on certain dates due to technical maintenance. So, we encourage you to check first if it will be available during your visit.
Zurich Highlights Coach Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car Ride
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
6. Enjoy an eco friendly wine and dine city tour (from USD 118.0)
There is no better way to cruise around the city than in an electric-powered tuk-tuk with enough room for four people. Sink your teeth in some delicious cheese fondue while sipping on a glass of white wine. All your worries will melt away just like the cheese in your pot. Take in the breathtaking view of famous landmarks like the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a worry-free ride through Zurich’s beautiful streets.
Zurich Tuk Tuk Private Tour with Cheese Fondue and Wine
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
7. Immerse yourself in football history at FIFA World Football Museum
Visit the FIFA World Football Museum and learn more about the most famous sport in the world. For countries like Switzerland, football is not merely a sport, but it’s a reflection of life itself. Football enthusiasts and casual fans alike will be thrilled by its incredible collections of all things relating to this majestic mega sport. So plan to visit this sports museum and walk away with a deeper appreciation of the sport of football.
FIFA World Football Museum
Address: Seestrasse 27, 8002, Zurich, Switzerland
Website: FIFA World Football Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
8. Catch a performance at the Zürich Opera House
The Zurich Opera House’s history stretches from 1891 all the way to the present. Now with a seating capacity of approximately 1,100 audiences, the opera house is one of the best ways to catch the unique musical culture of Zurich. It is also home to the Zürich Ballet, so you have a chance to enjoy this elegant dance form. Visit their website and view the schedules of their recitals and for their ticket prices.
The Zürich Opera House
Address: Falkenstrasse 1 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: The Zürich Opera House
9. Enjoy a quiet picnic at the University of Zürich Botanical Garden
This place was opened in 1977 and it is located at Zollikerstrasse in the Weinegg quarter of the city. The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich offers a chance for the weary traveler to enjoy a quiet walk in nature and have a picnic. No matter the season, a visit to our Botanic Garden is always rewarding even if you’re strolling by yourself. It has 9000 global plant species, three tropical glass domes, a meadow & pond.
University of Zürich Botanical Garden
Address: Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: University of Zürich Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat & Sun: 8am - 5pm
10. Take a dip in the open air Frauenbad Stadthausquai or Schanzengraben Zürich pools
In Zurich they have separate male and female pools (there are also some that are co-ed). They are all fresh water, which...
Posted by MegBiram.com on Friday, 7 August 2015
Now if you wish to rest and take a relaxing bath, this city has two places that cater to men and women respectively. Frauenbad Stadthausqua is situated at the Stadthausquai by the Bürkliplatz plaza, the bath was built for, and is still exclusively used by women (Frauenbad means “bath for women”). Schanzengraben Zürich is a moat and a section of the northwestern extension of the Seeuferanlage promenades that were built between 1881 and 1887 in Zürich, Switzerland. There is also a unique public bath just for men (Männerbad) that also serves as an event restaurant.
Frauenbad Stadthausquai and Schanzengraben Zürich
Address: Frauenbad Stadthausquai - Stadthausquai 12, Zürich / Schanzengraben Zürich - General-Guisan-Quai respectively Lake Zurich–Sihl in Zürich
Website: Frauenbad Stadthausquai
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
11. Take a scenic train ride on the Dolderbahn
Isabelle Hurbain-Palatin "Dolderbahn" Camera: HUAWEI STF-L09 Shutter: 1/15th of a second Aperture: f/1.8 ISO:...
Posted by 52Frames on Monday, 20 November 2017
People sometimes mistakenly refer to Dolderbahn as a funicular or cable car, because it was originally opened in 1895 as a funicular railway, but in 1973, it was made for rack operation. It’s connected to the Dolder Grand Hotel and the Dolder recreation area by a short electric tramway, with a single tramcar. So, if you’re staying at this five-star luxury hotel, then we recommend taking a train from Dolderbahn and enjoy a scenic tour of Zürich.
Dolderbahn Railway Ride
Address: Römerhof 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: Dolderbahn
Opening hours: 6:20am - 11:30pm (daily)
12. Cruise the waters of Lake Zurich (from USD 85.38)
When Swiss milk chocolate is compared to milk chocolate from other countries, the Swiss chocolate is creamier due to its higher milk content and it contains less cocoa and more sugar. Combine this fact with a walking tour and cruise of Lake Zürich, then you’ve hit the lottery in the ultimate city tour of Zürich. So, at the end of your cruise tour, you get to try out some of Switzerland’s best milk chocolate. I simply can’t think of a better way to experience Zürich.
Zürich: City Tour, Cruise, and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit
Duration: 5.5 hour
13. Explore the streets of old town Altstadt (from USD 436.0)
Walk the streets of old town Altstadt and learn about the history and culture of Zurich from your expert guide. Visit historical landmarks such as Bahnhofstrasse and Fraumunster Church. There are many advantages to hiring a private tour guide including the freedom and flexibility of customizing your itinerary to better suit your interests. A private tour ensures you receive your guide’s undivided attention, and lets you set your own departure time.
Zurich Private Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Adventure awaits you in Zürich
Zürich is a leading global city and among the world’s largest financial centers, despite having a relatively small population. But its true wealth lies in its history and the culture of its people. So, to the solo traveler, we hope that you try one or all of the activities listed in our top things to do alone in Zurich, Switzerland.
Stop by the Hedwig ab Burghalden mural
Contributed by Tour Guide, Iuliia Solodenko
This is one of the few murals in Zurich that confirms that in the past, brave Swiss ladies did not give in to tough men.
In 1292, Zurich was going to attack Austria. One of the Habsburgs (Switzerland could not have happened without them) brought the army to Zurich, thinking that it would be an easy target. There were only a few military units in Zurich, as the city was recently significantly beaten by Wintertur. Inspired by Hedwig ab Burghalden, women and girls of Zurich gathered near this place, armed themselves, and went to Lindenhof. When the Austrian army approached, they began to shout loudly, bang drums, and wave spears, shields, and flags.
The Austrians, as we remember, did not expect resistance. So, when they saw that a fierce army was standing on the hill (who will understand from afar that the warriors have neither beards nor mustaches!), they turned around and left. Thus, the beautiful half of Zurich saved the city from complete destruction.
History
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