STILL ON DAY 3 of 19
Yes. We are still on day 3 of 19, and Zurich is where we finally rest for the evening.
From Basel we head east about 85 km (approx. an hour drive) and arrive in Zurich. Streets are so incredibly confusing, plus, if you thought Montreal was bad with construction, Zurich was even worse! Never seen so many detours, and since all the signage was in German, you can imagine the cussing that went on…..and even more cussing when that temperamental GPS kept “recalculating” and putting us back on the same construction, dead-end streets.
Anyhoo, we get to the hotel, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Rigihof Zurich on Universitätstrasse, check in, go to the room and find it has no A/C. It’s 35 out, and this 4-star hotel in the middle of Zurich has no air-conditioning! Beautiful room, except for that…..oh and the fact that the bathroom door was frosted glass and did not latch/close/lock. You just kind of shut it, and hope it stays closed. I mean, I love my hubby and all…..but there are some things are just better left behind closed doors. Ok, on to my 2 cents about the city.
The view from our balcony
YOU'VE GOTTA SEE...
ALTSTADT (OLD TOWN)
Located between Banhoffstrasse and the Limmat River, the Altstadt is mostly a pedestrian zone that consists of specialty shops, restaurants and bars. It’s enough to wander around the narrow streets and admire the gorgeous window displays (because shopping is just way too $$$$$$$).
Altstadt
GROSSMUNSTER
Dominating the Zurich skyline, the Grossmünster (great minster) sits in the middle of the Old Town. It was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and the two iconic towers were added in the late 15th century. This Romanesque-style church, is the largest of the three main churches in Zurich; Wasserkircheand and Fraumünster complete the trinity of famous churches. For a great view, (and if you’re in better shape than I am!), you can climb the 187 steps to the top of one of the towers.
Grossmünster
LAKE ZURICH
After walking around the Old Town, we finally get to the waterfront and are faced with that magnificent view of the lake with snow-capped mountains off in the distance. Take a boat cruise, that start at the Bürkliplatz (boat harbour), or wander along the lakeside and enjoy the gorgeous scenery and admire the Alps.
Top: Lake Zürich view from Quaibrücke (bridge) | Bottom: Tons of White Swans Chillin' on Lake Zürich
YOU'VE GOTTA EAT...
ASS-BAR - FRISCH VON GESTERN
What an incredibly deceiving name! I wish I had paid more attention at the time to actually go to it......it wasn't until we had already had dinner that I realized what interesting concept this place has. The motto Frisch von Gestern, translates as "fresh food from yesterday" - means that you get for less than half the price, day old cakes, pastries and sandwiches from nearby bakeries and delis that would have thrown out this leftover food at the (previous) days end. Anyone who's been to Switzerland knows how incredibly pricey it can be, so this is a great cheap eats option.
Very deceiving name!
RESTAURANT MEXIKANO & CUBAN BAR
So.....Mexican and Cuban......does not really go together, but whatever. After pounding the pavement for a couple of hours (don't forget this is our 5th city of the day!), I just wanted to sit down and eat. Food was so-so. Considering that my simple chicken quesadilla with rice and salad was like 30 CHF (!!!!), I expected much, much better. But, that price is pretty darn cheap for Switzerland, so I guess you get what you pay for!
Are you kidding me with this menu?
Zurich at night