05 June 2024
A DAY IN ZURICH: MY FIRST DAY IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland has always been a dream destination for me, and I couldn’t contain my excitement as my journey began! When I think of Switzerland, images of the Alps, wildflowers, cows grazing on lush green pastures, and scenes straight out of Heidi come to mind.
Zurich, with its unique blend of modernity and history, was the perfect place to kick off my adventure. It was a day filled with fun and relaxation as I explored the city's architecture, cultural landmarks, and picturesque streets. Here’s a glimpse of how my first day unfolded.
A vibrant street in Zurich’s old town, lined with colourful buildings and Swiss flags.
POLYTERRASSE AT ETH ZURICH
My day started at the Polyterrasse, an extension of ETH Zurich's main building, the university where Albert Einstein studied in. The Polybahn, a charming funicular, brought me up to the panorama terrace. From there, I enjoyed a panoramic view of Zurich's old town, a perfect start to my exploration.
The bright red Polybahn, a charming funicular that connects ETH Zurich with the lower part of the city. A quick and fun ride!
The grand exterior of ETH Zurich. This iconic university once nurtured the brilliance of Albert Einstein.
A breathtaking panoramic view of Zurich's old town, taken from the Polyterrasse at ETH Zurich. This spot offers one of the best vistas in the city.
In the ETH Zurich main building, you can see the locker that Einstein once used. Opening the locker reveals items associated with Einstein, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into his private life such as his interests, relationships, beliefs and quirks. This is accompanied by music that plays automatically—a somewhat embarrassing experience, given that this is a school campus with students studying nearby. Despite the surprise, the students around seemed unfazed, likely used to visitors like me.
A historic wooden locker corridor at ETH Zurich, featuring the iconic locker once used by Albert Einstein.
Einstein’s locker can be identified by his portrait that is marked on it. A must-see for history buffs and science enthusiasts alike!
The interior of Einstein’s locker at ETH Zurich, showcasing photographs, books, and objects that celebrate his legacy.
CAFÉ & CONDITOREI 1842
For breakfast, I stopped by Café & Conditorei 1842, a cosy café with a vintage ambiance. I treated myself to a breakfast set and a cup of rich Swiss hot chocolate. The croissant was flaky and buttery, and while the meal felt a bit too filling for one, it was undeniably satisfying. The friendly service, especially from a cheerful and cute waitress, made the experience even better. Highly recommended!
The charming façade of Café & Conditorei 1842. The cosy outdoor seating makes it the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast or a warm drink.
A delicious breakfast spread at Café & Conditorei 1842, featuring scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, fresh bread, a buttery croissant, and accompaniments like jam, butter, and honey, paired with a rich cup of Swiss hot chocolate.
GROSSMÜNSTER & FRAUMÜNSTER
No visit to Zurich is complete without exploring its iconic churches: the Grossmünster and Fraumünster. The Grossmünster’s twin towers are a hallmark of the city’s skyline. Meanwhile, the Fraumünster’s stunning stained glass windows, designed by Marc Chagall, left me captivated. Both churches exude history and art, making them must-visit landmarks.
The majestic Grossmünster Church in Zurich, with its twin towers standing tall against the blue sky, an emblematic symbol of the city's skyline.
A close-up of the mesmerising stained-glass windows inside the Grossmünster.
The iconic Fraumünster Church with its striking green spire and clock tower, a historic landmark in Zurich that dates back to the 9th century.
The breathtaking Chagall windows inside the Fraumünster, an exquisite masterpiece by Marc Chagall that combines biblical themes with his signature vibrant hues.
The beautifully painted ceiling of Fraumünster Church, featuring delicate star patterns and medallions, adding an ethereal charm to the interior.
The stunning stained-glass window inside the Fraumünster Church in Zurich, showcasing intricate artwork that illuminates the church with vibrant colours.
Another exquisite stained-glass window in Fraumünster Church.
QUAIBRÜCKE BRIDGE
I then strolled along the Quaibrücke Bridge, with the view of Lake Zurich on one side and the city skyline on the other. The bridge connects two significant parts of Zurich and is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk. Ducks and swans floated gracefully in the lake, and I noticed people feeding them bread—a practice that’s probably discouraged. Sitting by the lake, breathing in the crisp air, and taking in the surroundings felt wonderfully calming.
A serene view of Lake Zurich, featuring graceful swans gliding through the waters with the picturesque Zurich skyline in the background.
You can watch the lively gathering of swans and ducks here!
KUNSTHAUS ZURICH
The Kunsthaus Zurich, one of Switzerland's most prominent art museums, was my next stop. The vast collection, ranging from old masters to contemporary art, was a feast for the eyes. The galleries also included works by legendary artists like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh.
The grand entrance of Kunsthaus Zurich.
Vincent van Gogh’s painting of hollyhocks in a vase.
Claude Monet’s serene painting of a seascape.
The gallery's beautiful interior design.
Possibly a reinterpretation of the iconic Campbell’s Soup imagery.
VITTORIO VANINI SWISS CHOCOLATE SINCE 1871
What’s a trip to Switzerland without indulging in chocolate? At Vittorio Vanini, I treated myself to a chocolate ice cream that was super yummy. They also offer a wide assortment of chocolates, perfect for souvenirs or a little indulgence. Definitely worth a visit for chocolate lovers!
YUMS!
LINDENHOF HILL
I climbed up Lindenhof Hill, a peaceful spot in the heart of Zurich. Once a Roman fort, it now offers a serene escape with panoramic views of the old town and the river. It was the perfect place to pause and reflect on the beauty around me. I wished I could stay to watch the sunset, but with Zurich’s long summer days, I had to head off to dinner instead.
A picturesque view of Zurich’s old town from Lindenhof Hill.
A life-sized outdoor chessboard.
MÈRE CATHERINE
Dinner was at Mère Catherine, a cosy and elegant bistro with a warm atmosphere. The ivy-clad courtyard and Southern French-inspired menu made it a standout experience. I had the escargot and pasta, both beautifully prepared. The ambiance and flavours made it a memorable dining experience—highly recommended for anyone visiting Zurich.
The inviting façade of Restaurant Mère Catherine, with its charming red-and-white striped awnings and cobblestone patio.
A cosy outdoor dining setup at Restaurant Mère Catherine, complete with warm candlelight.
A delightful serving of baked escargot.
Delicious fresh pasta.
MÜNSTERBRÜCKE BRIDGE
I ended my day with a tranquil nighttime stroll around Zurich, crossing the Münsterbrücke Bridge. The views of the river and the surrounding architecture, illuminated against the night sky, were simply magical. It was a serene and fitting end to my first day in Switzerland.
A mesmerising night view of the Fraumünster Church and the illuminated Münsterbrücke Bridge.
A stunning nighttime view of Zurich’s illuminated riverside.
RUBY MIMI HOTEL ZURICH
For my first night in Zurich, I stayed at Ruby Mimi Hotel, a charming boutique hotel perfectly located near the city center. It’s just a short walk from Zurich’s main train station (Zurich HB), making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
Although my room was not large, it was cosy and beautifully designed, with a minimalistic yet elegant decor. The vintage-style furniture added character, while the modern amenities made it practical and comfortable.
I love that the bed is nestled under a skylight.
A cosy corner of the room showcasing a Marshall speaker, rustic lighting, and warm wooden accents.
The room has a unique combination of modern amenities and retro design.
Address: Beatenpl. 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ALafkXgojup6coDq8
Price: $508.21, one night
Room: Nest
ALL IN ALL…
Zurich welcomed me with open arms, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and charm. From exploring Einstein’s university to indulging in Swiss chocolate and soaking in panoramic views, my first day in Switzerland was an unforgettable and magical experience.
Love,
Shu
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