Think of exploring Zurich as a treasure hunt. The locals might not hand you a map, but they’ll leave you clues if you know where to look. With only a few hours to spare, Rashid and I decided to make the most of Zurich’s walkability. We strolled down the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling shopping street, but soon turned off to explore the quieter side streets, discovering hidden cafes and independent shops that gave the city its unique charm. Eventually, we found ourselves drawn to the sparkling expanse of Lake Zurich. The waterside promenade felt like a different world. Couples strolling hand in hand, children feeding the ducks, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh water. We stopped at one of the many inviting cafes, indulging in a scoop of rich Swiss ice cream while enjoying the view.
On our second trip with our son Zak, the boat tour on Lake Zurich was definitely a highlight. The scenery was stunning, and the fresh air was a nice change of pace from the city. Traveling with teenagers can be interesting. Zak, who was 15 at the time, is a quiet guy. His big passions are nature and food. Zurich didn’t exactly blow him away, but even he found things to appreciate.
Now teenagers and ancient churches don’t always mix, but Zak was intrigued by the Grossmunster’s Romanesque architecture. And also sheer age of the 12th century building impressed him. And while the Frau Munster’s Chagall windows might not have been his style, the colors and sheer artistry sparked a bit of conversation about modern versus historical art. While its structure is ancient, The Frau Munster is most famous for its stained glass windows designed in the 1970s by famed artist Marc Chagall. Their vibrant colors and biblical themes are breathtaking. For history buffs, the Frau Munster houses a museum in its crypt, showcasing archaeological finds and artifacts from the city’s past.
Thankfully, Zak’s picky eater tendencies don’t extend to trying new cuisines. In Zurich, that meant seeking out everything from hearty Swiss dishes to maybe finding a cool little Asian street food stand. He loved getting to sample all the different flavors, and the city surprisingly had a lot of variety to offer. Those little fountains scattered throughout the city aren’t just pretty, they offer refreshingly pure water.
The Swiss have a reputation for being reserved, and it’s true. They don’t go out of their way to chat with strangers, and their initial demeanor can seem a bit cold. But don’t be discouraged. If you approach them politely and ask specific questions, they’re happy to help. Check out the podcast video below for an audio guide to our two impressions of Zurich!
All Around The World 