Zurich, Switzerland Layover

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Welcome to Zurich

Zurich layover information

Currency:

The Swiss Franc (CHF)

Exchange Rate:

FXCheatSheet - Travelers Currency Cheatsheet
Click on link and go to :"Get my FXCheatSheet", a printable
wallet-sized version, provided by Oanda.com

Weather & Climate:

Zurich Weather Forecast, Switzerland

Getting Around Town:
Bring your walking shoes because walking in Zurich is so pleasant! Trams or trains will take you to farther destinations. Concierge will give directions to major attractions, maps available at front desk. Tourist Office in the Bahnhof (train station).

Restaurants We Like:
(There are very few cheap eats in Zurich; it will be difficult to get away for less than 20CHF)
- The Armory (that's what we call it) traditional Swiss - near the Lake - moderate
- Santa Lucia - Italian - in Old Town - moderate
- Le Dezaley - Classic Fondue - expensive - Old Town, at the base of the Church, near the lake
- The Adler - Classic Swiss/Fondue - moderate - Old Town
- Drei Stube - Swiss spin on Italian - moderate - Near the Marriott
- Johnetier (sign says "beerkeller") - German/Swiss
- The Crazy Cow - Traditional Swiss - casual - family seating - moderate - near the Marriott
- There are several sandwich shops around town serving Kababs (Similar to gyros)
- The Train Station has sandwiches and takeout.
- Marche - in the train station (lower level) - buffet style - pay per item
- The Beer Garden by the Lake has beer and brats (fun, but expensive)
- Lee's Chinese in Old Town, near McDonald's (take away)
- Santa Lucia - Old Town, Italian - near Oliver Twist
- The Marion - specializes in Cordon Bleu - huge portions - Old Town - walking
- Molino's - Italian - near the river, across from the Beer Garden
- Starbucks - walking
- The White Elephant - Thai - in the Marriott Hotel
Pubs:
- Bonnie Prince - Old Town
- Oliver Twist - Old Town
- Nelson (near Coop)
- Casa Bar - Live Band almost every night
Tipping:
- Service is typically included; a gratuity of 5%-10% (round up) for good service is appreciated.

Shopping Finds:
Chocolate, of course! If you are a wine lover, the Swiss produce some very nice whites. Many independantly owned boutique shops in Zurich. World famous designers on the Banhofstrasse, but most shopping is quite expensive. Still it's a great place to window shop and you might find the one item you can't live without.

What to See:

Marc Chagall Windows in Fraumünster Church, on the Fraumünsterstrasse Hours: - May-Sept: Mon-Sat 9am-noon,2-6pm, Sun 2-6pm; -Oct, Mar-Apr: Mon-Sat 10am-noon,2-5pm, Sun 2-5pm; -Nov-Feb: Mon-Sat 10am-noon, 2-4pm, Sun 2-4pm Cost: Free	The Swiss National Museum, near the Train Station
Boat Rides on Lake Zurich- stop at Coop for picnic supplies and tour around the Lake. Also nice day trips by boat to Rappersville, or the Benedictine Abbey	The Beer Garten at the Lake - open through October when temp is >70F (21c).
The Jules Verne Bar - in the Observatory	The Banhofstrasse - some of the world's finest shopping
Old Town - shops, restaurants	Kunsthaus fine art museum- near Old Town - "Gates to Hell" doors, www.kunsthaus.ch
Bike Rentals - ask concierge for directions.	Augustiner gasse - quaint street connecting Banhofstrasse to St. Peter's Church.
Botanical Garden	Zurich Zoo

What's On Around Town:
Street Parade Every August thousands of revellers flock to what has become the biggest techno-music street party in the world, modelled on the Berlin Love Parade. People from all over the world join together in a 'demonstration for love, peace, freedom and tolerance' to the beat of house and techno music. The city's biggest party is a weekend of colourful floats, or Love Mobiles, costumed dancers and loud music, as well as numerous parties and festival events that take place before and after the parade.
Date: 9 August 2008
Time: 1pm to 10pm
Website: www.street-parade.ch

Zurich Open-Air CinemaAn absolute treat for cinema lovers, the annual open-air cinema in Zurich comes to the picturesque lakeside setting in Zurichhorn Park every summer to entertain patrons of all ages and movie preferences. Showing classics, cult movies, premieres and new releases, the Orange Cinema season is a firm favourite on the Zurich events calendar and is an ideal option for an alternative evening out. Indulge in an early meal at one of the idyllic restaurants on the lake and then settle down under the stars for an unforgettable cinema experience. The festival programme is published in advance during May.
Venue: Zurichhorn Park
Date: 17 July to 17 August 2008
Website: www.orangecinema.ch

Zurich Theatre Spectacle
One of the top cultural events in Zurich, the Theatre Spectacle is a festival for new and cutting edge theatre that presents an international collection of independent theatre companies and the latest in performing arts productions. Every summer over 20 theatre groups stage performances around the city, including open-air productions next to the lake.
Venue: Landiwiese
Date: 14-31 August 2008
Website: www.theaterspektakel.ch

- Indoor Christmas Market will be on at the Train Station in December.
- www.zuerich.com - official Zurich site

Travel Time to the Hotel: 15 min.

Flight Time from IAD: 8 hours (+ or -)

Nearest ATM : Train station or Coop, easily accessable on shopping street and around town

Nearest Grocery: Coop (accepts credit cards), short walk.

Closest Gym: There is a gym in the hotel.

Best Place to Run: Along the river, away from the lake

Good Walks: Anywhere around Zurich, especially from hotel to Lake Zurich

Easy Day Trips: See The Black Madonna at the Benedictine Abbey of Eisiedeln. Days hikes around the surrounding hills, ie. take train to Uetliberg, hike to Felsenegg and then train back to Zurich- great day hike. Take train to Lucerne. Rhine Falls - largest falls in Europe - about an hour train ride. You can leave at 2, and still have a great day!

Hotel Amenities: morning coffee (9:30 to 10:00 only), computer available for crew use - ask Concierge for location.

Safety: www.travel.state.gov - State Department travel advisory site. Also visit our sister site, www.realworldsafety.com for traveler tips on safer travel!