Zurich Old Town

Why Zurich Old Town is special
It has well-preserved centuries-old buildings in a picturesque river-straddling setting.

Zurich Old Town tips and insights
Reputation
It has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the world's major financial centers. However, the common perception that the city is staid is out of date. Today, Zurich Old Town pulses with a spirited restaurant, bar, and club scene.

Culture
Zurich Old Town is rich in artists, art galleries, performers, and cultural stages. And just beyond its borders are several world-class museums: • Museum of Fine Arts (spans the centuries but is especially renowned for its Giacometti's sculpture collection) • Swiss National Museum (specializes in historical and cultural works)  • Rietberg Museum (focuses on Asian art).

Churches
The two must-visits are • Fraumunster (a showcase for Marc Chagall's stained glass windows) and • Grossmunster (great panoramic view from one of its steeples).

Shopping
Zurich Old Town is a shopper's paradise. Running down its fringe is the uber-fashionable Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most celebrated shopping streets. It's populated with luxury boutiques and department stores selling famous brands and labels.

Sightseeing pointer
Zurich Old Town is relatively compact and there's much to see and appreciate down its narrow lanes. So walking (or riding a free bike) is a better option than motoring.

Location in Switzerland