Zurich is known for banking, watches and a rather serious population that works hard. Yet, there is more to Zurich than pin-strip suits and trains that run on time. Zurich is a gracious city with many delightful nooks and crannies to explore. Like secret treasures, decadent pleasures can be found throughout Zurich. Next time, stay awhile and enjoy the city rather than leaving immediately after business is finished. Here are five suggestions to whet your appetite!
1. The Bahnhofstrasse
The Bahnhofstrasse glimmers as the main artery of the luxury shopping district of Zurich, which goes unrivaled in the rest of Europe. All of your deepest desires and sophisticated shopping whims can be met here without a doubt. From Armani, to Prada, to Dior, you will find yourself in high end heaven. If that doesnt have you feeling divine, then Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany, Cartier and Swarovski crystals will. Should your travels be accompanied by winter, stop in the haberdashery and consider buying a mink Cossack hat. Whatever your needs, Bahnhofstrasse has you covered.
2. Sprngli
Think youve tried the most decadent, lush chocolate the world has to offer? You havent if your palette hasnt been treated to Sprngli. Coincidentally, the main store is located at Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz so you can indulge after your shopping is done. The luxury confectioners most famous product is their macaroon. However, they do offer countless other types of chocolates, for all tastes, as well as ice cream and bakery goods. Your first bite of Sprngli guarantees an epiphany in your mouth.
3. Mesa
Zurich continues to impress with its haute cuisine. Zurich now has two, two-star Michelin restaurants for the first time ever, one of which is Mesa. Mesa exudes upscale, yet doesnt strain for it, so the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. The amuse-bouche arrives before the menu does. Dining is prix fixe, you choose the number of courses (5, 6, or 7). Chef de Cuisine Marcus Linder follows the spectacular culinary lineage of Cataln Chef Ferrn Adri, thus you can expect gorgeously designed and plated food, with Cataln accents. Linder describes his cooking as light and digestible however youre close to Austria, which means no shortage of protein, lots of meat, fish and potatoes. Expect meals to last around four hours. Customized, miniature stools are provided especially for womens purses, adding a classy touch. Located at Weinbergstrasse 75.
4. Widder Hotel
Conveniently located only 50 meters from the Bahnhofstrasse, the Widder offers 42 rooms and 7 well-appointed suites. The hotel is hidden amongst ten old town houses that date from 12th through 17th centuries. Each room and every suite boasts its own unique, modern design, bestowing the hotel a distinctive hybrid aesthetic between historic and contemporary. All rooms are tailored with the utmost comfort in mind, providing wireless high speed internet, a Bang & Olufsen TV, and HiFi equipment amongst other amenities. The hotel has a business center, fitness room and limousine service at your disposal. The five star hotel, located on Rennweg 7, is only 500 meters from the train station, and a twenty minute drive from the airport.
5. Kunsthaus Zurich
Also known as the Zurich Museum of Art, the Kunsthaus Zurich is one of the most significant art museums in Europe, and arguably lays claim to Europes most important collection of modern art. Furthermore, the museum is considered by some, to be one of the most sophisticated art museums on the planet. The museum has a massive collection of works, and most notable among them is the Giacometti wing. Also popular is Rodins Gate of Hell, not to mention a lineup of the artists hall of fame: Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Rembrandt, Degas, and Cezanne all have a presence here. The final impressive touch for the Kunsthaus, is the Edward Munch collection, the largest in the world.
With all of these luxurious features, it hardly comes as a surprise that in recent years, Zurich was found to have the highest quality of life in Europe, as well as being Europes wealthiest city. A bounty of pleasures awaits those who seek the finest that life has to offer.
