Guide Note

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the country’s commercial and cultural center. Over 30 percent of the population of Zurich are non-Swiss citizens.¹ The majority of foreigners come from Germany, followed by Kosovo, Albania and Italy. Zürich serves as the headquarters for many financial institutions from around the world and is one of the largest centers of offshore banking. The city has repeatedly been ranked as having the best quality of life in the world.²

Fast Facts

1. Best worldwide quality of living: 2006, 2007
2. James Joyce buried here
3. Country: Switzerland
4. Language: Swiss German
5. Currency: Swiss franc
6. Country code: 41
7. Time zone: CET
8. Climate: 14-41°F (winter), 59-86°F (summer)³

1. Botanischer Garten (Botanic Garden): These botanical gardens, which are owned by the University of Zurich, contain 15,000 plant species, including rare plants from New Caledonia and Southwest Africa.⁴
2. Friedhof Fluntern (Fluntern Cemetery): Visit the grave of James Joyce, the author of Ulysses, who lived in Zurich from 1915 to 1919. Johanna Spiri, who wrote Heidi, is also buried there.⁴
3. Kunsthaus Zürich (Fine Arts Museum): This is one of the best fine arts museums in Europe and one of the most modern. Paintings and sculptures at the museum go back to ancient times, but focus mainly on 19th and 20th centuries.⁴
4. St. Peter Kirche (St. Peter's Church): This is the oldest church in Zurich and it has the largest clock face in Europe.⁴
5. Zoologischer Garten (Zoological Garden): One of the best-known zoos in Europe, it is home to approximately 2,200 animals. It also has an aquarium, an aviary and a man-made rainforest.⁴
6. Zürcher Spielzeugmuseum (Zurich Toy Museum): This museum has over 1,200 antique European toys on display.⁴
7. Grossmünster: According to legend, this cathedral was founded by Charlemagne, whose horse bowed down on the spot marking the graves of three Christian martyrs: Felix, Regula and Exuperantius.⁴ The third century martyrs were beheaded because they refused to renounce their faith.

If planning a trip, please see Zurich Hotels, Zurich Restaurants and Zurich Tours.

• How to Book a Cheap Flight
• How To Book a Cheap Hotel Room
• Packing Tips