Whether it's winter or summer, a visit to Switzerland is a must! And make sure you explore both the cities of Zurich and Basel...
Exploring Zurich
One of the top things to do in Zurich is taking a boat trip around Lake Zurich; enjoy a memorable moment on one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. Choose the short lake cruise and board the boat at Zürich Bürkliplatz. The 1 hour 30 minutes round-trip will take you around some of Lake Zurich, where you can enjoy the wonderful views of the city of Zurich and of the Swiss Alps from afar. Click on the link, Prices & information - ZSG, to book your tickets now. Tickets cost approximately €8...
Take a stroll along the Limmat River and you'll encounter the Rathaus, Zurich's Town Hall, which occupies the river front. Cross the many bridges, including the Mühlsteg Bridge, and admire the many great views along the way. A popular viewpoint is at Lindenhof, a hilltop gathering place on the site of a former Roman fort with outdoor chess boards & city views. However for a more unique view, visit the Urania Sternwarte observatory for €20, open Thursday-Saturday from 20:00-21:15. Check out their website for more information: Urania Sternwarte (urania-sternwarte.ch)
(Left) Views from the Lindenhof viewpoint, (Centre Left) Mühlsteg Bridge, (Centre Right) On top of Grossmünster, (Right) Along the promenade of the Limmat River
In Zurich there are many churches to visit including: Grossmünster Cathedral, Fraumünster Church, and St Peter's Church. Most churches are free to enter, however if you wish to climb to the top of the towers of Grossmünster Cathedral then you just need to pay €4. Whilst you're in the city make sure you pay a visit to the Opera House as well as the Swiss National Museum...
(Left) Fraumünster Church, (Centre Left) Zürich Rathaus City Hall, (Centre Right) Urania Sternwarte Observatory, (Right) Church of St. Peter
Travelling around Switzerland?
I highly recommend booking your train and public transport tickets through the SBB Switzerland App which you can download to your phone or visit their website for more information...
Basel Minster Cathedral
Just an hour away from Zurich by train, you can find yourself easily in the city of Basel. Located close to the border of France and Germany, Basel is a city situated on the Rhine River in the Northwest of Switzerland.
Exploring the streets of Basel, one of the places you can't miss is the Basel Minster Cathedral. Entrance inside the cathedral is free but again, like most churches, if you wish to climb to the top of the towers you need to pay a little fee, in this case €5. But the views are incredible, both looking out towards the rest of the city and also of the Rhine River.
Whilst you're here it is also worth visiting the Basel Rathaus City Hall, a 500 year old building dominating the Marktplatz in Basel. As well as the Spalentor Gate, the remains of a gateway from the city's ancient walls, and wander across the other side of the Rhine River and enjoy the views of the city, and if you're lucky bask in the sunshine.
(Left) Basel Rathaus City Hall, (Centre Left) exploring the streets of Basel, (Centre Right) the Spalentor Gate, (right) lunch along the Rhine River
I hope you indulge yourself in the finest Swiss cheese and chocolate, on your visit to Switzerland! This is a country I will definitely come back to visit - there is just so much to see!
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