Although people seem to know Zurich as the largest city of Switzerland, it’s a lot more than this. A major cultural and economical city of Switzerland, the city is the first to acquire the “global city” status, meaning Zurich is deemed to be an important node point in the global economical system.

The studies from 2006 to 2009 nominated Zurich as the city with the best quality of life in the whole world, although Zurich is ranked as the sixth most expensive city on the planet. Zurich developed its financial and cultural branches together and at the same time, and this is one of the main reasons why Zurich is a top city in so many studies regarding positive aspects of life.

Since it is the most important rail node of the Swiss train network and it has the biggest airport of the country, Zurich is the first option for all tourists. If you want to get along with the locals in the city located on the lake with the same name, you should know that they speak a German dialect, but English, French or Italian will also do.

The Old Town can be easily explored by foot, since a large part of the cultural objectives are located on the narrow streets of the historical center. Grossmunster, a huge Romanesque cathedral built in 1519 and Fraumunster, an old Gothic church with some amazing window paintings are a must see in this area.

For the shopping area, try the Hauptbahnhof (central train station) area. Unlike other European cities, this is packed with shops of all kind. For a complete shopping experience, walk down the Bahnhofstrasse towards the Zurich Lake, where you can find a series of elegant stores and boutiques.

Try to visit Zurich during the Streetparade, the world’s biggest demonstration for peace. It usually takes place in the beginning of August. Also, in the mid summer, don’t miss the Zurich Festival, which celebrates the cultural diversity of the city for about one month. Admission to concerts in the parks, opera, art and banks exhibition can be granted for just $19.

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