Layover in Zürich
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ABOVE: Evening on the Limmat. The Fraumünster and St. Peterskirche are on the left; the Grossmünster is on the right side of the river.

When you're ready to return...

Catch a tram back to the railroad station via the Bahnhofstrasse. 

Or, if you have a little more time, cross the bridge across the River Limmat to Bellevueplatz. Turn left and follow the left bank of the Limmat on foot or by tram until you reach the Bahnhofbrücke ("Railway Station Bridge"), stopping at the Grossmünster church along the way. Then turn left and walk across the bridge to the main railway station, where you can catch the next train to the airport.

Another option is to cut inland at Bellevueplatz and take the Rämistrasse uphill to Oberdorfstrasse, then turn left and work your way through the Old Town until find yourself back at the river next to the Bahnhofbrücke.

If you reach the Bahnhofbrücke with time to spare, you might want to ride the Polybahn from its lower station near the bridge to a terrace by the Federal Institute of Technology for a view of the city. The fare is modest, the ride is quick, and the funicular departs at three-minute intervals throughout the day.

TIP: If you don't have a perfect sense of direction and are worried about getting back in time to catch your plane, buy a map at the airport or in the railroad station before venturing into the city proper. The Globus and Jelmoli department stores and several bookstores along the Bahnhofstrasse also carry maps. (Or, if you're on a budget, you see what's available free at the Zurich Tourist Office at the main railroad station.)

Other things to do

When it's raining, the Swiss National Museum (Schweizerisches Landesmuseum) is a wonderful place to spend several hours. It's in a park immediately to the left of the railway station.

During summer, you can take an inexpensive 55-minute sightseeing trip on the Limmat River. The pier is near the Swiss National Museum, and boats depart every half hour.

Finally, if you have children with you, ask the tourist office for directions to the nearest playgrounds. There are several within walking distance of the railroad station. The Zürich Zoo is another possibility, if you don't mind a long tram ride or expensive trip by taxi up the Zürichberg.

Related articles:

Zürich Articles switzerlandforvisitors.com
This index has links to our articles on Zurich.

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