Zurich City Breaks 2013

Zurich Zoo has been a part of the city since 1929, and is home to over 200 animals and 300 different species. Here you can spy animals such as gorillas, tigers, penguins and elephants. The Alpamare Water Park is Europe’s biggest indoor water park, and is home to some of the continent’s longest water slides. If you wish to enjoy some fun outdoors, head to the Rope and Adventure Park, which boasts ten fun fuelled courses.

The city is filled with interesting restaurants, and in the summer is home to a wide array of open air establishments, so you can enjoy dining al fresco. The two main areas for eating out are Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf, where you can find a good choice of international cuisines on offer, as well as some local restaurants offering the chance to sample some local dishes.

Found in the heart of Zurich, the Glockenhof hotel sits in a pretty building, and is within easy reach of the old town. Sitting in a peaceful spot in Zurich’s university quarter, the Plattenhof Hotel is ideal for families who want to be within easy reach of the centre, but stay somewhere relaxed and laid back.

The city is home to the largest indoor water park in the continent, the Alpamare Water Park. Here you can try some of Europe’s longest water slides. Bahnhofstrasse is a dreamy street with beautiful buildings that are home to some of the world’s most chic fashion names, whether you want to enjoy a shopping trip or just window shop, it’s a beautiful place to visit during your stay in the city.

The restaurant scene is Zurich is eclectic, with plenty of choice when it comes to international and local cuisine. You will find a good choice of restaurants along Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf, with open air restaurants during the summer providing some romantic places to dine. From bustling cafes to high class restaurants, there is plenty of choice when it comes to eating out.

Found within steps of the Opera House and the Lake Zurich, the elegant Ambassador Swiss Quality Hotel is ideal for a romantic break. The hotel offers elegantly classic interiors, and is found in the heart of the city. The Baur Au Lac boasts dreamy rooms, which echo art deco and regency styles, and is found in a private park, on the shores of the lake. It’s the perfect place for a truly exceptional holiday for two.

In the winter, visitors to Zurich can take advantage of the fantastic nearby ski resorts, and enjoy both skiing and snowboarding, alongside other winter activities such as tobogganing and snow shoeing. The surrounding landscapes are ideal for hiking, with many marked trails to be found, as well as cycling, one of the most enjoyable ways of discovering the countryside.

Zurich is filled with evening venues, from late night clubs to chic bars and cocktail lounges. With around 80 clubs open at the weekend, the city boasts more clubs per mile than any other in Europe, so it’s the ideal city for club hopping. Bars range from cosy Irish taverns and whiskey bars to English pubs and jazz bars.