The Underbelly of Zurich, Switzerland

If you are in Zurich on a Saturday between the months of May through September, make sure to check out the vast antique & flea market on the Bürkliplatz in the city. It is a virtual cornucopia of treasures for the antique hunter. Be sure to bring plenty of francs along though; although bargaining is not unbeknownst to the Swiss, it is not as common as it is in the US nor is it the easiest to accomplish unless you speak the local dialect or German.

In the winter, Zurich features an elaborate yet quaint outdoor Christmas market that simply cannot be missed. Grab a cup of "gluehwein" (spiced wine) and warm yourself from the inside as you enjoy your outdoor shopping adventure.

Quick Tips:

If money is of no question, Zurich offers an endless number of things to do and see. However, if you are on a tighter budget, your best bet is to stick to the simpler pleasures the city has to offer.

Best Way To Get Around:

I highly recommend walking or driving through the city in order to get an idea of all Zurich has to offer. Although I felt perfectly comfortable wandering aimlessly through the city, this is not for everyone. Taxis are quite expensive so if it's public transportation that you prefer, Zurich features a reliable tram and train system that weaves throughout the city and as well into the towns and villages outside of the city.

If you like chocolate then you simply cannot let the Sprungli Confiserie pass you by; it really is like tasting it for the first time and nothing will ever compare to your taste buds afterwards! If chocolate isn't your favorite, then I highly recommend trying the "luxemburgerli" which are essentially little mounds of melt-in-your-mouth heaven.

The restaurant on Paradeplatz is a sure bet as are essentially all of the establishments in the Movenpick chain. They generally offer a good selection of meals at reasonable prices for even the pickiest of eaters (and believe me, I am one!). This particular Movenpick is a bit more upscale than others across Switzerland but it can still be considered casual dining, although I wouldn't recommend cut-offs, a ripped tank top, and flip-flops as proper attire!

If they are still on the menu, I personally recommend the three cheese ravioli, but don't forget to leave room for some of Movenpick's heavenly ice cream; it's quite possibly the best you will ever taste!

Located in the Niederdorf, the Babalu is an itty-bitty, teensy-weensy bar most often filled to the brim with local denizens quaffing over-priced bottled beers and cocktails amidst an onslaught of eurotrash beats. The atmosphere is pleasant enough though and since there is no cover charge to get in, it's worth checking out if you are in the area.

I can't be exactly sure whether it was the alcohol, the company I was with, or the bar itself (or perhaps it was a combination of all three) that made this particular pub so memorable, but it was nevertheless a very enjoyable experience. Make sure to ask for "gummibaerli" (goo-me-bear-lee) shots or long drinks if you are looking to wet your whistle and get a great buzz going. They are made with red vodka and Red Bull and taste more or less like a gummy bear...who can beat that!

Once you've satisfied your taste for the pub scene, I recommend a walk to the Fraumunster, but be careful not to trip on the steps in your inebriated state of mind and body!

Sächsilüüte is the Zurich spring festival and it is unlike anything you will ever see again in your life! This traditional celebration is hundreds of years old and is essentially designed as a means of symbolically burning away the winter.

Around 2:30pm in the afternoon, the festival is officially kicked off with a parade of all of the city's guilds in traditional garb. The members of the guilds distribute everything from wine to candy to cookies amongst the crowd. If you are lucky enough to get tickets for seats, you will not only have a "ringside" view of the parade but also more of a chance of getting some of the goodies! But tickets are VERY hard to come by so don't be too disappointed if you don't get any.

At 6:00pm (sächsilüüte = the clock chimes 6 times), the main event begins. By then everyone has made their way to the clearing where an ENORMOUS bonfire has been prepared with a huge snowman (the Böögg) made out of cotton material and filled with dynamite resting on top. The bonfire is lit and depending upon how long it takes for the snowman to blow up, it is theoretically determined whether the winter will end soon or continue on relentlessly (for visual confirmation of this insanity, make sure to see my picture of the flame-engulfed snowman from last year's festival!).

Comparatively, I would say it's the Swiss equivalent to the mundane American celebration of Groundhog Day. Do NOT miss out if you have the opportunity to see this! It takes place every year in April on the third Monday of the month.

To put it quite simply the street parade is pure insanity and certainly not for the faint of heart. The dozens of floats that make their way through the city are loaded with bizarrely costumed dancers (the stranger the better, it seems) and even more peculiarly dressed characters trail along behind. The surreal ambience is topped off with a barrage of pounding techno and house beats that resound across the city's streets.

The parade's route winds its way along Zürich’s lake basin via Bürkliplatz and Bellevue, to end at Hornbachstrasse. The more than 40 parties prior to and after the parade make Zürich into a true party mecca for its more than 1,000,000 participants year after year. If you're feeling adventurous, make sure to be there on August 9th for this year's festivities.