Expat in Zurich

I moved to Zurich for a 3-month assignment with my firm, so here I am trying to find my way around. So far it has been a wonderful experience. Zurich is beautiful, manageable, and welcoming! I have managed a few weekend trips away from the city and am focusing my time in Zurich on making friends and discovering the (apparently) famous nightlife.

Zurich is as picturesque as you can imagine. Centered on a river, with a lake at one end, beautiful cathedrals, cobble stone streets and high-fashion shopping, restaurants, and clubbing.

The Swiss banks dominate both the literal landscape and the economic one, making this city affluent and rich in culture. The art in Switzerland is top notch, thanks to wealthy investors.

Quick Tips:

I wish I spoke some German... despite what I was told when I agreed to go, not everyone speaks English, especially in stores, cabs, etc... so come armed with a phrasebook.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking!! You can cover all of Zurich on foot. Really. There is also an unbelievably efficient tram system, but if you don't feel like braving it, there is no real need.

To get around Switzerland, the trains are unbelievably clean, comfortable, efficient and fast. You can really get to anywhere in the country without a car. Get a one month half pass for 99 CHF and all your trains are half price. You will recoup your cost in two or three trips.

When planning trips further afield in Europe, but basing yourself in Switzerland (as I am, of course), one of the wonders is the Wednesday deal. Each Wednesday airlines (Swiss Air, Air France being two that I have found) post weekend specials, usually for CHF199 roundtrip to cities all over Europe, tax included. Sometimes you need to be flexible on times or go a bit higher in price, but there are some great deals to be found.

The Brasserie Lipp is an exact replica of its namesake in Paris. It is a beautifully appointed restaurant and a favorite for business lunches and long, luxurious dinners.The menu is full of seasonal fish dishes but also offers meats and classic Swiss cuisine.We had beef tartar, salmon, mussels and a wonderful bottle of red wine. The food was all fabulous, not one course disappointed.The location is great… finish off your evening at the Jules Verne for drinks: a rooftop bar high above the city in the same building as the Brasserie.

Juice Market has quickly become a standy-by for me. It is one of the few places where you can get a sandwich to go (a very American thing to want, so I have learned ...) other than the grocery store. The sandwiches are to die for and of the gourmet variety: wonderful focaccia bread filled with fresh gourmet cheese, vegetables and meats, and usually a wide selection (including vegetarian). The shaved slices of Parmesan with salami, rocket, and a dash of balsamic vinegar, on a huge focaccia bread, is my favorite.

If you have more time to stick around and have a real meal, there are sidewalk tables on nice days and they serve a hot menu including an eclectic range of dishes: curries, baked potatoes with toppings, sandwiches, soups, and salads. (I have had the chicken curry on several occasions...it is very satisfying, although note that it is also very mild)

The location is very charming, on a small cobblestone street that is classically Zurich, one block in from Bahnhofstrasse (the main shopping street and real center of Zurich).

Their main specialty, however, is juice. They make smoothies and fresh squeezed juices, which are perfect to pair with their generally very healthy food.

Sandwiches cost CHF11, and hot dishes are in the CHF15 range.

Summertime brings out the best that Zurich has to offer. Zurich itself can be easily covered by foot. In the summer, venturing past the center of the city and along either side of the lake is a real treat.Especially enjoyable on a Friday evening, take a walk down the left bank of the lake (when looking at the lake with the old town behind you). All along the waterfront are young local Zurichers soaking up the view along with a drink. (Drinking alcohol on the streets and in public places is allowed here, unlike most places in the US.) There are also often street performers along the river, making the view that much more lively.On the right side of the lake, you'll find a beautifully maintained park, ending at the "swim clubs" further up the lake. In the park, there are runners and bikers in the morning, and lots of young people tanning and enjoying the sun on a weekend afternoon. You may even see a few barbecues and street vendors bring their carts down to the park to sell ice-cream, pretzels, drinks and other snacks. On a very hot day, jump in the lake for a swim!

The place to go for weeknight trouble, The Carlton is the hangout on Tuesday nights. Get there before 8pm to avoid the cover charge, and then stay all night. Drinks are similar in price to New York. We had glasses of Prosecco (Spanish sparkling wine) for CHF 11 each.The Carlton is divided into two sides: one is the bar and the other is a disco. The dance floor gets crowded as the night progresses, with a DJ playing a good mix of techno, dance and hip-hop. There is also a small bar by the dance floor, so you do not need to leave the scene to get another drink.In addition, there are tables outside of the bar area to enjoy on a warmer summer evening. This is a great place to start before heading in when the dance floor heats up.

Talacker Bar, with its small, funky interior, is especially popular on nice days when the party spills out onto the patio, and sometimes even into the large parking lot in front of the bar.

There is more of a mixed crowd here than I have found at other night spots...a lot of bankers, of course, but also some more alternative types. The clientele was generally attractive.

Earlier on in the night or on an off weeknight, it is worth going in to check it out to see the very funky interior design. Overstuffed couches covered with patchwork, mismatched fabrics, and fun wall hangings make it quite unique. There is also a very classic wooden bar (and no table service...so be prepared to wait at the bar for a drink on very busy nights).

The scene, however, is fun and relaxed, with good (mostly American pop) music and a casual atmosphere.