Twenty-four hours in Zurich

Advantages: A lake, a river, a mountain, beautiful old buildings....
Disadvantages: Expensive

...they were beside the 'information bubble' when a police car came past, sirens blaring. Back inside I went, unable to spot the so-called bubble. Phoning once again, I said I would wait underneath the main departure board. A couple of minutes later, we found each other. I wondered what madness had brought me to such a noisy, crowded place, but fortunately my first impression of Zurich was not a lasting one. From the railway station, the famous Bahnhofstrasse runs right down to the Burkli Platz, a square by the shore of Lake Zurich. On this street you can shop, do your banking, or take a break at the Sprungli Cafe. I merely stood at the doorway of a shop where chocolate was actually being made and was hit by the aroma; it was no good buying anything there as it would immediately have melted in the heat. The traffic on this bustling street is...

denella 16.09.2009 (18.09.2009) · Read review
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Review of Zurich (Switzerland)

Focus on Zurich

Advantages: Good information; many colour illustrations
Disadvantages: One inaccuracy found; maps could be improved

...Having planned a short trip to Zurich, I scanned the shelves of my small local library for guide books and found just one on Switzerland. I decided to see if Amazon had any specifically for Zurich and again found only one: Cityspots Zurich. It hadn't yet been rated but seemed worth ordering. The book is divided into five main sections, Introducing Zurich, Making the Most of Zurich, The City of Zurich, Out of Town and Practical Information. There is an index at the end, but maps are interspersed at appropriate places. Plenty of colour illustrations give a feel for the place even if some of them are quite small. I didn't read much of the introduction, although I was interested to find out that the Dada movement had originated in Zurich. The section also gives a brief history of the city, an overview of its lifestyle and culture...

denella 11.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Zurich (CitySpots) - Thomas Cook Publishing

Boating in Zurich

Advantages: Picturesque, relaxing
Disadvantages: None for me

...My recent visit to Zurich was so brief that I had to choose between a boat trip on Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) and a train ride up the Uetliberg mountain. My son and his partner had, before my arrival, made a trip to Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, so they insisted I make the choice. Although I have always been a lover of land rather than a lover of water, I picked the trip on the lake. It may have had something to do with the heat and the idea that the air might be fresher on the water, but I certainly didn't regret my decision. Lake Zurich extends thirty-nine kilometres from the city of Zurich, which is at its northernmost point. From there it is drained by the River Limmat. The lake covers an area of about eighty-eight square kilometres. Its waters are surprisingly clean and are purified before being used in the city's water system...

denella 06.10.2009 (09.10.2009) · Read review
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Review of Lake Zurich

The best wurst in Zurich?

Advantages: Good atmosphere, reasonable prices
Disadvantages: Crowded, noisy

...a reservation if you want to be sure of a table. Zeughauskeller Bahnhofstrasse 28a CH-8001 Zurich Switzerland Also posted on other sites....

denella 02.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Zeughauskeller, Zurich

You say Zurich and I say Zürich. Lets call the HauptBahnhof!

Advantages: Compact friendly city
Disadvantages: None

...Just give me three good reasons to go to Zürich. No litter, no graffiti, no children. ?Nuff said? I hope not! Zürich is a place that greatly rewards you for a little research either by getting a guide to the city before you go or, the method I chose, repeated visits to the city where you build up your own feel for the place. I was living relatively nearby in Böblingen, Baden-Würtemburg in the Southwest of Germany about two hours by car. I believe it is better to discover places for yourself rather than following the well-trodden path. So, in a sense I am ruining that opportunity for you. But if you don?t have the option to travel there often then this may be of help to some for you first or only visit so you don?t miss the must see sights. If you don?t speak German not to worry neither do the people in Zürich. A little...

bigdoug 27.07.2000 · Read review
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Review of Zurich (Switzerland)

"Design" Hotel Greulich, Zurich

Advantages: Style, Rooms, Staff
Disadvantages: Not in the nicest part of town

... The Hotel: Hotel Greulich is a "Design Hotel" located close to the centre of Zurich (Switzerland) and is named after Herman Greulich, a Polish social reformer who emigrated to Switzerland and founded the first Socialist Party of Switzerland (the hotel is situated on the corner of Herman-Greulich Strasse). On arrival, my wife and I were a bit disappointed with the building from the outside. Although it was a unusual and cool exterior design, it looked like it needed sprucing up a bit. The windows on the 1st floor and above looked quite old, etc. but at ground floor level, it did look "Design", with a modern looking bar and restaurant. After parking in the secure car park behind the hotel (20 Swiss Francs (CHF) per day), we checked in at reception and were taken to our room. The room was in a small interior courtyard...

psirac 29.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Hotel Greulich, Zurich

Peace and quiet in central Zurich

Advantages: Location, breakfast, comfort, cleanliness
Disadvantages: Small; a little pricey

.... Internet access is free of charge. Besides, there are plenty of things to do in Zurich that don't cost a penny, so you can save in other ways. Visit the beautiful churches, relax and admire the view at the Lindenhof, wander down to the lake and contemplate the scenery. I loved it. Helmhaus may not be a hotel for those who want a swimming pool, spa treatments or entertainment. If, however, you are looking for comfort in a quiet atmosphere and a central location, I would not hesitate to recommend it. Helmhaus Swiss Q Hotel Schifflande 30 am Limmatquai CH-8001 Zurich Switzerland www.helmhaus.ch Also to be posted on other sites. A condensed version with more photos will be posted on igougo.com...

denella 30.08.2009 · Read review
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Review of Helmhaus Swiss Q Hotel, Zurich

Zurich....or Zu reich?? An Alternative View....

Advantages: Exciting City, Great Food, Close to Slopes
Disadvantages: Um....

...World Wars resulted in Zurich playing host to a glamorous array of expatriate dissidents, including Lenin, who plotted the Russian Revolution from there. James Joyce penned Ulysees in a little garret behind the University, and died there in 1941. The Dada movement originated in the city, finding its spiritual home in the now infamous Cabaret Voltaire, opened in 1916. In many respects, Zurich is Switzerland's unofficial capital. Some imagine the capital to be Geneva, with its UN and WHO credentials, and general reputation as a repository for all things sane and neutral. The real capital, of course, is Bern, a quaint, medieval town that houses the Swiss Parliament and boasts a rather unsettling and decidedly un-PC bear-pit at its centre. But Zurich has an unrivalled position at the country's cultural, intellectual and financial heart...

snowbunni 14.11.2005 · Read review
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Review of Zurich in general

The Crown Of Switzerland

Advantages: Londoners perspective: beautiful, clean, orderly and different
Disadvantages: Londoners perspective: Expensive (yes even for me!)and a little small and quiet

...and the easiest way to get into town is to take one of the swanky double decker trains to Cornavin train station. Once you?ve arrived you will quickly realize how small Geneva is and that you can walk to most places. However if you?re particularly tired or cold there is an excellent pay-before-you-board tram system across the city. Money Most importantly Switzerland is not part (and is not likely to become part) of the Euro so you will need to take Swiss Francs with you. Probably what everyones heard about Geneva is that it is expensive. And by in large it certainly is. Eating out does not come cheap and nor does grocery shopping. Spirits are probably the most expensive item, for example a vodka and orange can set you back about £7, but the drinks are all double measures ? an important fact to remember or you?ll be legless! One of the only things...

Tricia24 11.11.2003 · Read review
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Review of Geneva (Switzerland)

Zurich connect - woeful service

Advantages: good insurance package, clear information, reasonable cost (but not renewal quotes)
Disadvantages: poor customer service

...I've been with Zurich, Eagle Star then Zurich again for both home insurance and car insurance since the mid 1990s. I claimed on my car insurance in 1997 when my car was written off after someone tried to steal it.. The service was excellent and the cheque arrived swiftly. I had a similar positive experience when I claimed on my home insurance for a leaking water tank (ceiling replastered and room redecorated) in 2003. To say that they have gone downhill would be an understatement. The last couple of years renewal quotes have been high and only came down when presented with alternative prices from price comparison websites. I find the fact that insurance companies seem to put all their efforts into attracting new customers whilst taking existing customers for granted highly objectionable but stuck with Zurich because of their past...

TraceyC123 19.08.2009 · Read review
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Review of Zurich Insurance Company