ZURICH

Money makes the world go round and Zürich proves it. But contrary to the public opinion, this tranquil and business-oriented town is not for the rich only…

Since its origins as a Roman imperial town Zürich was always interrelated with money. By joining the Swiss confederation during mid-fourteenth century it continues its development into trading, but also cultural, artistic and intellectual centre. Zürich stock-exchange was first opened in 1877 and today it is the most important stock-exchange in Switzerland. Besides it, banking, tourism and world most renowned chocolate production it represents the basis of the economic power of the city.

Situated at the northern coast of the Zürich Lake, wherefrom its name was initially derived, this town will gain all your sympathies just by first look at it. It is no wonder then that the consulting company William M. Mercer, that once a year leads the ranking of the world towns, in compliance with the 39 key features, had declared it as world's most comfortable town to live in (2003). Criteria comprise politics, economy, natural and socio-cultural environment, health care, education, location, transport, shopping, recreation and other. It came out first among 215 world towns comprised with this research pursuant to all the criteria. Numerous businessmen in smart suites, luxuriously designed shop-windows and the architecture disclose the businesslike, cosmopolite and slightly elitist atmosphere of Zürich. It definitely doesn't mean it is stern. On the contrary, this is very relaxing town and long walks are the award-winning concept. Town centre and the most important streets are pedestrian precinct, and numerous trees and fountains are special delight for these walks. You simply cannot get lost in this town. River Limmat flows from the middle of the town, dividing it thereby into two parts. Seven large bridges connect two coasts, enabling you to cross the channel any time you want to. The best way to get to know the town Zürich inhabitants recommend walking by the river, towards the lake and private research of small neighbouring streets together with the unavoidable visit to the Lindenhof Park, situated on the plateau above the river. Apart from the beautiful view to the old town kernel, what makes this park special are carefree reading of the newspapers or books in the sunny grass during the lunch break.

Even though both sides of the channel are memorable, western side is more interesting, partly due to its sights and shopping as well. Right place to begin with the shopping is the Central station in u Zürich. One of the world's most renowned shopping alleys begins right there, Bahnhofstrasse, almost a mile long, that ends up at the lake. You can find everything there: elitist clothing shops, expensive jewellery and designer shoes, department stores, pastry shops and the very symbol of Zürich - banks. Despite the fact the Bahnhofstrasse swarms with the designer shops, greater attention is drawn by the domestic brand shops.

In Europe still rather strange, brands such as Amok or Bally are quite a pleasant surprise. They market their products as "stylish people's fashion" and young Swiss adore them. To attract the tourists who usually look for Italian or French brands we all know of, they have happy hour, an hour or two when they provide special discount to the customers. Besides their original clothes, Swiss produce the best chocolate worldwide, especially Lindt & Sprüngli whose pastry shop in Bahnhofstrasse is almost always full, while visitors order black chocolate with 70% of cocoa or more, more popular under the name "non-fat chocolate". Lindt & Sprüngli also offer visits to the Chocolate Museum, where one can learn everything about the history of chocolate making, with wonderful present when you leave in the form of a chocolate surprise box.

Second most interesting street next to the Bahnhofstrasse is Niederdorfstrasse, dominated by the clothing shops, but great number of café bars and clubs. This street is the empire of the night life in Zürich, while English pubs, Italian Trattoria's and other national places are always full of tourists. Zürichu offers some exclusive stuff in small shops near the lake. Most of the products are hand-made; notwithstanding their diversity i.e. you can buy souvenirs, pastries, jewellery, all those being expensive family traditions. Those places are very easily recognizable by luxurious shop windows not displaying the prices though.

Luxury is the only attribute you would put together with this part of town near the lake. Expensive restaurants and cafes with the view on the lake, large houses with private yachts berths, prestigious cars only prove that Zürich is the richest town Switzerland. It had gained this title thanks to the banks at the most and numerous insurance companies. Even though many banks are in the centre itself, especially in the Bahnhofstrasse, main banking complex is outside of the centre. One peculiarity is that only Swiss work within the complex, for other nationals it is impossible to get the work there. The reason for it lays in the tradition, especially nurtured by older Swiss. It is no wonder then that Swiss are 'famous' , next to the French, as greatest nationalists in Europe. Older inhabitants of Zürich are, for one rather liberal town, surprisingly conservative and introverted. Their value highly their peace and privacy, so the old town kernel is rather dreary during nights… Unlike them, young Swiss are polite, kind, more liberal and modern. I can substantiate this view by describing you a young man in smart suit with the briefcase moving around on a scooter. They are also much more open and friendly towards the foreigners and tourists. It is understandable, because tourism is important to the economy Zürich especially during summer holidays. The Lake Zürich is the ideal for swimming and relaxing on wide grassy beaches. Beach nearby the Lindt chocolate factory is most popular, for it is the combination of the scents of the sun, grass and chocolate. Major summer festivals take place there, such as amateur theatre, sports freestyle.ch or most famous Street Parade, electronic music festival, drag here even up to million foreigners at once.

Tourist office in Zürich offers special tours around the town depending on the visitors' aspirations. Cultural-artistic tour includes visits to all major museums and town sights, and goodbye drink at the Cabareta Voltaire, café bar dating from 1916, renowned as the place where Dadaism - anti-art movement arose. Besides that one, there is trend-setters tour including visits of the trendy places in town, then sports tour and other.

Zürich lives a carefree, organized and punctual life. Shops are closed punctually and trains or trams are never late. Lifestyle is created by the business tradition and tourism what reflect best the language and the food. Everyone speaks English or Italian or French besides the Swiss language. Gourmet specialties admirers will enjoy numerous restaurants which offer only best traits of the world kitchen. Domestic specialty is Geschnetzeltes Kalbsfleisch, thin sliced beef in thick sauce, with traditional Swiss desert - five sorts of cheese. Swiss like to show off that their nutrition is the healthiest in Europe, so that even vegetarians can enjoy the macrobiotic and vegetarian restaurants.

Healthy lifestyle in Zürich doesn't reflect the food exclusively. The town is so clean and green. Do not be taken by surprise if you order a glass of water and then watch the waiter pouring the water into the glass in the fountain. Zürich has over thousand fountains, and the inhabitants claim that water in these is potable. Many parks and trees make this town breathing. Even at the town access roads various trees are planted. They appreciate clear air and healthy lifestyle as much as they have shown some thirty years ago, when they disclosed their attitude through the referendum regarding not wanting to build the metro. They thought it would pollute the air and they picked ecologically acceptable trams. It is huge town with 400 thousand inhabitants and large pedestrian precincts. Public transportation functions here impeccably. Trams pass every six minutes, and rail is equipped with special sensors. They transfer location and the speed of each tram in the control tower, w there ho determines whether to diminish or to increase speed in order to get on time. You can rent a bicycle almost for free with giving small monies for the time you want to. The town favourite is sport, with numerous jogging and rolling tracks, and every second Monday rolling race. It all adds to the special feeling one gets during visit to this town. You only have to choose…