The Ultimate Zurich Winter Itinerary
Another gorgeous European city with the most magical Christmas atmosphere, and a wholesome ice-skating rink
Activities and Sights
As always, the first stop at any northern European city should be the food market hall. Located just outside of the city centre are the Viadukt Arches, a popular shopping and culture district with a pretty amazing Markthalle called IM VIADUKT. There’s a gyoza bar, homemade pasta bar, pie shop, coffee house, deli and more. I have to admit; it took me a couple laps and to decide on what to eat!
Both the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches showcase incredible architecture and tall ceilings that are just breathtaking. They’re both located along the river, allowing you to stroll through the streets on your way over.
Another popular spot is the Sechseläutenplatz town square, a super huge area that overlooks Lake Zurich. From here you’ll see the Opera house, which definitely has some history. The first theatre burnt down in 1890 with the next few being demolished before finally restoring and renovating the opera house that stands there today.
Be sure to head over to Niederdorf Promenade in the Old Town for a grand stretch of trendy bars, restaurants and street artists.
For all the designer brand lovers, head over to Bahnhofstrasse for a major shopping street of high end brands and boutiques as well as chocolate shops and stores selling special goods.
Christmas markets
Zurich goes all out when it comes to Christmas. We stumbled on at least five or six different markets scattered all across town. There’s decorations, Christmas trees and gorgeous fairy lights throughout the city. It’s definitely a place to visit if you’re in need of some passionate festive cheer.
The largest markets are held in front of the opera house known as the Viennese Village (Wienachtsdorf) and Sechseläutenplatz. Everything you could ever want, from mulled wine to cinnamon donuts and hamburgers are all right here. These markets also have a wide range of international specialties that you don’t usually find at others.
The Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Central Station is also super cool and has a giant tree in the centre of it all. There’s also a whole heap of little pockets of the Weihnachtsmarkt Münsterhof Christmas markets along the river near the Grossmünster church. Oh and a cute children’s choir known as the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ over at Werdmühleplatz near the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street! Have a look for more information about performance times here.
If you’re an ice-skating lover (and faller) like me head over to Dolder sports. It’s about a twenty-minute drive from the city centre near the mountain and has the most incredible open air ice skating with a cute Christmas tree, blasting carols and a restaurant with traditional German grill, mulled wine and delish cheese fondue.
As always, my inbox is open!
Safe travels,
Jacqui.
