I'll be in Zurich for 7 days as I'm tagging along on my husband's work trip. Actually, it's a family affair as our 11 & 9 yr. old daughters are also coming.
I'm looking for recommendations on must go to places, eat, etc. I'm ok with taking train to nearby cities for 1 day trip. Thanks.
Taking a boat trip from the dock in Zurich is a nice way to spend some time. Your daughters may like going to Sprungli on the Bahnhofstrasse (main shopping street) for mouth watering confections. Having a fondue meal in the Niederdorf section might be fun for them, as well.
For a day trip, consider taking the train to Luzern, and going up Mount Pilatus in the world's steepest cogwheel train, then taking the descent in a gondola and aerial cablecar. The mountain also has the longest summer toboggan run. You can check it out on the website pilatus.ch. The itourist offices at the train stations are extremely helpful, and sell tickets. The description in RS's book is thorough.
The capital city of Berne is about an hour from Zurich by train. The Swiss rail system is extraordinary and will get you to much of the country within about 2 hours. I'd definitely shoot for Lucerne.
It's possible that one of the transportation passes would be a useful purchase if you plan to make a lot of day-trips.
Zurich has wonderful Zoo. The National Museum by the train station is nice. Check out the Museums in Berne, we took our Grandsons who loved it. Luzern has a Picasso Museum right downtown that is nice. If you take the boat trip in on Lake Zurich, get off at Rapperswil for a cool town to roam in. It has some restaurants by the docks and an ice cream shop.
Consider getting the Swiss Rail Pass. All trains, busses, trams, boats and most museums I mentioned are free. You activate it at the train station either at the airport if you go by train or the Zurich downtown station when you take your first trip.
Get Rick Steve's book on Switzerland for the names of the museum's as I know that I didn't provide accurate names for them.
You should definitely get out of Zurich for a few days to see the most beautiful parts of Switzerland. Jump on a train while hubby works and head for the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Spend a night or two there or go up from there to Murren and stay with Denise at the Chalet Fontana. The best part of Switzerland is the stunning Berner Oberland - that's where you'll see the iconic Switzerland.
