Adventurous Annie: Zurich, Switzerland: The Money Capital of the World

As you likely gathered from the title, this post is going to be very much about cost efficiency, prices, and how to visit Zurich without going broke. Zurich, Switzerland is an expensive place to visit, but there are ways around that to ensure you have a great time, but also make your cash go far. If you look beyond the 40 Franc burgers, the 1300 Franc designer jackets, and the 50+ Franc souvenirs, you will undoubtedly find the best sales, and excellent low cost accommodations and food.
First off, when you book your hotel/hostel/room, make sure it has at least a mini-fridge or kitchenette. Even if you have just a mini-fridge, you're set. The city of Zurich is full of Co-ops and Migro stores, where the locals buy their groceries. My suggestion to you, would be to buy "staples" that are easy to throw together. The "staples" may include bread, sandwich meats, mayo (curry mayo for lots of flavour), plastic utensils, fresh fruit, peanuts, yogurts, and juice packs or bottled water. Those things are excellent for a quick sit-down meal and packed lunches for day trips. Of course, I do recommend visiting a restaurant and cafe because there's no need to be totally stingy for the entire time. You want to enjoy yourself. Just a note, that the hotel rooms can get very warm, quickly. Because of this, make sure you stay hydrated.

The largest grocery chain in Switzerland.
This photo was taken from Google.

The hotel we stayed at in Zurich is called the "Swiss Starr Marc", about a 25 minute walk from downtown. (Oh and I took the above photo from Google because I had a super crappy phone at the time and it kept dying so I left most of the picture taking to my Significant other, Mark). The Swiss Starr was 250 Swiss Francs for 3 nights which isn't too bad. Accommodations in Zurich weren't very expensive. It's the food and shopping that will drive up your credit card bill (if you're using credit). Right outside of the hotel, was the bus/tram station, a chocolate shop, and more restaurants and grocery chains than we could count. When Mark and I went to Migros to fill our mini-fridge, we spent about 27 Francs for a whole basket full of fridge staples. Deli meats, pears, cucumber, bread, plastic utensils, yogurts, bottled water, peanuts, curry mayo, napkins, and a few other things like granola bars and cheese slices.

Once you have done your grocery shopping, it is time to have some fun! Pack a lunch, and get ready for a day trip that will consist of shopping and sight-seeing. You can also go to Zoo Zurich but we will go over that later, as that is at least a half-day trip.

If you're not in a hurry, and you're not any more than a 45 minute walk from downtown, I suggest walking to the city centre. This way, you can stop into all the boutiques, consignment shops, and thrift stores that line the sidewalks along the way. There are plenty of cafes around all parts of town so you can stop in to get a latte or your morning coffee. If you are taking the tram, there are ticket machines to pay at and get your stub. Make sure you select the correct destination so it can charge you accordingly. The public transit charges you based on what zone you are travelling to. Public transit in Zurich is incredibly accessible and easy to get the hang of. However, if you have any questions, it would be a good idea to stop in at a tram station and ask the clerk. She can print you your tickets, provide you with maps, and answer any inquiries you may have. At first though, the "zoning" can be a little confusing.

Okay, so you've figured out transit and are now safely downtown. You look around and you're surrounded with over-the-top expensive designer stores, and fancy restaurants. You're ready to shop and have your Swiss Francs burning a hole in your pocket. From my experience, lots of boutiques and clothing stores will have huge sales, and will usually move some of their selection outside. This is a good sign that you will see at least 30%-50% off. Don't be afraid to wander inside to see what else you can find as well.

Just a tip, if you're looking for inexpensive or knock-off designer, you won't find it in Zurich, Switzerland. The designer here is all authentic, and is priced as such. I found a beautiful pullover sweater for 20 Francs from the sale in the above photo. Regularly, it was about 50 Francs. The store in the photo is called "Krause Outlet". I highly recommend this place for its awesome sales and neat finds.
When going sightseeing, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some places in Zurich, such as churches and temples don't like you take photos inside. An example of this is this church that Mark and I went to visit:

The only reason we have a picture of the inside, is because we didn't notice the signage and were promptly advised to cease photography.
My favourite sights to see were the little villages in the heart of downtown with the cobblestone roads and walkways. I recommend stopping to really appreciate the authenticity of city and structures that have been there for hundreds, and sometimes thousands of years. The city of Zurich has so much character, history, and culture in the spots that haven't been completely industrialised.

Zoo Zurich is an incredible venture as well. With a variety of well cared-for animals, a cafe, and a restaurant that serves delicious sausages among other things, this half-day trip will surely be a family favourite. The zoo is absolutely ginormous. You will be lucky to get through the entire place. Take your time though, and truly enjoy it. The best time of year to go is during the autumn months. The animals are more active, and you also won't risk heat stroke from becoming dehydrated too quickly. Get out your camera! Mark got some beautiful photos that you too will have the opportunity to catch. From elephants, to tigers, to fierce lionesses, and red pandas, there are so many beautiful creatures to snap photos of.

This is a personal favorite
Photo: Mark Livingston

Getting to Zoo Zurich is quite easy. Go to the Tram station and tell the clerk that's where you want to go. It's much cheaper to buy your ticket with transit included, than to buy transit and zoo admission separately. From the station right outside our hotel, to Zoo Zurich and back, it was about 26 Francs each. It's about that much for solely zoo admission. They will give you your tickets, plus a transit schedule for the stops you will be waiting at.

So it's your last day in Zurich and you have some Swiss Francs left that you want to spend before moving on to your next extraordinary destination. You're running out of time to buy your favourite people some cool souvenirs from your adventure. FEAR NOT! Instead of looking around for neat shops for hours, just refer to this post so you can make a beeline for the best shops that don't only sell novelty tourist crap. (Though I am a big fan of the key chains and stickers that have the country on them to stick onto my suitcase hehe). PegAsus gift shop is wonderful. It has a capital 'A' because that is how you will see it when you approach. Right in that area, you will find an abundance of gift shops that sell authentic, handmade, locally made items. Beautiful and unique items that will win the hearts of people back home :). Zurich Main train Station has a mall on the basement floor. I recommend checking it out, and grabbing a coffee while you're there!

They love their cows.
Photo found on google as I couldn't find one that I took.

I hear that Switzerland is gorgeous in the Winter and near Christmas. The next time I go, I will be sure to go around that time. When you visit, come back to my Facebook page and leave some photos of your visit!

AnneMarie - Global Travel writer