Zurich is one of the most beautiful places in Europe but it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world. In my list of places to visit around the world, Zurich ranked pretty high and hence I decided to somehow fit Zurich and initiated my Europe trip from Zurich. I managed to set 3 days for this wonderful place though I knew that they were too less. But constraints of time and more importantly money permitted only 3 days though even it involved some budget adjustments.
As Zurich is centrally located and well connected, I chose to start my quest of Europe from here. I could strike upon a cheaper air far as I had booked in advance and I was travelling on a weekday, prices are higher on weekends. I could feel the beauty of Zurich from the moment I landed at the airport which is also the largest in Switzerland. The airport is located on the outskirts of Zurich and I took a tram to reach the main station. A companion on flight had told me that there are cheap hostels available near the old Town in Zurich. So, I proceeded towards the old town and was able to get a hostel accommodation for reasonable prices. It is possible to get a taste of Zurich by just walking down its streets and I was simply amazed by the preserved architecture of buildings. I utilized that day to wander around the old Town and visited free places like Lindenhoff Square, Fraumunster Church, Swiss National Museum and Museum Rietberg. I climbed the hill at Lindenhoff and was struck by the view of the city from this highest point of Old town. I also enjoyed window shopping at Bhanhofstrasse which was located nearby. Next day, I travelled to other free places to visit like Zurichhom Park and a boat ride in the Lake Zurich. A visit the 7th century St. Peter’s Church and explored its interiors like huge chandeliers, giant organs was worth the visit. The botanical garden of Zurich provides free entry and the collection of colorful trees and plants here is priceless.
Eating outlets in Zurich are a bit pricey and I found that the restaurants in department stores are better and reasonably priced. My search for a reasonably priced restaurant ended at Migros which has a chain of restaurants in Zurich that are reasonably priced. My decision to buy a ZurichCARD that allows unlimited access to public transport for 72 hours was a wise one.
Going on a budget trip to one of the most expensive cities in the world may be a weird choice but I still managed to enjoy and create memories for a lifetime.
