Zürich

One of the world's largest financial centers is located by a beautiful lake in northern Switzerland. Zurich is diverse; here, high technology has intertwined with folk traditions. The cost of living in the city is high, but viewing over 1300 works of art on the city's streets is free.

A beautiful view of the old town opens up from the platform of the Grossmünster Cathedral. You can see Marc Chagall's stained glass windows in the Fraumünster Church. To see the city and lake from a bird's-eye view, head to the Uetliberg observation platform or take the Adliswil-Felsenegg cable car.

You can easily get around the city center on a Segway or tuk-tuk. In winter, Zurich's main attractions can be seen from the windows of unusual trams: in one, fondue is served, while in another, two angels tell Christmas stories. The old town transforms into an endless Christmas market with treats and attractions.

In summer, it's nice to spend time at the pools with bars on the lakeside. Be sure to take a mini-cruise on a boat and stroll along the Limmat River. In spring, the main event is the Sechseläuten festival with a costumed parade and fireworks. In autumn, it's worth playing a game of giant chess at Lindenhof and trying chocolate truffles at the legendary confectionery Sprüngli Paradeplatz.

If it rains, tourists choose exhibits from 50 museums and 100 art galleries; they head to tastings at the Chocolate House or the Höllgrotten caves. The best shops in Zurich can be found in the Old Town, on Bahnhofstrasse, and Viadukt streets. At the food markets, try farm cheeses, cervelat, and smoked sausages like schüblig. While in the city, order cordon bleu with Gruyère, crispy potato rösti, and traditional zopf bread in a local restaurant.

By plane, Zurich can be reached from most European and Arab cities, as well as Hong Kong, China, Canada, and the USA. Zurich International Airport, with its three terminals, services flights of 66 passenger airlines.

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