Switzerland Trip Part 1 - Zurich

Finally, the Christmas break is coming! Even though the first semester of our class has not officially finished since we still have an exam after the holiday but still... It is time to take a break! 

My friend and I decided to go to Switzerland for this time. It was a hard decision since as we know that Switzerland is the most expensive country in the world! However, with our holiday spirit, we finally booked the ticket and flew there. 

Our flight was on Des 22 in the evening, and it took around 1.5 hours from CPH airport. By the time we reached Zurich, we had taken a train from the airport to central. The ticket is CHF 6.80 per person. Then, we continued by tram to our hotel in Toni Areal area with 24 hours tram ticket cost CHF 8.80. We stayed at 25 Hours Hotel, I like the hotel since they have modern design and interior and you can find many funny wordings around the corner.

On our first day, we explored the city of Zurich. The weather was nice yet cloudy, it was cold but not that windy compared with Helsingborg - the city where I live now. Every attraction is near to each other. Hence you can just walk and enjoy the city. 

We walked along the riverside and The Old City of Zurich. I love the architecture, it is beautiful. Also, I also like how the tram is working here. Wish, one day, Jakarta can have a better transportation system. Even, they utilize some trams as a dining place and a place to educate kids during Christmas. I think it is really a good idea to attract both tourists and locals. 

We walked until the Lake Zurich or Zurichsee. The lake itself is big, previously, I thought it is a sea. In this area, you can see a lot of seagulls, swans, and ducks. The view is also fantastic because you can see hills with some snow across the lake. 

Not too far from the lake, there was a Christmas market near the Opera House. We could find many stalls here and a place for ice skating for children. Unfortunately, they just accept cash for the transaction. 

We had our lunch at Restaurant Zeughauskeller, It is an old restaurant serving some variety of local Swiss dishes. I ordered Kalbsgeschnetzeltes nach Zürcher Arta (I do not know how to pronounce it haha), or pan-fried veal with mushroom sauce served with Rösti or grated potato. While my friend had Rösti with sausages. It is pricey to eat here, maybe since it is one of the tourist attractions here with good food taste.

After having a full tummy, we continued to walk around the Bahnhofstrasse - an area with many branded stores and boutiques. We saw a lot of lamps that had not been turned on during the day. So, we diced to go back again in the afternoon. 

Before we took a rest, we went to Coop (local supermarket). Here, you can buy some ready-to-eat foods like pasta, curry and also some sandwiches, pasty and snacks that are more affordable compared if eating out. So, I recommend buying some foods here to save our money :)

Having a short nap, we went out again to see the city during the night. I recommend visiting the Bahnhofstrasse since it has a wonderful city light along the street. But I am not sure whether it is during the Christmas only or along the year.

There was another Christmas market around this area. We were there for a while before having dinner in McDonald's. For your info, even a fast-food restaurant here is expensive- simply because everything is more expensive here. hehe. But still, do not forget to eat when you travel! It is better to spend our money for food, so we can enjoy the trip and not get sick!

I will continue to write the second day in Luzern and Pilatus. So, stay on my blog.

Here, you can see my vlog in Zurich, hope you can enjoy it as I am. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXtWQ1d2KME