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Zurich Neighborhoods
Zurich is located in northern Switzerland and sits along the banks of the picturesque Limmat River. The city is made up of 12 "Kreise" (the German word for circle, but meaning districts). You'll find that most of the attractions reside in Kreis 1, with the others scattered throughout Kreise 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8, each corresponding to a zip code ending with that number. Street addresses are also part of a larger organized system. Even numbered locations can be found on the east side of a street, while odd numbered destinations sit to the west.
Accessible via tram Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 19.
Centrally located Kreis 1, which straddles the Limmat River as it flows into Lake Zurich, contains much of Zurich's storied history. Swiss bankers, historically called the Gnomes of Zurich, work in imposing banks on the western side of the river. On the opposing bank, you'll find Old Town and its weaving alleys and arty boutiques. If you stroll along the peaceful river, you'll walk by the patina-spired Fraumunster, which showcases vivid stained-glass windows by the famed Marc Chagall. A second church, the twin-towered Grossmunster is done up after the Romanesque style. Shop along Bahnhofstrasse, a busy tourist-heavy street devoted to luxury retail brands and one of the reasons why Zurich is considered one of the world's most expensive cities. The Museum of Art – which contains art by Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Wassily Kandinsky, as well as a number of Swiss artists – and the Swiss National Museum are also highly recommended. The Lindenhof is a favorite among Zurchers. Complete with dozens of Linden trees, giant chess sets and lots of benches, this raised city plaza provides spectacular views of the Limmat River, Old Town and Zurich's east bank. Accommodation options in Kreis 1 include a few high-end properties, including The Storchen and the Widder Hotel.
Accessible via tram Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 17.
This lakefront district, located southwest of central Kreis 1, is known mostly for its picturesque park setting, as well as for the young, fun-loving clientele it attracts. A cluster of hostels and vibrant nightlife options reside along this district's shore, so if you're searching for a more serene stay, opt for a room in the neighborhood's northeastern region. Upscale options include the Park Hyatt Zurich and the ALDEN Suite Hotel Splugenschloss Zurich.
Accessible via tram Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17 and 19.
Kreise 4 and 5, located northwest of Kreis 1, comprise the former red-light district. Bursting with energy and imagination (and some rare Swiss seediness), many of the city's contemporary art galleries cluster in Kreis 5 on Limmastrasse near the Limmat River's west bank. You'll also find a techno-pulsating club scene, as well as a number of eclectic eateries here. And every June, the city's gay pride event, Zurich Pride Festival, takes place in Kreis 4.
Accessible via tram Nos. 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 11.
East of Old Town lies Kreis 7. Although most of this neighborhood's streets are lined with luxurious homes, Kreis 7 is where you'll find the University of Zurich campus and the iconic Dolder Hotel. And for literary buffs, this district houses Friedhof Fluntern, a cemetery that features the grave of acclaimed novelist James Joyce.
Accessible via tram Nos. 2, 4, 8, 11, 17 and 19.
This southern district is perhaps most famous for its iconic Pavillion Le Corbusier, the Swiss architect's final project, which is a modernist villa in glass and steel with colorful Mondrian panels. Meanwhile, nature lovers will enjoy Kreis 8's Botanical Garden and Chinese Garden.
Safety
There have been no major recent terror attacks in Switzerland, and threats of violence are extremely rare. Demonstrations in Switzerland can become surprisingly heated and often cause disruptions to transportation, so unless you are participating, it's best to avoid protests (locally called a streik). As a whole, Swiss cities are typically very safe to visit. Zurich sees very little tourist-directed crime and visitors are more likely to have their lost wallets, phones and computers returned to the lost and found than stolen. For more safety tips, check out the U.S. State Department's website.
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