Day 1 in Zurich was all about getting to the Meininger Hotel, checking in, and getting to know my new neighborhood. First impression of the hotel is excellent, and it gives off more of a hotel vibe instead of a hostel, even though there is still a kitchen and laundry service, as well as daily maid service. After settling into my room, I took a quick trip to the grocery store, located just up the street a bit, to stock up on essentials and then called it an early night, knowing that Day 2 was going to be packed with adventures, and with a full day ahead, a good nights sleep was needed so I was ready to explore Zurich and make the most of it!
On Day 2, I kicked things off with a train ride to Burkliplatz for a 90-minute boat ride around Lake Zurich. The views from the boat were absolutely stunning, with the crystal-clear waters and the Alps in the background. It was the perfect way to take in the beauty of Zurich from the water and really get a sense of the city’s laid-back vibe.
After the boat ride, I wandered through the Burkliplatz Flea Market, where you could spend quite a few hours wandering through all the vendors wares. I grabbed some lunch and an ice cream and I was ready to head to my next destination.
I hopped on a train and headed to Uetliberg Mountain. At the Top of Zurich there is a hotel, a cafe, along with a structure you can climb for an even better view of Zurich and Lake Zurich. The train ride itself was short but scenic, and the panoramic views from the top were breathtaking—especially on a clear day when you can see all the way to the snow-capped Alps.
One of the best things I did for my stay in Zurich was grabbing a ZurichCard. If you’re planning to explore the city and its surroundings, this card is a lifesaver! The ZurichCard gives you unlimited access to all public transportation around Zurich for 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on the option you choose. It covers everything from trams, buses, trains, boats, and even the cable cars that took me up to Uetliberg Mountain. Not only that, but the card also offers free or discounted entry to many of Zurich’s museums and cultural sites, making it a must-have for sightseeing.
With the ZurichCard in hand, navigating the city couldn’t have been easier. It’s super convenient and saves you from having to constantly buy tickets. Plus, it gave me the freedom to hop on and off the public transportation without worrying about additional costs. The ZurichCard is perfect for visitors looking to make the most of their time in the city without breaking the bank.
Zurich has so much to offer, and I am looking forward to using the ZurichCard to help me make the most of my week here. From a scenic boat ride on Lake Zurich to breathtaking views from the top of the city, this was the perfect start to my Zurich adventure!
