Visit Zurich: 10-Hour Layover in Zurich

We had a 10-hour layover in Zurich, and we weren't about to waste our time waiting at the airport.  We made plans to eat and look for chocolate.  

The first step was to find the luggage storage lockers so we could store our carryons while we explored the city.  

It took us a while to find the lockers (we found some in the airport shopping lobby, top floor).  There are several large lockers big enough to hold a rolling carryon + bags and backpacks (we had to get change from customer service to pay for the lockers).

Once we found the lockers (it took us 30 minutes from the time we arrived in Zurich), the next step was to figure out how to get train tickets. 

We eventually found the kiosks to buy the tickets.  We ended up buying a daypass, thinking it would save us money, but it didn't, since we only stopped at one place before we headed back to the airport.  

In any case, with tickets in hand, we then had to figure out how to navigate the train system.

After searching Google maps and downloading the ZVV app, we finally made it on the train (another 30 minutes later).

Zurich was magical!  We got off at the Zurich HB station and walked along the Limmat River, and explored the cobblestone streets.

It is such a charming area, with restaurants lined up and down (people were already drinking from 10am), and so many cute shops.

The Limmat River views were just the prettiest.

There were picturesque views everywhere!

We ended up going back to the airport after just 6 hours, as we were extremely tired after having gotten off a 10-hour flight from Newark, but the 6 hours were well spent in Zurich!

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Visit Zurich: H. Schwarzenbach

During our stopover in Zurich, I had one mission, and one mission only - find Swiss-made chocolate!

We walked the cobblestone streets of Zurich, and thanks to our observant colleague, found just what I was looking for - H. Schwarzenbach!

Funny enough, we had passed the shop earlier in the day and I didn't even realize it was full of chocolates, but after checking out the adjacent shop, which is full of teas, coffees, and dried fruit, our colleague noticed next door was full of chocolates!

There was an array of chocolates, many of them Swiss-made, and not knowing which chocolates to get, I asked the very helpful store employee to help me pick out chocolates (she even packed everything in insulated bags to help ensure the chocolates wouldn't melt in the summer heat as we strolled through Zurich).  

There were all sorts of chocolate confections, bars, coated fruits, and more.

It was chocolate heaven for sure, and I'm so glad I was able to get a variety of chocolates.  

If coffee is your thing, you can also get coffee in the chocolate shop (it was originally a restaurant before recently being converted).

H. Schwarzenbach
Muenstergasse 19 · 8001 Zurich

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Visit Zurich: Rooftop Bar

It was a very warm day in Zurich, and we were looking for a nearby bar for drinks. The Rooftop Bar was open, so we headed on up.

The Rooftop Bar is the top level of a multi-level department store named Modissa (which reminded me of the Uniqlos in Japan in terms of the multi-levels of clothing).

The bar specializes in Asian-influenced cuisine, but we were simply there for drinks.

The views were so pretty!

If we had more time, we probably would've gotten a bite or two to eat, but I would definitely recommend the Rooftop Bar for drinks and a great view of Zurich!

Rooftop Bar
Bahnhofstrasse 748001
Zürich, Switzerland
+41 44 400 05 55

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Visit Zurich: Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland

I had already bought a lot of Swiss-made chocolate by the time I stumbled upon Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland.  

As much as I wanted to buy even more chocolates for omiyage (and myself), I just didn't have the space, so I was pretty bummed I was going to leave the shop empty-handed . . . until I saw gelato!

There were so many flavors to choose from, but I ended up getting the Straciatella, which has flakes of chocolate and has roots in Italy (I learned that it is actually inspired by a type of soup of the same name).  

It totally hit the spot for a very warm day in Zurich.  

Next time, I'll definitely make sure to save room for chocolate!

Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland
Bahnhofstrasse 46 · 8001

Zurich

+41 44 211 13 90

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Visit Switzerland: Neue Tavern

We had a 10-hour layover in Zurich, so we decided to take advantage of our time there and browse, shop, and eat.

We ate at 1-Michelin Star Neue Tavern, a charming eatery that features vegetarian and vegan fare.

KFC Cauliflower

Braised Leek / Potato Espuma / Vegan Caviar / Truffle

Braised Chicory / Orange / Labneh / Nasturtium

Sourdough Bread / Dip 

Burrata / Warm Vegetable Salad / Furikake

Okonomiyaki / Cabbage / Shiitake 

I love vegetarian foods and don't eat a lot of meat, so I was very much looking forward to dining at Neue Tavern.

The KFC Cauliflower was my favorite dish.  It had a nice kick of heat to it, and was very reminiscent of popular chicken dishes with the same sweet and spicy sauce.

The Burrata was delicious as well - so creamy, pairing nicely with the accompanying greens, although they initially forgot to put the furikake on (when I made note of it to our server after we had already dug in and realized it was missing, he took the dish and brought it back with furikake on top, versus bring us a side of furikake, which is what I thought he would do).  

My friends thought the Okonomiyaki was on the bland side, but I liked it.  

The meal was lovely, and although I have tried some of the dishes before elsewhere, I did appreciate the simplicity and variety, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming (even encouraging us to go inside to see the kitchen).
 

Neue Tavern
Glockengasse 8, 8001

Zürich, Switzerland

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Visit Zurich: Raclette Factory

While in Zurich, we sought out traditional Swiss foods to try, and one of them was Raclette.  We stumbled upon the Raclette Factory, which offers various types of Raclettes.  

Raclette is actually a type of Swiss semi-hard cheese (you've probably seen many videos on social of it being used on dishes in all its "melty"bliss).

At the Raclette Factory, we ordered a typical, simple meal utilizing Raclette - Raclette over potatoes, with pickles and onions.  Such simple foods, but so delish!

The cheese was strong, but not too overpowering.

Definitely give Raclette a try when in Zurich!

Raclette Factory

Rindermarkt 1, 8001 

Zürich, Switzerland
+41 44 261 04 10

: raclette-factory.ch

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