Zurich, Switzerland — Activities
Zurich Culture
Zurich has a rich cultural tradition. In addition to high-quality museums and galleries, Zurich has high-calibre chamber and symphony orchestras and one of the most important theaters in the German-speaking world. There is an online guide to concerts, cinema and theater at www.kulturinfo.ch.
Tickets for events are available from Jecklin, Rämistrasse 30/42 (tel: (044) 253 7777; www.jecklin.ch) and TicketCorner (tel: 0900 800 800; www.ticketcorner.com).
Opera
Opernhaus Zurich
The Opernhaus Zurich is the city’s main venue for opera and ballet performances. First opened in 1891, its neo-baroque auditorium and location by the lakeside promenade make for a romantic evening. The venue underwent a large-scale redesign in the 1980s (controversially, given the cost that was attached). The small theater was inaugurated with a performance of a piece by Wagner, who spent time based in the city.
Falkenstrasse 1, 8008 Zurich~
Tel: (044) 268 6666.
Website: www.opernhaus.ch
Music
Tonhalle
The Zurich Chamber Orchestra or Zürcher Kammerorchester) plays at the Tonhalle from August to June, while the Tonhalle Orchester, founded in 1888, performs symphonic concerts in the same venue. The Tonhalle is renowned for its acoustics and has two halls – the larger seats nearly 1,500 and the smaller over 600. Part of the Kongresshaus Zürich, it was built in 1895 and the concert chamber was inaugurated by Johannes Brahms.
Gotthardstrasse 5, 8002 Zurich
Tel: (044) 206 3430.
Website: www.tonhalle.ch
Theater
Schauspielhaus Zürich
The Schauspielhaus Zürich is one of the largest and most important theaters in Switzerland. More than a dozen new productions are staged here each year, by playwrights varying from Shakespeare to Zurich's own Friedrich Dürrenmatt. Built in the late 19th century, the theater comprises the main auditorium and the more intimate Buhne 5.
Zeltweg 5, 8032 Zurich
Tel: (044) 258 7070.
Website: www.schausspielhaus.ch
Schauspielhaus im Schiffbau
Affiliated to the main Schauspielhaus above, the Schauspielhaus im Schiffbau has a reputation for the avant-garde, with its two auditoria showing more alternative and off-beat productions.
Giessereistrasse 5, 8005 Zurich
Tel: (044) 258 7777.
Website: www.schauspielhaus.ch
Zurich Tours
Walking tours
There are a number of marked trails in the hills surrounding the city that are ideal for strolling or jogging. The promenade along the lakeside is popular with locals and tourists alike. Zurich Tourism organizes two-hour tours of the Old Town. Tours usually depart from in front of the tourist information office at the central train station.
Tel: (044) 215 4000.
Website: www.zuerich.com
Bus tours
Zurich Tourism is the best source for a variety of bus tours of the city. Tours last up to two-and-a-half hours and many involve a detour into the countryside, giving a chance to take in the picturesque wider surrounds of the canton. Some also include a cablecar or boat trip. Bus tours depart either from in front of the tourist information office or from Zurich-Sihlquai station.
Tel: (044) 215 4000.
Website: www.zuerich.com
Boat tours
Cruises are offered on Lake Zurich by Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft departing from Bürkliplatz from April to October. It’s a great way of taking in the scale of the lake. Costs vary depending on the length of the cruise and whether or not food and drink is included. Reservations are only necessary for those planning to dine onboard.
Tel: (044) 487 1333.
Website: www.zsg.ch
Trolley tours
Two-hour classic trolley tours in old decorated vehicles, which include headphone commentary in eight languages, operate all year round. Tours take in both old and new parts of the city, but the trolleys, being the first of their kind in Switzerland, are as much a part of the appeal as the sights themselves. The tour departs from Zurich-Sihlquai station. You can preboook via the tourist office and several travel agencies, including Meier Tours.
Tel: (044) 383 7878.
Website: www.meiertours.ch/switzerland
