Travel Guides
nothing lonely about the planet
Zurich
(Switzerland)
Zürich isn't the bland Singapore of Europe: Ignore the clichés!
We know what you're thinking, but honestly this is not the boring banking capital it's reputed to be. In fact Zürich is - whisper it softly - surprisingly hip and trendy. Hundreds of new bars, restaurants and clubs have opened since planning laws were changed in the late 1990s and Zürich now hosts Europe's largest annual street party.
To See & Do
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Fluntern Cemetery
(literary)
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Like many disgruntled pacifists, Irish writer James Joyce took refuge in neutral Zürich during WWI - although he managed to distinguish himself from most by writing Ulysses, one of greatest pieces of world literature, while here. Joyce returned to the city just before his death in 1941 and is buried in Fluntern cemetery. There's a statue of Joyce on his grave, so you can't miss it. This is a lovely spot and while here, you could pop into Zürich's unusually pleasant zoo. Alternatively just wander up the Zúrichberg hill and gaze down on the city.
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Museum of Design
(museum)
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Taking a very broad definition of design, this museum comes up with some wonderful exhibitions... For example, looking at how Bollywood film producers love to shoot films in Switzerland; examining dendrites - or tree-shaped structures - that are found throughout nature; or fondly presenting takeaway food packaging.
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Le Corbusier Pavilion
(architectural highlight)
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Many international visitors are mystified that Zürich doesn't make more of the stunning Le Corbusier Pavilion and Heidi Weber museum. Looking like a Mondrian painting set in parkland, with differently coloured square panels, glass and steel, this was the last building designed by Le Corbusier (who died in 1965). Completed after his death, it long lay unused, but now contains many of his architectural plans, drawings, weavings, paintings, furniture and books - all collected by client, fan and friend Heidi Weber. However, as a cash-strapped private museum its opening times are sadly limited but the exterior alone is worth seeing.
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Content Source:
Lonely Planet
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