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Guide
Zurich, Switzerland π¨π
#970
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, located in the central part of the country along the Limmat River. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 430,000 people. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 135 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 CHF β 1.08 USD. Major banks include UBS and Credit Suisse. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality throughout the city. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt are major mobile service providers. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Revolut, UBS, and Julius Baer are popular choices for expats. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are popular. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are commonly used for short-term stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Zurich and Youth Hostel Zurich are affordable lodging options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town (Altstadt) is rich in hotels, restaurants, and attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | District 4 (Langstrasse) has many cafes, coworking spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | impact Hub Zurich is a popular coworking space with a community of startups and creatives. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© SprΓΌngli offers free Wi-Fi and a cozy working environment. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups in the tech scene, frequently held at Coworking spaces and bars. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Zurich Expats Facebook group hosts regular meetups and events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is operational in Zurich and widely used. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | ZΓΌri rollt offers bike rentals for exploring the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Zurich has several swimming areas, such as Utoquai and Letten. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Swiss International Air Lines is the main carrier. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and EasyJet operate significant routes from Zurich. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Well-connected to major highways like A1 and A3. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) is the primary train station. |
π Public Transport Passes | Monthly tickets available for around CHF 85 for unlimited travel within the city. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains from Zurich HB can take you to Lucerne, Geneva, or Bern within an hour. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | University Hospital Zurich offers comprehensive medical services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Zurich provides various yoga classes and wellness programs. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitnesspark offers various gym facilities across the city. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Wash & Fold Zurich provides convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Wolt are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try ZΓΌrcher Geschnetzeltes, veal in cream sauce served with RΓΆsti. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Hiltl is a renowned vegetarian restaurant with extensive buffet options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | CafΓ© SprΓΌngli is famous for its Luxemburgerli macarons. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Zurich's Markthalle offers a range of food at various price points. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Local.ch provides access to local businesses and services. |
π Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros offer online grocery shopping and delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Zurich West is vibrant with bars, clubs, and nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | ZΓΌrcher Stadtbier is a local brewery known for its high-quality beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Weinbar Orell is a hidden gem for wine lovers. |
π² Street Food Stalls | The Street Food Festival is a good spot to discover various international cuisines. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Raclette and Fondue restaurants are abundant, such as ChΓ€sitech. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Lake Zurich, the GrossmΓΌnster, and the ETH Zurich. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Kunsthaus Zurich is a top art museum with impressive collections. |
π° Historical Sites | FraumΓΌnster is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows. |
π Religious Sites | The GrossmΓΌnster is a significant Reformed church in the city. |
π Annual Events | Street Parade in August is the largest techno parade in the world. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | District 5 (Zurich West) is known for its galleries and artistic vibes. |
π Theater Venues | Zurich Opera House hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Bahnhofstrasse is known for luxury shopping and local boutiques. |
πΌ Music Scene | Zurich has a vibrant music scene with clubs such as Mascotte. |
π¨ Street Art | Areas of Zurich West are famous for vibrant street art. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Tante Emma offers fun cooking classes that explore Swiss cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | KΓΌnstlerhaus Zurich features contemporary art exhibitions. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Swiss National Museum showcases the country's cultural history. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The city ensures the preservation of its medieval architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Uetliberg Mountain offers great hiking trails and panoramic views of the city. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Swiss National Park is a few hours' drive and notable for breathtaking landscapes. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The path along Lake Zurich is popular among joggers and cyclists. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Restaurant Uto Kulm offers stunning views overlooking Zurich. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Zurich's botanical gardens provide a peaceful nature escape. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Uetliberg allow bonfires with prior permits. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post are reliable for parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Repair CafΓ© Zurich allows for DIY repairs and community support. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong House Zurich is great for enthusiasts. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Migros Klubschule offers a variety of language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | ZΓΌrich Central Library provides a quiet place to read and study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community center in Altstetten hosts various cultural events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | GameOn is a popular gaming lounge in Zurich. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Zurich offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 14,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = CHF 560,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 8,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = CHF 340,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 12,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = CHF 720,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 7,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = CHF 450,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 11,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = CHF 880,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 6,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = CHF 520,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Around 21-24% depending on the canton. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% on dividend distributions. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed based on their worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 40%, depending on income level and municipality. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7.7%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules are in place for foreign entities. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax rates depend on cantonal regulation. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 1-3% of the purchase price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign workers can qualify for preferential tax treatment under certain conditions. |