- Train from airport into city: SFr 6.20 (I know of nothing cheaper. It is only ten minutes.) If you are in town for only 24 hours, then get a return ticket from the airport. Return tickets are de facto 24-passes so you will not have to pay for transport in town.
- 24-hour public transportation pass for zone '10': SFr 8.00. It gets you on all bus, boat, tram and trains in town.
- The city is very walkable, so maybe you don't even need a day pass?
Stuff to do and see
- Uetliberg: Picnic area, hotel and lookout tower. Great view of Zürich and the lake. On a clear day one can see France, Germany, Lichtenstein, and Austria. You can walk up (about 2-1/2 hour hike each way, 400-500m vertical) or take the train (CHF16 return, S-10 "Uetlibahn", every 30 minutes). A scale model of the solar system (Plantweg) is nearby--the Sun is near the train station and you walk past Mercury through Mars to reach the picnic area.
- "Kleine Rundfahrten" boat trip: departs from main Zurich boat terminal (Bürkliplatz) for a 1-1/2 hour. Scenic, pleasant, maybe bring a book. Mornings are best....afternoons are crowded. ~12 Francs, or if you have a daily city (Zone 10) then just pay for the additional zone 40 or 50 (you can organize this on the boat) as boats are part of the area transportation network. A summer time activity (April to mid-October).
- Bahnhofstrasse: 1.4km mostly car-free street between the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and lake (Zürisee). A world famous and crazy expensive shopping meca.
- Pestalozzianlage, a small green near the Hauptbahnhof end, is nice for to sit down in for lunch...they used to hang people in this square.
- Paradeplatz is near the lake side end, which is the home of UBS and Credit Suisse and the chocolate shop and cafe Sprüngli. Very busy on Saturdays, neat Christmas lights in the winter, shops closed on Sundays.
- Hauptbahnhof Market: Almost every Wednesday and many Saturdays (if no other function is occurring) from 11am to 7pm in the main hall. Locally made food stuffs, crafts and food stands (crepes, sausage, etc.) Good for lunch/snack and mother-friendly gifts. Open every day in early/mid-December with a Christmas gift bent.
- Cabaret Voltaire: In Niederdorf, see the famous Bohemian joint, birth place of Dadaism, and formerly frequented by notables such as Mussolini, Lenin and other dubious characters. Café Odeon. Diagonal from Bellvueplatz tram stop.
- Museums:
- Zoologisches Museum / Paleontologisches Institut & Museum: Free. http://www.unizh.ch/zoolmus
- Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum): 5 Francs, hours and hours of stuff. Adjacent hauptbahnhof. http://www.musee-suisse.com Free on last Sunday of the month.
- Swimming: Late June through August. Lakeside (China Garten) or River (The Letten, along Klosterfahrweg). Be warned...people will strip down to their Birthday suites regardless of age or sex...staring is impolite.
- Paddle boats are for rent at several locations along the lake shore. Zürirollt (Free bike rentals!): Bring your passport and 20 Francs...they serve as deposit. Bikes are in great condition and have baskets. Day use only. Part of a Swiss 'work-fare' program. Locations move summer to summer but should be easy to find at http://www.zuerirollt.ch/
- Stroll down Niederdorfstrasse: Pedestrianized zone, some of the oldest buildings in Zurich give you that small, historic European city feel. Lots of shopping, restaurants and girly bars. Home of continental Europe's very first Starbucks (@ Central Tram Station).
- Altstadtbummel (Old Town walking tour, historical). Two hours, contact the Tourist office. Self cater with food and booz from Coop. (Stay away from the Hauptbahnhof kiosks/mini-stores and their expensive prices.)
- The most centrally located, large Coop grocery store is in between The Hauptbahnhof and the river.
- Responsible drinking in public is acceptable in Zürich.
- Free wi-fi at 'Imagine', a trendy cafe in the Hauptbahnhof
- A beer with Stoo: Free! Three cheers for Christina for making these happen.
