The Best Of Zurich   by Ben Pate

in Travel / Destinations    (submitted 2010-12-22)

Switzerland has always been a popular spot to go for vacation, due to its breathtaking natural surroundings, clean cities, awesome shopping, and of course absolutely delicious food. One city in particular, Zurich, takes all these components and combines them into a pretty package where you can experience it all at once. But remember, you will need a passport in order to travel to Zurich.

Online passport services are there to help you apply for and get your passport in a time span of days. There are plenty of other types of services available to you from the website.

Switzerland is a country that is recognized around the world for its beautiful natural setting. This means that you definitely cannot miss out on plenty of outside activities. A good way to experience the surroundings is to rent a bike or some skates. This is also a great way to get to know the city of Zurich, as much of the city is very bike friendly.

Spend an afternoon exploring Lake Zurich, or even take a cruise, as many claim it's among the most beautiful lakes in the continent. A great way to see the mountains and the landscapes is by taking the train to Rhine Falls. This is the biggest waterfall in Europe. Of course, there are plenty of good skiing resorts in Switzerland, if that's something you like to do.

If you want to do a little high-end shopping, or if you just want to relax and people-watch, head to Bahnhofstrasse. With stores like Cartier, Chanel, and Armani, this avenue is for those seeking luxury. However, if you're looking to just experience a little bit of Swiss culture, be sure to visit a Swiss marketplace. Markets in Switzerland are famous for their unique selection of groceries. Niederdorf is a very old town that features many restaurants and places to shop. And at night, people flock to Niederdorf's many bars.

St. Peter's Church is a popular place to see in Zurich. It features the largest clock face in Europe, with a second hand that measures 4 meters long. Originally built in the 8th century, it has undergone drastic changes over time. During the Middle Ages, it was the post of the town watchman. The town watchman was charged with the responsibility to look out over the city every 15 minutes to make sure there were no fires, and because of this process, Zurich has never suffered a devastating fire, as many other major European cities have.

Many consider Grossmunster to be the most significant attraction in Zurich. Dedicated to the patron saints of Switzerland, Felix, Regula, and Exuperantius, the construction of this building was finished in the 11th century.

Definitely do not miss out on famous Swiss chocolate while visiting Switzerland. The Lindt Chocolate Factory is actually located in Zurich, where you can take a tour of the factory and even get some free samples. This factory has been making famously delicious chocolate since 1845.

Zurich takes the innovative new with the traditional and combines them, making a truly unique place to visit. These qualities make it a place that will interest everyone in your family.

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Remember that you will need passports in order to travel abroad, and online passport services can help you get them as quickly as you need it. Getting emergency U.S. passports is easy, and you can get both adult passport services and a passport for children if you need one.