We take a hearty, and at 09:00 late for us, breakfast! Radisson Blu always do a good one, and today’s is no exception. Our reasoning is that it will a looong time until supper, probably after midnight, so we have to both stock up, and spread out our dining strategy.
After breakfast we check out and wheel our trolley to the Radisson’s left luggage area (a long corridor) so we can head off into Zürich – it’s only one stop and ten minutes by train to Hauptbarnhof the central station. From here we have an extensive walking plan and more to occupy our unexpected extra day.
Why unexpected you ask? We had planned to fly all the way on Friday, but Swiss moved the TFS flight later making the connection window very tight, especially since we know how winds at TFS regularly delay flights, so we decided to leave a day early and spend the day in Zürich.
We haven’t enjoyed the ever-decreasing weather forecast for today, which earlier in the week was a balmy mid teens day, until it deteriorated to 4° and fog latterly, but we packed a jumper just for this so we’ll be fine, however we abort our planned lake cruise because the fog is still heavy.
With all day ahead, we enjoy wandering around the railway station, and into the surrounding areas, rapidly learning that Zürich drivers don’t take prisoners at crossings, so review our usual jay-walking behaviour. Once into the tiny cobbled areas we’re safe enough. We have three churches planned, plus various other sights, and soon clock up a few miles.
There is an abundance of shopping opportunities at great cost, from chocolate (of course) through many exclusive designer handbags and shoes, to exquisite watches (of course again!) The entire city has a wealthy vibe and this is reflected at every opportunity, from spending a penny at £1.50, which requires buying a token from the nearby vending machine, to a beef sandwich at £35.
The three churches are St Peter´s (with the huge clock face), Fraumünster which we didn’t photograph because a funeral was just turning out, and Grossmünster where we climb the tower for views which might have been better but for the fog!
We walk up river a way, back to to the Oper Haus and then around part of the lake, happy that it would have been a disappointing cruise. Mid afternoon we find a nice hotel for late lunch and enjoy Weinershnitzel which is lovely, before aiming for our final goal, an area a bit like Salford Quays where a redevelopment has brought culture to the area.
The MAAG centre hosts restaurants, a theatre and exhibition spaces, and we’re visiting the Titanic Exhibition. This is not like any others we’ve visited, it’s really just a pop-up with the artefacts unashamedly replicas from the movie set, but the reason for visiting is the great 360° animation they have created, and finally an incredible VR model, where we take a walk around the ship. I’ve not done VR before so I found it an enthralling experience, Hubby has but he also thought it was great!
As we walked back, we found two Christmassy food courts, one near MAAG was small and cute, and another in the museum opposite the station which was rammed so less interesting. Time to buy another expensive railway ticket back to the Flughof.
Dropping off our bags was quick and easy, then we take the underground to terminal E and settle into the lounge for a couple of hours before boarding about 22:00 after a long but enjoyable day. As anticipated food is served after midnight and so belongs to Saturday’s blog.
