The medieval alleys of Altstadt
Altstadt is one of Zürich’s most charming neighbourhoods. Once abandoned and run down, the old city’s twisting medieval alleys on both sides of the Rathausbrücke have been completely revitalised. The monumental residences now house trendy shops, delicious restaurants, sophisticated lounge bars and elegant boutique hotels. Getting lost is part of the charm of the Altstadt and you may stumble upon a hidden alley or square.
Climb one of the twin towers of Grossmünster and see how the Limmat River runs right through the old city. On the left bank lies the Mindere Stadt with the slender spire of Fraumünster, and St. Peter Church, the tower of which boasts the largest church clock face of Europe. On the right bank lies Niederdorf – which locals affectionately refer to as 'Dörfli'– with its popular Niederdorfstrasse shopping street. Connected by the monumental Rathausbrücke, both halves of the old town offer plenty of entertainment for a wonderful weekend in Zürich.
Altstadt: from Rembrandt to the barefoot bar
Stroll across the many small squares with their fountains around the Sankt Peter to the small Lindenhof park. A Roman fort once stood on this hill above the river, the oldest part of Zürich. Cross the Rathausbrücke and settle on a patio in the Limmatquai district for a serving of raclette, while taking in the view of the photogenic houseboats in the Schipfe district. And on a sultry summer night kick off your shoes at the Barfussbar (‘barefoot bar’) at the 125-year-old Frauenbad lido, and dance barefoot on the wooden pier over the Limmat as the soft pink sun quietly disappears behind the Grossmünster twin towers.
“Dance barefoot on the wooden pier over the Limmat at sunset”