Switzerland

Zurich and Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

Why Here

I found a super cheap flight onSecretFlying.com -- $230 cheap for basic economy on American Airlines.

I booked tickets for February 2020.

Switzerland

Getting There

American Airlines- ORD to ZUR, with a 4-hour layover in Philadelphia. This wasn't bad because it gave me a chance to check out their Centurion Lounge.

Return flight, (handled by Iberia) ZUR to ORD with a stopover in Madrid

Money Exchange

After traveling to Norway a month ago, I saw how advanced most European countries are.

I was able to go my entire trip without needing cash, even in the cities I thought would be "remote." Therefore, with this trip, I took a chance and didn't exchange any money. Well, just a few dollars at the hotel so I could have cash for my currency collection.

Visa

Not necessary for US Citizens, but coming in 2021, US citizens will require a 1-time visa to enter the Schengen area. Not a member of the EU.

Getting to the City

I caught the train into the city center. This was quite easy. After collecting your baggage, you will exit the airport, following the signs for the train. Directly across from the exit, you find a building that houses the trains.

Before exiting, stop by the tourist information shop to buy a Zurich Card (more about this below). Once at the train station, you can purchase your train ticket from a self-directed kiosk, or you can use your Zurich card.

Look for the train and track you need and then go… don't forget to activate your ticket before getting on (look for the orange stamping machine). A single ticket is about 5 CHF (if you opt not to do the Zurich Card)

Yes, Uber is available.

Taxis too, they will cost you around CHF 70

Getting around the city- Trains and Trams

Switzerland is very efficient when it comes to public transportation, and its transportation site, SBB, is helpful when it comes to checking the timetables or purchasing your tickets. You can download the app so you can do this all on the move. Unless you plan to stay for an extended time, it's not advisable to purchase the "half card" or the monthly or annual cards. It is best to either buy the Zurich card or to buy each ticket on a point to point basis as your travel (either on-site or via the app).

Zurich Card

This is an excellent choice if you plan to travel 1) into the city from the airport… and back, 2) throughout the city 3) and to museums and other popular attractions.

There is a 24 or 72-hour option (27 and 53 CHF, respectively). Look up the museums in advance as not all are included, and some only provide reduced admission.

Hotels

Baur au Lac.

Since I was traveling to the wealthiest nation in the world, I chose to go with one of their leading hotels.

I stayed here for my first two nights.

This is an exquisite 5-star hotel that takes hospitality to the next level. Even though I wasn't draped in Fendi or Hermes, I felt like I was treated with as much respect as their wealthiest clientele.

I arrived from the nearby tram station- Burkliplatz. A short walk across the street and you come to the driveway/entrance. You are quickly met by the valet/bellhop and shown to the reception desk. I arrived very early, at 10am. I assumed I would just store my luggage until a room became available later in the day, but to my surprise, they had a room available in 15 minutes. This is likely not their busy season, so I wouldn't expect the same in the high seasons.

I waited in "Le Hall," the lobby restaurant full of opulent designs, extremely attentive wait staff, and well-dressed men conducting business meetings.

The room was beautiful and spacious, especially by European standards.

There are also 3 other connected restaurants. Baur's is a brassiere and bar, and on its own could be a top restaurant, but it likely sits in the shadow of the other main restaurant on site, The Pavillon. The Pavillon is a 2-star Michelin restaurant, and I had every intention of checking this place out, but unfortunately, they were on a "creative break" when I visited. Thus, I had dinner at Baur's with no complaints at all.

They also have a Terrace restaurant, but I visited in February, so that was nonexistent

Possibly my favorite place was their 5th-floor gym. Though modest in size, it made up by granting a beautiful view of Lake Zurich as well as rooftop views of the city and its famous sites.

Kameha Grand Zurich

I stayed here my last night in Zurich, after my time in Bad Ragaz. This is a Marriott Bonvoy Hotel. I planned to use my points only, but on checkout, I was offered an upgrade to an executive suite for $150. I couldn't pass this up after seeing the unique suites they provided.

I probably could have stayed in Bad Ragaz an extra day and just caught the train to the airport early in the morning, but I didn't know (in advance) how efficient the trains were, and I didn't want to run the risk of missing my 11am flight. So, I picked this hotel about at 5-minute tram ride from the airport.

What to do in Zurich?

Kunsthaus Museum

11 reduced admission with the Zurich Card

This art gallery has works dating back to the "Old Masters" like Reubens and Rembrandt.

It also has many other successive artists and movements throughout.

Zuri West

"Gerold's Area"

This is like a commune- esque neighborhood. Probably best to visit during the summer when you can take full advantage of the outdoor patios, but still worth a quick visit anytime of the year. You can find boutique clothing shops, restaurants/bars. Check out Gerold Chuchi, a restaurant with takeaway options. Supposedly the burgers are good. I didn't eat, I just came to see the umbrella art

Swiss National Museum, also known as the Landesmuseum locally

Housed in a structure that juxtaposes the architecture of an old-world chateau with modern concrete aesthetics. Inside, you can take yourself on a self-guided tour of significant historical and cultural archeology, artifacts, and more. I'm honestly not a big fan of this type of museum unless I have a particular interest in the subject matter (which I didn't), so I didn't spend too much time here. I mainly came because it was next door to the central train station that I visited to purchase train tickets in advance of my trip to Bad Ragaz, and it was free with my Zurich Card.

Bahnhofstrasse

A street with stores from all your major fashion houses and more. Unless you are planning to do some shopping, it's easy enough to see along the way on a tram ride to one of your destinations.

Walking tour of Old Town

As you'd expect, you will see lots of historic buildings as you walk cobblestone streets.

You can take a guided tour via the Zurich website or a site such as Viator. Or you can easily walk the streets on your own and catch many of the highlights.

St Peter's Church

Known for its clock tower. To be exact, the largest clock face in Europe at over 28 feet. I didn't go inside, just admired from the exterior.

Fraumunster

The other church with a clock tower but more known for its Chagall stained glass windows. What I found even more impressive, they were designed by the artist when he was 80 years old.

CHF 5 for entry, not included in the Zurich Card.

FYI, photography is prohibited inside… shhh!

Grossmunster

Across the river, you will find the Romanesque-style church, best recognized for by its twin towers.

I didn't go inside but did admire its beauty from several vantage points around the city

Cabaret Voltaire

If you are a fan of art, then you will enjoy a visit to this bar, restaurant, and library. This is the reported site where the Dadaism movement began in 1916. I remember learning about this and the art and artists to come from this in my French art history class, so this was a must on my trip

The library was under construction when I visited, but I did try an obligatory Absinthe.

Bad Ragaz

Getting There

Took a 1h 15min train ride from Zurich HB train station

to the Bad Ragaz station. Make sure to choose the direct option. Otherwise, you will have to change at Sargans. You can find your ticket options on the SBB site and purchase it on the website or at the train station.

FYI- if the train is full, there will be limited luggage space. Try to board early if you think your train will be packed. Good news though, the trains have a bathroom on board.

My hotel provided free pickup from the train station

Hotel

Bad Ragaz Grand Resort

This is a resort with 2 combined hotels, spa, medical clinic, thermal baths, golf course, world-class dining, and a casino. All in the foothills of the Alps.

What to do

As mentioned above, there are lots of things to do all year round. Here is what I did during my 2-day stay.

Thermal Spas

I spent a relaxing morning in the resort's indoor thermal pool, followed by some time in the adjacent sunroom to read.

I had plans to visit the Tamina Thermal bath on my last day. This is a set of indoor and outdoor baths that is open to the public but free to resort guests. Unfortunately, COVID 19 hit during my stay, and I didn't feel comfortable utilizing all the amenities during my last day.

Bars and restaurants on site

Zollstube- a traditional Swiss restaurant

Verve by Sven – hip lobby bar and restaurant

Michelin Star Dinner

I dined at Memories by Sven, a restaurant on-site at the Bad Ragaz Resort. Sven was awarded 2 stars (he has since gained his 3rd star!!) just as I was scheduled to arrive , and I was lucky enough to score a reservation the same day. The restaurant has a simple modern yet still elegant theme. The limited table seating is separated off by designed wooden partitions that give the illusion of semi-private dining. This was actually the first time I've dining alone and didn't feel "singled" out. And to make things even better, the kitchen is out in the open, so you can watch as the chefs (even Sven was present on my night) prepare your meal. The chefs also deliver your courses to your table with brief yet detailed explanations.

Overall, the meal was great, but I found the atmosphere to be the most intriguing thing of the night

I also took a day trip to the neighboring country of Balzers, Liechtenstein. Check out that separate post here