Zurich Sights / Attractions

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Neumarkt

Tram 3 or Bus 31 to << Neumarkt >>
Neumarkt, which leads into the Rindermarkt, is one of the city's most picturesque junctions, enjoying a rich history that dates back to 1145, when it was then described as a "new suburb". The Grimmenturm, an imposing 12th-century gothic tower has survived largely intact, while opposite, the Bilgeriturm, incorporated in 1742 into the "zur Schuhmacher" guild house, is today rented to the Theater am Neumarkt. At No. 4, just across from the classicist fountain, you'll also find Zürich's architectural history and town archives. The 800 year old Haus "Zum (unteren) Rech", hosts temporary exhibitions on building related topics, as well as displaying a large model of the city as it was in 1800.

Neiderdorf

Tram 3 or Bus 31 to << Neumarkt >>, Tram 3, 4, 6, 7 10 or Bus 31, 46 to << Central >>
The Niederdorf district of Zürich is one of the city's oldest and comprises of a number of pedestrian streets, narrow alleyways and courtyards, each playing host to a pleasant mix of hip boutiques, bookstores and inexpensive restaurants.

Both Niederdorfstrasse and its neighbouring streets have a tranquil medieval ambience, while the nearby waterfront (Limmatquai) boasts an impressive collection of old guildhalls, many of which have been converted into beautifully decorated, up-market restaurants.

At night, the area comes alive with a bustling bar and club scene that attracts a broad cross section of locals and tourists alike. On Fridays and Saturdays in particular, the streets become crowded with revellers, while street musicians and artists create a unique, memorable atmosphere plying their trade.

Along with a number of pleasant, well-regarded hotels, including the Hotel Adler and Franziskaner, the area (which extends from "Bellevue" by the Lake through to "Central") also contains a number of charming, curvy alleyways including Spiegelgasse and Froschaugasse, along with the picturesque Rindermarkt and Neumarkt (see above).

Opernhaus (Zurich Opera House)

Falkenstrasse 1, CH-8008 Zurich, Open: Mon–Sat 11am until curtain up (on days when no performance is scheduled until 6.30pm). On Sundays in the evening only (1 1/2 hours before curtain up). For advance telephone bookings call: +41 44 268 66 66 (Mon–Sat 11.30am-6pm), book online or visit any one of six advance booking offices, Website: www.opernhaus.ch, Tram 2, 4 or Bus 912, 916 to << Opernhaus >>
Founded in 1891, the city's Opera House is located near to Bellevueplatz and adjacent to the popular lake front. Considering Zürich's size, the venue is a fitting testament to the wealth of its inhabitants, along with the importance placed upon the arts in Switzerland.

Designed by Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer, the Opernhaus was the site of several world premieres including performances of Lulu by Alban Berg and Mathis der Maler by Hindemith. Moreover, Wagner's "Parsifal" was given its first outing outside of Bayreuth here, while works by Giselher Klebe, Rudolf Kelterborn and Heinrich Sutermeister were also performed at the Opernhaus for the first time.

Inside, the ornate neo-baroque auditorium - which seats 1,100 people - stages not only opera, but ballet and symphony concerts too. Indeed, the venue regularly plays host to much-loved classical narrative ballets such as "The Nutcracker and "Romeo and Juliet". In addition, philharmonic concerts from world-famous conductors form a sizeable part of the Opera House's repertoire.

For planned performances at the Zurich Opera House during the 2006 Zurich Festival (which runs from 16 June to 9 July 2006) visit: www.zuercher-festspiele.ch

Paradeplatz

Tram 6, 7, 8, 11 and 13 to << Paradeplatz >>
Situated towards the lake end of Bahnhofstrasse, Paradeplatz serves as an important tram interchange, as well as being the headquarters for several Swiss banks including Credit Suisse and UBS. During the 18th century its importance was derived from the regular cattle market held here, while later (as the name suggests) it was occasionally used as a parade ground, owing to the location of a nearby armoury/arsenal.

Nowadays, tourists flock here to visit Zürich's finest confectioner - Sprüngli (which, as well as offering the delectable Luxemburgerli, carries a wide selection of mouthwatering chocolates and cakes). Paradeplatz is also home to the prestigious Savoy Hotel Baur en Ville, along with a more upmarket than usual (and tastefully decorated) Mövenpick restaurant at no. 4. To get here, take lines 7, 11 or 13 from the main station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof).

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Zürich Sights/Attractions - Neumarkt, Neiderdorf, Opera House, Paradeplatz

Neumarkt

Neiderdorf

Opernhaus (Zurich Opera House)

Paradeplatz