Some cities take you by surprise. Zurich is one of them. Coming from Ukraine, I expected a wealthy, cold city. What I found was a vibrant, warm, and strikingly beautiful place.
Right from the airport, the train took me to the heart of the city in just 10 minutes. Clean, punctual, silent — a first culture shock for someone from Kyiv, where public transport is shall we say, more adventurous.
Bahnhofstrasse — The Golden Mile
I dropped my bags at a boutique hotel near Bahnhofstrasse. This mythical street, where Cartier and Hermès boutiques stand next to artisan bakeries, immediately enchanted me. I wandered for hours, black coffee in hand, watching Zurich locals moving with that particular serenity you only find here.
The Lake at Sunset
In the evening, I walked down to Zürichsee. The lake was on fire in shades of orange and pink. Families were picnicking on the shores, swans gliding on the water. I took out my phone, then put it away. Some moments deserve to be lived, not photographed.
First evening, first certainty: Zurich, I will be back.
About Julia
Originally from Kyiv, Julia travels across Europe in search of the best tables, the most beautiful neighborhoods, and unexpected encounters. Zurich was her first time in Switzerland. Not her last.