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Flights to Zurich: Tips on planning fun Zurich holidays
Along with Geneva and Lucerne, Zurich is well-known in the UK as a Swiss holiday destination. Rightly, all of Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive. However, you can find cheap package deals with HolidayPirates. Nevertheless, it is worth planning holidays in Zurich a little before you arrive. This way, you will be able to manage your budget better and get more from your city break. Read on to find out more about this fascinating part of Switzerland.
Is Zurich a good holiday destination?
Yes, booking flights to Zurich for a holiday is well worth it. Many British tourists fly to this predominantly German-speaking part of northern Switzerland each year for a break. Zurich is often associated with Christmas market getaways or with skiing holidays. After all, the resorts of Hoch-Ybrig, Flumserberg and Engelberg-Titlis are only a little over an hour away from the city.
However, Zurich is worth flying to for a holiday at other times of the year, too. In the summer, its lakeside areas are relaxed and provide stunning views. In the springtime, its avenues and boulevards are at their best. Even better, Zurich has vibrant nightlife all year round. It is known for its bars, upmarket clubs and shopping districts, too. That said, cheap Zurich holidays are possible, too.
Tips for obtaining cheap Zurich flights
Several budget airlines offer flights to Zurich from the UK, so it is relatively straightforward to get a good price. Zurich flights from some of the bigger airlines depart from major UK airport hubs and have better time slots. However, you can often pick up bargains with either sort of operator, so long as you book in advance. When planning a holiday in Zurich, try to obtain flight tickets at least three months before you plan to travel. Ideally, you should book up to six months in advance, especially if you want to enjoy a Zurich holiday during the school summer break.
Avoid mid-winter Zurich holidays if you want to find cheap Zurich flights. Because so many people travel to Zurich for skiing holidays at this time, seat prices tend to go up. Even though holidaymakers might be passing through Zurich on their way to Alpine resorts, this demand keeps prices higher. You will often find that the best prices for flights to Zurich are available for early and late slots. Midweek travel, from Tuesday to Thursday, tends to be cheaper, too.
Ideas for day trips from Zurich
If you spend your time in Switzerland based solely in Zurich, then you won't become bored. However, getting out of the city on a day trip will help to add more adventure to your holiday. Lucerne is within striking distance. This city has a very different feel to Zurich, with more medieval architecture. It is also home to the popular Swiss Transport Museum.
Going to explore the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, is another one of the best day trip ideas. It takes about two hours by train to make the round trip. The hour-long journey each way is part of the experience, though, with some wonderful views en route. While you're at the falls, take some time to explore the nearby Schloss Laufen, a medieval castle. There's also a lakeside cafe, but you can keep the trip cheaper by bringing a picnic with you instead.
Top things to do with kids in Zurich
Zurich is a good destination for a family holiday. A few days, or even a week spent here, won't mean running out of things to do to keep children entertained. Uetliberg Mountain is a good place to head to and within easy reach by train. There are plenty of easy-to-follow hiking trails suited to kids of all ages here. Check out the planet trail, which emulates the solar system. There's also a playground at the top, with great views of the city.
Technorama is another good place to go with children. It is ideal for a rainy or snowy day when you might want to stay indoors as much as possible. This museum is devoted to science and technology. Many of its exhibits are interactive. You won't need to be fluent in German to get the best out of what it has to offer, either. Along with the city's zoo, family Zurich holidays are often active and entertaining.
Exploring Zurich on a budget
The narrow, cobblestone streets of Zurich's old quarter are free to explore. Landmarks like the Fraumünster and St Peter’s Church won't cost you a penny to view. Strolling along the pedestrianised Seepromenade is another free activity. It affords stunning lake and mountain views. Another budget-friendly thing to do is to explore the city's art museum, known as Kunsthaus Zurich. This place won't set you back a great deal. On certain days of the week, it offers free admission, too. However, you should check before you go to it to ensure your visit coincides with a free day.
FAQs about Zurich holidays
Q: Which UK airports fly direct to Zurich?
A: There are ten UK airports with direct flights to Zurich. Not all operate throughout the year, however. Flights to Zurich from London depart from Stansted (STN), Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (GTW), City Airport (LCY) and Luton (LTN). You can also board flights to Zurich from Edinburgh (EDI), Bristol (BRS), Birmingham International (BHX), Newquay (NQY) and Manchester (MAN).
Q: What month is the cheapest to fly to Switzerland?
A: Before and after the winter snow comes is often the cheapest to fly to Switzerland. Since Zurich holidays are popular during the skiing season, the summer and in the run-up to Christmas, cheap flights to Zurich tend to be available in early November and late March.
Q: What is the best part of Zurich to stay in?
A: The old town of Altstadt is full of charm and good for exploring Zurich on foot because of its central location, but it can be more expensive than other areas. Enge offers a more relaxing stay, ideal for couples and honeymooners. Langstrasse is another good part of Zurich to stay in, especially if you're looking for budget accommodation with plenty of nightlife.
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