Places, views and events near Zurich
 

Hello all. I'm traveling on a business trip to Zurich on the first week of Nov. 2014, but I will have one weekend and 2 days off. My questions is where to go on those days. I have thought of Milan (been to Italy several times, but never to Milan), Strasbourg or Lyon in France, Bregenz or Innsbruck in Austria, Konstanz+Meerburg or even München in Germany. I've been to Paris, München and Vienna before so those are out, and not very interested in going to Basel and Geneve.

I love culture, architecture, special events, food and am an amateur photographer, enjoy jazz, electronic music and good wines. Traveling places, walking the streets, see the people and going places I've never been before it's what I like the most. Of course different and out of the ordinary things are more than welcome.

Please, your suggestions on where to go are very much appreciated and really need your help. I can travel by train, air, or rent a car.

Well by air it is a few hours to any city in Europe - Amsterdam would be a good choice - one of the Jazz capitals of Europe and electronic music too - very hip city - gorgeous - at every turn is a photo op - all kinds of ethnic restaurants - lots of canals lined by stately olf facades, etc.

and you could take an overnight train there from Zurich if you wish. For info on European trains and night trains I always spotlight these IMO superb sites: www.seat61.com (great info on discounted tickets on trains, including night trains); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Oh Amsterdam is my very favorite city in Europe - here's some ideas for a visit by me and many others:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ite-things.cfm

Thanks for the comments! Actually Amsterdam was one of my first options, but I've visited a couple of times so I wanted something new.

PalenQ, The rail links you provided are just great, wonderful resource!

Would you consider Portofino near Genova a good spot?

Not in winter - and one of the biggest tourist traps I have ever seen though in winter it may seem more normal. But nothing really to do or your type on entertainment - if going to Italy how about Venice, to me the most beautiful city on Earth not just Europe - not much in your music scene perhaps though.

Portofino is a few hours south of Genoa. Germany has a vibrant techno/electronic music scene - Berlin to me is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe is not the most beautiful and yes a vibrant night scene.

When I was in Zürich in February, my friends took me to Andermatt and Einsiedeln.

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com...30/switzerland

It's an easy train ride to Lucerne - lovely old town, big and beautiful lake. Do the trip to either Mt Pilatus or Mt Rigi - both involve interesting travel and superb views.

If it were me I'd fly south to Italy or Greece - the weather north of the Alps is often dismal at that time of year and walking around is always more fun with a spat of sun and warmth like you would find in Italy or Greece - or take a train from Zurich to Milan, which being farther north ain't as warm as say Florence or Rome but is much MUCH more tolerable than the funky weather liable to be in Zurich at that time.

Corfu is a short flight and should be still nice enough at that time - Athens of course has everything a huge city has, warts and all!

Many folks are non-plussed with Milan but I've found it a fascinating city under the tourist facade - an energetic city typical of northern Italy vs the more laid-back south of Italy.

Have you considered staying in/around Zurich?

Luzern...if you go and stay the night or so ALSO consider a trip up to the summit of Mt. Titlis both for the views and the wonderful, scenery to and from.

Frankly, if I were going to Italy it would not be to Milan; perhaps Florence or Venice. Have you considered flying from Zurich? You could fly cheaply to Florence, Venice, and even Rome

www.whichbudget.com or www.skyscanner.com for cheap flights

The OP included air travel, so really the entire Europe is candidate making it a broad question even though the tile mentioned near Zurich. Really, flying to Greece, Italy, Spain, etc, don't take much more time than driving or train to places mentioned.

The train trip from Zurich to Innsbruck is very scenic and Innsbruck is a wonderful city. Go on the tram/train up into the hills to the villages of Mutters and Natters or the bus to Igls, all very delightful and a good insight into country living. There are some wonderful hikes around the hills too and through the aromatic pine forests.

"I will have one weekend and 2 days off"

Does that mean 4 consecutive days or...?

Find out if there are any festivals and go.

You may have a look at
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/home.html
http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/
http://fahrplan.sbb.ch/bin/query.exe/en
and the endless links you will find there.
There are tons of scenic Swiss towns with medieval city centers, even in the heart of the Alps (like Sion, Brig or Belllinzona).
Basle, with it's stunning gothic cathedral and the Roman theatre not far away, has always stunning exhibitions in some of it's museums.

Why did you choose/mention Bregenz?

If you go to Lyon, you may include Vienne and St-Romain-en-Gal as well as Perouges.

Thaks all for your comments and replies, really appreciate it. Yes it's 4 days in a row. I'm going to stay in Zurich after my business meeting for 3 days, so that's covered, and I'm asking on these place because I've been to most of the "big cities" in Europe (Madrid, Barcelona, London, Paris, Berlin, Köln, München, Prague, Budapest, Wienn, Rome, Florence, Sienna, Venice, Pisa, Amsterdam, Brussels, Brugge, Athens, and some of the Isles).

So, I'd love to go someplace new and learn some more!

@neckervd: I mentioned Bregenz because I've heard that there's a lot of cultural events (probably during summer), and it's beside lake Konstanz, so scenery must be great.

Again, thanks all for the great links, they are very helpful!

Dresden, the Florence on the Elbe, is a culture city par excellence and a nice city to explore on foot too. I don't think Bregenz is a resort so it may offer cultural things all year - it is a regional city - not sure it is much on the lake either but can't exactly recall that.

Don't forget the Bregenz Opera Festival (Bregenzer Festspiele) which takes place every July/August on a platform in Lake Constance.
http://bregenzerfestspiele.com/en/node/392

but neckervd - he is not going in summer but in November. can't imagine much to occupy for days in Bregenz unless doing little day trips, like to Liechtenstein to add another country to your belt (well principality subject to the whims of both Austria and Switzerland I think.