We have a 12 hour lay-over in Zurich in September 2013 and would appreciate any
suggestion on what to do in Zurich. Any help would helpfully.

Madisoncat

Bahnhofstrasse - straight out from the west side of the train station (I bleieve west side) is often called the richest or swankest street in Europe - lined by fancy HQ of banks and boutique shops, etc.

The Altstadt is a genuinely old-looking city center - really nice place to eat and wander around the Dom or cathedral area

Lovely lakeside walks - also you can take boat rides on lovely Lake Zurich or mountain-climbing to trams to sylvain settings and hiking trails thru woods.

Not to mention quality museums of your choice.

Walk around along the Limmat and in the old towns up the hill from it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/5964426830/

< Michael - thanks so much for posting your stunning pictures! You've inspired me to try to fit Stein am Rhein into my upcoming trip, AND I think I've figured out how to do it! >

I don't mean to hijack the thread, Madisoncat!

I'd definitely check out the Niederdorf: which is part of the old town. Exit the main station from the front, with the Bahnhofstrasse stretching out in front of you, and then walk left, across the bridge and further, until you see a Starbucks at the beginning of a little cobblestone street. That's the entrance of the larger part of the old town. There's old churches, medieval buildings, and lots of shops and restaurants.

A little more info here: http://www.theunlikelyhousewife.com/...he-niederdorf/

You could also walk along the river or up the Bahnhofstrasse until you get to the lake, and then take a boat tour on Lake Zurich. If it's nice weather, it's quite lovely!