My best friend and I are going to be in Zurich February 12-17. I've never been there and know very little about Switzerland. We will be there on business staying at the Baur Au Lac which I understand is a great hotel. I know we won't be there for very long but we will have some sightseeing/shopping time. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding things we should or should not do while there? Also, I love mountain scenery. Is Zurich in or near the mountains? Is there a short day trip we could take to get more "into" the scenery? PLease help. Thanks.

The Baur au Lac is quite swanky - and only 1 block off Bahnhofstrasse. Take some time and windowshop along there. Make sure you explore the side streets too and the Niederdorf area which is across the Limmat River from your hotel. The hotel will be able to better guide you. Its all easily walkable.<BR><BR>If the mountains are to be seen, you'll see them from the front of your hotel. Sometimes they come out in the early morning. To reach them takes 1-2 hours by train.<BR><BR>I would recommend taking the train and leaving the city for a day trip. The train is SIMPLE to use - and you'll be quite close to the main train station.<BR><BR>Luzern is only 1 hour away. The train runs 2x per hour.<BR> Bern is also a fun city to explore - 1 hour by train.<BR><BR>If you like snow sports, skiing or sledding, check our www.myswitzerland.com for ideas. You can make a day trip (long) by train to the Davos or Grindelwald area from Z ...just have to get up early. Both these areas should be sunny and snowy, and you'll be deep in the alps.<BR><BR>Be aware that all stores close Saturday at 4 pm and do not open again till Monday - so Sunday is a good day for a day trip. The ski areas should be open with Berghauses happy to make you a swiss meal. <BR><BR>I am unsure, but there may be Faschnacht celebrations going on that week - its huge in Basel and Luzern and fun to watch the parades - a bit like Mardi Gras. Does anyone know the dates for Faschnacht this year<BR>

As this is a Fodor's site I feel compelled to recommend that you get the Fodor's book on Switzerland, which is very helpful. At a minimum, read the destination guide for Zurich which Fodor's has prepared and put on this site. It will give you a brief overview.<BR><BR>The Alps are very close, and Lucerne is a good place to see them if you are here during clear weather. As noted above, the train is very easy to use. The Fodor's guidebook can help you with what to see and do in Lucerne. Your hotel can help you in learning how to take the tram or walk to the main train station in Zurich to get the trains for Lucerne.<BR><BR>A quick excursion from Zurich would be to go to the small town on Utlieberg on the hills outside Zurich. You can take a train and there is a nice walk through the woods to an observation tower and a restaurant with great fondue. You are lucky to be here in winter during true fondue season so do try some while you are here.<BR><BR>Zurich is a small very walkable city and I would recommend you take time to walk around the old city and along the river and the lake. It could be very cold in February so be prepared, especially if you go into to mountains.<BR><BR>Faschnacht is not until the first weekend in March this year, as Easter is so late in April. For a list of concerts, cultural events and other happenings in Zurich while you are here go to http://www.zurichtourism.ch<BR>

Fasnacht is March 10 - 12 this year. Zurich is pretty, for a day. Agree with poster on the best window shopping in the world, Bahnoffstrasse. <BR><BR>If I was you I would do a day trip to Lucerne, view mountain tops from there via cable car. I would also do a day trip to Grindewald &amp; one to Basel picnic on the oldest bridge over the Rhine. <BR><BR>South Swiss is gorgeous, too. Although you are not here to long.<BR><BR>If you please you can check out www.sbb.ch choose english, and pick one of their scenic train routes to take on.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Visit the Sprungli chocolate shop located on Bahnhofstrasse and taste some of the best chocolates in the whole world.....oh my the are so good.<BR><BR>

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. We will definitely spend at least one day walking/ shopping Zurich. Thanks for heads up about the stores being closed on Sunday. We will probably take that day to do a train trip to Lucerne. Fondue was already on our list. Thanks again.

Cat, are you by any chance from California? Were you at Interworks in Philadelphia oh around 1996 or 1997? Did you spend a lot of time in the bar at the Marriott during the show? I think I know you.

bar au lac is my favorite hotel in europe. i have been to all the best 5 star hotels and recently spent a couple of nights there, which was my third visit. you will never experience better service, better beds, all in a very relaxing atmosphere. there is so much dining and shopping in zurich you will not believe it. super bavarian food, but all kinds. you can walk everywhere, VERY civilized town. talk to jeremey, the concierge, he knows the town. i would go to zurich just for bar au lac!!!!!

Hp-user, I am not from California, however, I am from Philadelphia. I was never at Interworks and have only been to the Marriott a few times. Why do you think you know me? I'm curious. Rich, thanks for the comments about Baur Au Lac, I ave heard similar rave reviews and am looking forward to staying there. Sounds like we may never venture out of Zurich after all!<BR><BR>