The Streets of Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland
Abijit Singh
2/1/20242 min read
On my first afternoon in Zürich, I took a leisurely stroll through the charming streets. My initial plan was to find the nearest currency exchange shop and head back to the hotel. However, I came across a postcard featuring a stunning view of the Limmat River from the Rudolf-Brun-Brücke Bridge. Intrigued, I asked the employee at the currency shop for directions to this picturesque spot.
The streets of Zürich were like a whimsical wonderland, with their quirky and hilly shapes. The cosy restaurants nestled at the base of colourful buildings provided a peaceful ambiance for both tourists and locals alike. Despite getting lost multiple times during my trip, I cherished every moment, especially when a light rain shower added to the enchantment, and I stumbled upon a life-size chess game. After navigating my way through the charming streets, I arrived at the iconic postcard location. I realised I intended to take a nap at the time but instead found myself stood on one of the most famous bridges in Switzerland. Lovely. Navigating around the area became a breeze once I discovered that the train station, major supermarkets, and the "best" restaurants were just minutes away. However, finding food options other than beef or pork proved to be quite a challenge. Thankfully, I found solace in indulging in ice creams, gelatos, and margarita pizzas to satisfy my cravings.
On my final night, I embarked on another enchanting stroll over the Limmat River, this time crossing the Mühlesteg Bridge under light rain. The darkness added an air of mystery as I walked, and suddenly, my eyes caught sight of the buildings' reflection on the water. Addictive. The bridge was adorned with countless padlocks, which I later discovered online were known as "locks of Love." How sweet. As I crossed the bridge, I was greeted by a whole new experience in the charming mini streets nestled between the buildings. There were grocery stores, cosy pubs, and a variety of enticing restaurants. Although it felt a bit daring to explore this side, the vibrant atmosphere made it come alive.
Before returning to the bustling alleyways, I had an unexpectedly awkward moment on the main road, and probably my most embarrassing moment whilst solo travelling. Hear me out, I was tired. At first glance, I mistook a store for a lingerie shop, but as I walked further along the road, below the mannequins were small objects, all different sizes and shapes. I thought to myself, "What are those?". I continued to walk straight with my head still pointing in the direction of the mannequin, until...
It was a sex toy store. The slow "Ohhhhhhhh" and sudden realisation that I had to stop looking in that direction immediately because a woman walked by, shaking her head in disappointment. My face went red and I could not do anything to undo the embarrassment.
Fortunately, I stumbled upon a hidden gem called "1001 Take Away," a delightful Turkish restaurant tucked away in a corner. Initially sceptical, I decided to give it a try, craving chicken that went beyond the usual salt, pepper seasoning. To my delight, they were also showing the Real Madrid vs. Man City Champions League match on their television. So, I savoured my last night in Switzerland, relishing a delicious doner and baklava, sipping on Ayran and Uludag, all while enjoying the thrill of European football. It was the perfect ending to my memorable trip!