Guest Post by Kassie Borreson
Meet Kassie Borreson
Kassie Borreson is an American commercial and editorial photographer living in Zürich, Switzerland with her husband, Andy, and daughter, Edie, who is two. A native of Napa, CA, Kassie lived for thirteen years in San Francisco and four in Germany before moving to Zurich with her family two years ago. She loves to bake sourdough bread, host dinner parties, travel with her family, tend to her many plants, enjoy a cappuccino and a good book at home, visit galleries with friends, and try new restaurants in town. You can follow Kassie and her beautiful writing and photography on her Substack, Photographer’s Miscellany.
Kassie’s Favorite Places to Travel
Kassie’s current favorite place to travel is back to Napa, where she grew up, to see her family. On the top of her to-travel list is Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Austria, Portugal, Seoul, and Australia. And the places she always loves returning to are rural England, Ireland & Scotland.
Kassie’s Favorite Travel Tips and Hacks
Kassie’s favorite travel tips and hacks include always packing one soft, simple outfit in her carry-on that she can wear if her bag gets lost. This goes back to her days traveling with her ballet troupe when she was a teenager, and her teacher insisted on it. As a professional photographer, Kassie never has the luxury of being able to ‘just bring a carry-on’ — that idea always makes her smirk! However, Kassie’s photo equipment and gear are always in her carry-on, of course (so her clothes, shoes and toiletries must go somewhere else!). There are times when she has nothing but a small carry-on packed full of light heads, lenses, camera bodies, chargers, and so on.
Since becoming a mother, Kassie’s new hack is bringing a very small squeeze bottle full of laundry detergent with her, and another one with dish soap. There are often little washes that need doing in the hotel or Airbnb sink when you have a little one. Since she has has flown a lot and encountered many varying things on flights, Kassie never boards a plane without an eye mask, ear plugs, headphones, extra phone battery, a small pouch of various basic pills for pain or discomfort, nasal spray, and a good book. She also never assumes there will be power at the seat or a screen that works properly. Kassie’s daughter Edie, who is two years old, has been to eight countries and multiple transatlantic flights – so Kassie affirms that it’s not impossible to travel with your kids! Once you get the hang of things, it’s not even stressful.
Q&A GUEST POST with Kassie Borreson: Zurich 🇨🇭
Q: Why should people plan a trip to visit Zurich?
A: If you are interested in visiting the gorgeous and unique country that is Switzerland, the city of Zürich is a great place to start. It is elegant, cosmopolitan, worldly and stunning. It’s also the most expensive city in the world to live. Zürich is super centrally located in Europe and a great jumping off point to various other countries and cities. The country of Switzerland is truly, jaw-droppingly beautiful and everyone should see the alps at some point in their life, whether they ski or not.
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit?
A: I would say that Zürich really shines in the summer, when everyone comes out to relax along the grassy shores of the lake, and take periodic dips, or lounge at the fantastic badis (public swim clubs), and the lush restaurant patios are full of people. The whole city feels like one big resort. It can get fairly hot and stays warm in the evenings with the sun going down late.
Christmastime is also quite enchanting with the Weihnachtsmarkt where you can enjoy gluhwein, shop artisan and local goods, and enjoy a variety of foods. Magical festive white lights drip into the old cobbled streets and are festooned all over the Altstadt. Personally, I haven‘t seen another big European city do Christmas lights better.
Q: How many days should you spend in Zurich?
A: Zürich feels like a small big city. So even though it is a wealthy banking capital it is rather small and intimate. You run into people you know on the street. That said, it can be done 3-4 days, but I would recommend a week to get a little further afield and see some other neighborhoods.
Q: What is the best airport to fly in/out of?
A: Zürich airport no doubt. It‘s the biggest in Switzerland and you can fly direct just about everywhere. There‘s also a huge shopping, hotel, hospital and conference center attached, so if you‘re stuck for some time you can venture over. However, the airport is huge, with plentiful restaurants, shops, lounges, and big airy spaces as well. It‘s definitely not a bad one to wile away some time.
Q: When you arrive, do you need to rent a car?
A: Definitely not. In fact, cars and even taxis are somewhat discouraged. Parking is not the easiest and the Altstadt is split by the river, so walking or taking a tram are much easier. Public transportation is a dream.
Q: Can you get around via taxi (or Uber if it exists there)?
A: You can, but it is quite pricey. Unless you have extenuating circumstances, or tons of stuff to carry, I would highly recommend public transportation.
Q: How’s the public transportation?
A: The public transportation is incredible and practically perfect—it‘s pristine, efficient, quiet, on time and plentiful. It is superior to almost all other places, except maybe Japan. We who live here are completely spoiled by it. The above-ground trams mean you can sightsee all along the way, especially if you take tram number 4, which glides along the river through the Altstadt, stopping off at several key tourist spots. In addition, there are terrific trains and buses, so that you can get almost anywhere, more quickly than if you were in a car.
Q: Where’s the best area in Zurich to stay?
A: For first time visitors, staying close to the Altstadt but also near the lake would be ideal.
Seefeld area near Bellevue is really pretty, close to everything you would want to see and right on the lake. If you‘ve been to Zürich before, or you are someone who is keen to get away from the more obvious tourist spots, Wiedikon and Kreis 8 are both a great neighborhoods that will give more of local‘s feel.
Q: Do you recommend staying in a hotel or renting a place through Airbnb?
A: I think it absolutely depends on your budget, what kind of traveller you are, the size of your group, and if you have young kids. I‘m sure there are good Airbnb’s, but I would recommend a hotel or a furnished apartment, rather than an Airbnb. Hotel recommendations include:
Hotel Europe $$$
Marktgasse Hotel $$$
Widder Hotel $$$
Q: What are some must-do activities while in Zurich?
A: Here are some mini-itineraries:
Take a stroll along the lake, starting at Bellevueplatz and heading south toward Zürihorn. Before you leave, have a coffee at ViCafe on Bellevueplatz. Later, enjoy a gelato from Gelati am See cart if he is there. Wander by the Le Corbusier House. Visit if you have time. Or end up at Fischerstube for a lovely big lunch overlooking the water. Mame in Seefeld has the best coffee in town if you need a pick me up after eating.
Visit the Kunsthaus and have a bite or a drink at their fabulous restaurant. Then take the 4 tram for a nice tour of the old city along the river, and afterward see the Marc Chagall windows at Fraumünster. Walk up to Lindenhof for the best view in the city, and watch people play chess on lifesize pieces, followed by coffee at ViCafe Münsterhof. An early dinner at Bindella is a nice way to complete the day. After, have drinks at the fantastic Old Crow, just a short walk away.
Visit the Viadukt for great independent boutique shopping, pick up local foodstuffs and wine, then have lunch at the Markthalle restaurant. Nearby is the excellent Museum für Gestaltung (Design) and an afternoon drink at the outdoor Frau Gerold’s Garten. Or, cross through the Hauptbahnhof to admire the architecture before more doing more shopping/restaurants/exploring along Europaallee. Bean Bank Coffee nearby is excellent. Finish with dinner at Piu Piu for yummy pizza.
Take a day trip to an alpine village — Klosters, Arosa, Engadin, and Chur are just a few ideas. Then head back for a casual dinner upstairs at Sternen Grille followed by a very fancy (but entirely worth it) cocktail at the Kronenhalle Bar with a superb drinks menu and one of the most spectacular interiors you’ll encounter.
Visit the Burkliplatz farmers market on Tuesdays and Fridays, or the Flea Market (summer only) on Saturdays. The little stand inside the platz has decent coffee and great sausages, or head to Milchbar around the corner for a more comprehensive meal. Then do a ferry tour around the lake.
Q: Is Zurich family-friendly? What are some must-do activities with kids?
A: Yes, Zurich is very family-friendly. The Zoo is especially great and is arguably one of the best in Europe. The Tiefenbrunnen Badi(during warm months) is geared toward kids, and the China Garten playground is excellent. The Landesmuseum is also great for kids. I would also highly recommend the Zürich Botanical Garden. They have a few domes you can explore if it‘s raining, but overall it is very peaceful, beautiful and almost never very busy. There‘s a pretty creek running alongside for a pretty walk, and there are big grassy areas for kids to run around.
There are a ton of playgrounds all over the city. They are always tidy as well. Generally, I feel Zürich is very family friendly — the trams almost all accommodate strollers because everyone walks, and people will help you if they see you struggle. And as already mentioned, it is a very safe and clean place, so you can feel relaxed and enjoy yourself while your kids play and explore.
Q: What’s the performing arts/arts scene like in Zurich? Any recommendations?
A: The Ballett Zürich at the Opernhaus is very highly regarded. Also, there are many great smaller music venues and jazz clubs. The Schauspielhaus is also a long-standing and revered theater for drama (though it will likely be in German). Zürich is also the home of the Dada art movement and Caberet Voltaire. I also highly recommend the Kunsthaus museum and Museum für Gestaltung (Design museum).
Q: Where can you find the best shopping in Zurich with local boutiques and artisan goods? Any specific stores to visit?
A: Viadukt is great for this, the neighborhood of Wiedikon and Kreis 8, and there are great boutiques sprinkled throughout the Altstadt, and in Seefeld as well. Zürich is also home to a lot of great second-hand designer boutiques. Some of my favorite stores to visit include:
Intwine Zürich – home goods, gifts and local artworks $-$$$
Razzo Second Hand – second-hand clothing in the Altstadt, men’s & women’s $-$$$
By Adushka – women’s clothing and accessories
Cabinet in Viadukt – modern clothing (women’s) and home goods
Fabrikat – stationery, cards, notions, home goods $$$
Leder Asper – women’s shoes −−$
Kummer Wienhandlung – wine $$
Smith & Smith at The Bridge on Europaallee – wine & groceries $-$$$
Mame – coffee beans $$
Bean Bank Coffee – coffee beans $$
Berg und Tal – entirely local foodstuffs $-$$$
Stefi Talman – shoes −$
Making Things – modern accessories and clothes $$$
Trunk – men’s clothes $−$$
Q: Let’s talk food! What are some must-eat dishes?
A: Raclette and Fondue are both very traditional Swiss favorites. Gipfli is the Swiss version of a croissant and worth trying from any bakery or coffee shop.
Favorite local spots include:
Degenreid – really beautiful restaurant surrounded by woods and tucked in the hillside above Zürich. Traditional food
Piu – great Italian, especially pizza, right near Europaallee and close to the altstadt as well
Fischerstube – Fabulous fish restaurant right on the water with a super beautiful interior and gorgeous lakeside views. Nice brunch on Sundays. Definitely book in advance.
Hegifret Coffee Window – Really cute coffee window with great espresso and wonderful pastries. Also has a cute seating area inside
Portofino – Italian spot down in Thalwil on the quieter side of the lake, but just as pretty. Really nice terrace and another gorgeous interior
The Artisan – Local, organic, vegetable-centric spot known for brunch
Josef – Terrific spot near Viadukti, inventive menus and fun cocktails.
Williams Butcher Table – really cozy, elegant steakhouse. There are a couple and both are nice, but I prefer the one on Hegibachplatz. You pick out your meat at the butcher counter first then order sides. It‘s not cheap.
Co Chin Chin – Fabulous, popular Vietnamese restaurant. Two locations.
Markthalle at Viadukt – Terrific spot with salads, sandwiches, and a variety of mains.
Chiffon – Elevated local cuisine in a cute spot on the backside of the altstadt with a nice patio
Antiquario da Mario – Super yummy authentic Italian off the beaten path. Nice interior and great wine list
Kronenhalle – Classic, expensive and established Zurich restaurant. Traditional food and service. Definitely high-end. Original Miros, Kandinsky‘s, Picassos and other fine artworks all over the walls. Service is old-school and formal.
Q: Tell me what folks love to drink in Zurich?
A: Definitely try the Swiss wines. They aren’t exported much so hard to find outside the country. Varietals include: Petite Arvine, Chasselas, Fendant, Blauburgunder, Jura, Silvaner, and others.
Rivella is a Swiss fizzy cola-like drink that is made with whey and worth a taste.
For a non-alcoholic option, Apfel-shorle is a great combination of apple juice pre-mixed with sparkling water.
Coffee in Zurich is also excellent and you can get both filter coffee and espresso drinks easily.
Local craft beer Chopfab is terrific and made in Wintertur.
Q: What are some unique daily traditions that happen in Zurich?
A: There are quite a few including:
Always being on time
Reserving a table for lunch or dinner (even online an hour beforehand can save you)
Children going home from school for lunch
Taking a morning swim in the lake, even in winter
Being quiet and courteous on public transport
Q: What are some must-pack items for traveling to Zurich?
A: Must pack-items for Zurich include:
Comfortable shoes for walking.
Zürich is a relatively elegant city, and full of bankers who wear suits. So you wouldn’t look out of place dressing a little nicer for dinner, or even lunch. Though most places do not require jackets.
An umbrella or raincoat in springtime is a must. Summer thunderstorms are common as well, and come on quickly.
You’ll may need a couple Swiss-specific plug adapters. They are similar to mainland EU, but with slightly smaller holes and may not fit.
Also, your EU currency won’t work here, we are on our own Swiss Franc currency, CHF.
Q: Anything you’d like to add about visiting Zurich?
A: Just to be prepared that it is it is rather expensive, depending on your perspective. If you live somewhere that is also considered an expensive place to reside, it may not feel too different.
And tipping is very minimal, like much of Europe. However, if you live somewhere that is relatively inexpensive you could be in for a bit of sticker shock. All of the beauty, cleanliness, and efficiency come at a cost. Switzerland in general puts a lot of money into transportation and municipal services, but it makes for a truly special place to see and visit!
There are ways to save, however. You can always shop at a grocery store and cook at home if you get a furnished apartment. It’s very walkable and trams are not very expensive. Many things are free for kids, even up to 16 years old. There are a lot of truly beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to be enjoyed for free.
Be sure to follow Kassie on Substack at Photographer’s Miscellany.
