Switzerland Travel Forum

I am planning to land in Zurich and live in hotel for 4 days. By not shifting my stay to each place, can I see the places like Interlaken, Lucerne, Titlis, etc, etc, (please suggest any other good places) by leaving in train in the morning and comeback by evening. As I have kids 8 and 2, moving from one place to another by packing everything would be a hassle.
Few questions:
1.Is this a good idea?
2.What would be a good 3 star hotel to live in Zuric, so that, I can get to train station easily and travel in trains?
3.What train pass can I take to see these places?
4.Does any of the places mentioned require advance booking?
5.What is a good/economical shopping place in Zuric?
6.What is the availability of vegetarian food in restaurants?
7.Any train ride where we can see good view of the Alps?

Any small suggestion would be appreciated.

-Sai.

hi sai,
Check out the ipr guest house in banhoffstrasee,thought it is called a guest house,it is very,very comfotable and the staff are very helpful.there is one very good veg restrauant in the same area called Hiltl,but it is very,very expensive.You could also go to the co-op store that is near by the ipr guest house and pick up things like bread and cheese,frozen veg.pizza and pasta and cook it in the micrwave/stove top that is provided in tthe ipr guest house.this is what i did.,hope this helps,
vpas

Centrally located, lower priced, 3 start hotel in Zürich: Ibis Hotel Zürich.

The Ibis is located in a popular eating, entertainment area (cinemas and bars) fairly close to Zürich main station. A short tram ride will have you at the station in less than 10 minutes. with Ibis you know the standard you will get.

Close to the hotel (2 minutes walk) is also a shopping centre called Puls5. Well, there is not much more than a big supermarket (and lots of food options) but the advantage is that the Supermarket is a Migros. This Swiss chain has the lowest prices (generally) and is the ideal place to stock up on snacks, drinks, and toiletries etc.

I think the idea of basing yourself in Zürich is NOT foolish. I also prefer to day tip where possible. It saves a lot of money and hassle. Just be wary that many train journeys will involve transfers between trains, and due to the precise nature of Swiss rail, you sometimes may want to rush. Prepare yourself for this by being ready to move.

If you are going to travel distance like to Interlaken, Luzern, and so forth, then I recommend a Swiss Pass. it gives unlimited train travel, but be wary that it doesn't include mountain trains and cableways like Titlis (but you should get a discount).
Interlaken, Luzern and Titlis are all comfortable day trips, but if you want to explore the greater Interlaken area you need to leave early and come back late. If you want to go up the mountains at Interlaken (Jungfrau in particular) book the train ahead of schedule. The hotel should definitely also be booked.

There is plenty of vegetarian food in Zürich. When not in a specified vege restaurant, I can assure you that almost all restaurants will have vege options.

For a train ride with good views of the alps, The train tips I have made under my profile for around Interlaken, and also the trip recommended in my tip of 'Trips In and Around Zürich', would both be my highest recommendations.
Have a great time over here.

Zurich is an ideal home base. Lucerne is a 1-hr ride away, interlaken around 2-hrs. (check www.sbb.ch/en for details so you can plan the rides before, without having to check the timetable with the kids around). No advance bookings required on trains in switzerland. (Except maybe the special panorama trains in the alps). Try Coop or Migros stores for "economical" shopping but be prepared that the prices are not comparable to the US (especially food & clothes). Vegetarian food: Try the "Hiltl" (www.hiltl.ch) which was the first veg. restaurant in europe (delicious!). "Tibits" is a cheaper veg-chain, one can be found next to the opera house.

Have a good time!