Zurich is as tidy and efficient as, well, as Swiss watch. The city is straight out of a story-book, albeit quite a cutting-edge one. Behind the historic architecture and clipped public gardens are the hallowed halls of a political and financial power unsurpassed in precision and longevity.

Swiss Banks

Just how the Swiss have managed to retain their complete independence is largely due to their banking system. Although the myths about completely anonymous banks are just that, myths, the banking in Switzerland is proudly discreet and fiercely guards the privacy of its customers. In fact, its one of the fun things to do when you're in Zurich: Try to establish a Swiss bank account – for all your millions in ill-gotten gains. It's unlikely you'll be able to open an account without Swiss residency or a handy million or two, but take a stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse anyway, to try your luck. This famous pedestrian street is home to the world's most powerful banks (and some very good shopping).

Currency

Despite Zurich being the capital of one of the financial strongholds of Europe, they refuse to become part of the European Union (that famous neutrality at work). This means that as soon as you arrive you will need to exchange some currency – actually quite a lot of it, as Zurich is expensive.

Places to See

Despite its modern position in the global economy, Zurich is a city that cherishes its past. The city has a low skyline, deliberately so, and regularly invests in maintaining its many-centuries old buildings.

For a beautiful glimpse into Zurich's living past, spend a day in The Old Town, on the Limmat River. This place was built long before the internal combustion engine and most of its winding alleys are barely wide enough for a horse and cart. The lanes are overshadowed by medieval houses, crammed together in packs. You'll notice how low the doors are – and how small some of the original rooms were. The human race has become pretty tall in a short period of time and The Old Town is testament to it.

Museums

Thanks to the precise creativity of the Swiss, Zurich is home to a decent number of museums and galleries. The museum Haus Konstruktiv gives an interesting insight into the nature of the Swiss people: It is dedicated to processing the content and history of concrete, constructive and conceptual art. Artistic yes, creative, definitely, and yet just a little cold.

This doesn't mean that the Swiss are unfriendly. Far from it, they are more than willing to help anyone who needs it. They are simply not quite like their more passionate Mediterranean or Eastern European counterparts – the Swiss move in unmysterious ways.

Hotels

When it comes to paying for your hotel, you'll be glad of that loaded Swiss bank account. Specials can be had, but average hotel prices start at $200 per night and head a lot closer to $400. Try to forget the whalloping you have given your credit card and relax into the amazingly good service. These guys know what they are doing, perfectly striking the balance between attentive and discreet.

Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Zurich.

(Photo:Fotolia/Giuseppe Bognanni)

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