A Family Trip to Europe: Part II Switzerland
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Apparently due to our flight chaos, our baggage did not arrive with us in Zurich. And our Apple Airtags weren't working, WTF?!? We filed a lost baggage claim, grabbed some necessities from the airport pharmacy, and went to our first hotel in Zurich. I had only booked this for one night, the Movenpick Hotel Zurich Regensdorf. It isn't the best location for tourists, but I was delighted to find out it was next door to a large shopping mall, which was crucial to us since we didn't have our bags with us. We were able do some clothes shopping before moving on to our next hotel in the heart of the City: Hotel Glockenhof. We loved this place so much! I especially loved the European breakfast that was included. It had the best yogurt I have ever had, along with fresh juices, breads, meats and hot items like eggs and bacon. And the best Latte Macchiatos of our trip! The hotel staff was also super accommodating and helpful, we would love to go back!
I love a good European breakfast!
In Zurich, we stuck mostly to traditional Swiss cuisine such as pork shank with potato salad at Zeughauskeller, and traditional Swiss fondue and schnitzel at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi. Yum!!!
Zeughauskeller, must try the Pork Shank and Swiss Potato Salad!
Swiss Chuchi, must try toe Swiss Cheese Fondue and the Schnitzel!
We walked along and across the Limmat River, dancing to street musicians and checking out the swans. I did more shopping than was necessary to replace my wardrobe that finally showed up after 3 days.
We rode the tram up to Zoo Zurich, which was quite spread out and great exercise pushing our littles around in their strollers.
The tram system was easy to use and very convenient. Overall, Zurich felt like a very clean and safe city. Not cheap. Friendly, but not overly. Great food. If I ever go back, I will be sure to take some day trips and excursions, as there are many beautiful places to visit nearby!
From Zurich, we bought train tickets to Lugano. I think it was a few hours and we through some beautiful countryside to get to our nest destination: Lugano!
LUGANO, SWITZERLAND
We knew we had 3 more nights before we had to be in out last destination in Venice. We asked the front desk hotel and train station personnel in Zurich where they would stop on the way. There is not a lack of gorgeous towns and villages in the Swiss Alps, but we landed on Lugano. It is in the Italian-speaking part of the Swiss Alps, and the views on Lake Lugano did not disappoint! We booked our stay at Best Western Hotel Bellevue Au Lac . We reserved a family room which had enough room for the kids to run around and although it was on the backside of the hotel, it had a gorgeous view of Lake Lugano on a wrap around balcony. There was also a clean and decent sized pool in the back, but we never had an extra moment to check it out, much to Zarin's dismay.
It was super rainy when we arrived, but it made for a gorgeous view of Lake Lugano
Breakfast at our hotel before heading out for the day!
Queen Zarin!
An unexpected perk of this hotel, and perhaps others in the area, was that our room came with a free transportation pass within the Ticino area. It made it super to catch a bus for dinner, although the main part of town was also walkable.
Best and most friendly restaurant we found in Lugano: Bar Ristorante Olimpia, must try the roasted vegetables and Aperol Spritz!
In Lugano, we walked in the rain, ate both Swiss and Italian foods, and climbed Monte Bre in a funicular (definitely recommend!). We missed the Swissminiatur (miniature Swiss village), but that just means we will have to go back some day! While it is hard to choose, I think Farhad and I both feel like Lugano was our favorite stop on this trip. He says he wants to move there some day!
While in the train station, we bought train tickets to our final destination: Venice. We rode first class which came with some nice snacks, drinks and coloring pads for the kids. I love the train system in Europe so much, I so wish we had something like that here in the US. Maybe one day!
Read "A Family Trip to Europe: Part III Italy" to read about our final destination!
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