Summer is an exciting time of the year. For many, it means no school, warmer days, and fun.
For me, it’s Birthday Adventure time!
My birthday is during the summer, which as a child kind of sucked. I didn’t have birthday parties because most of my friends were either at summer camps or visiting relatives for the entire summer. My tenth birthday party was held at a video game arcade. Only two of my friends came to celebrate.
I am determined not to have any more sucky birthday celebrations as an adult. Every year, I choose to celebrate by exploring the world.
Birthday Adventure 2023 kicked off in Zürich, Switzerland, The Little Big City.
I selected Zürich because it was a city I’d never visited before, and because current world politics deemed my original choice, Helsinki, Finland, a ‘hot zone.’
Safety is my number one priority. Best to stay away from ‘hot zones’ where my safety may be jeopardized by unfavorable diplomatic relations.
GETTING HERE
Train or plane? Always a question when traveling. I decided on trains for the majority of my Adventure because it was logistically cheaper. My ticket to Zürich was $40 and the trip takes four hours. In comparison, a flight was only one hour, but cost $100. Additionally, the airport I was flying from was affected by a military exercise, which caused massive delays.
Besides, I love train travel.
Plus, the DB ICE trains have free Wi-Fi, and a nice restaurant car. Just sit back, enjoy the picturesque scenery, or guzzle down some delicious currywurst whilst streaming a movie. Relaxation is the key.
LODGING
Zürich is expensive. That is discouraging to many people, but not me. Researching and budgeting always helps when traveling, and Zürich was no different.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from, including my ole standby Marriott. However, the Hotel Adler met most of my hotel requirements. Additionally, I got a nicer discount when I booked directly with the hotel.
HOTEL ADLER
The 3-star Hotel Adler is located in the center of Zürich’s Old Town.
A short seven-minute walk from the Zürich Main Train Station, the hotel is a lovely blend of old and modern. Customer service upon arrival was amazing.
I used their app for pre-check-in, which saved valuable adventure time. Although my room wasn’t ready due to my early arrival, my luggage was securely stored for free and I was given a boatload of information on the public transport system, and local sites within walking distance.
A nice city walk helped me map out some key areas and places I wanted to visit later. Two hours later, my room was ready.
I’d booked a Standard Single Room.
Although from the photos it looks tight, it was spacious enough for me to move about comfortably. The bed was firm, which I like and the television had numerous English channels. Whew, saved me from having to use my Firestick. The power box contained USB and regular outlets, and they all worked.
The mini-fridge with complimentary water and soda was a great touch. Also, loved the slippers.
The bathroom was small, but not tight. The shower was nice and powerful. There was space on the counter to put my toiletries, and hooks to hang my PJs. I took my showers in the evening, so having hot water was never an issue.
The atmosphere inside the hotel was very quaint and respectful. Outside, there are numerous bars, clubs and restaurants, so it is very nosy at night. However, I barely heard any of this as the windows were double-glazed and kept outside sound to a minimum. In fact, I didn’t even hear the rain until I went down for breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast, this is the only part of my stay that didn’t meet my expectations.
The hotel provides a Swiss breakfast complete with fresh croissants and breads, fine jams, boiled eggs, Swiss cheese and meat cold cuts. Typical continental breakfast fare.
However, I was surprised there were no hot options available. I didn’t starve, but I was glad breakfast was included in my room rate because what was offered was not worth $26.
Overall, a very pleasant stay.
SWISS CHUCHI
Hotel Adler’s restaurant, Swiss Chuchi, is very popular. I made a dinner reservation during check-in just to check it out as this is also where I would go for breakfast.
I have to say I wasn’t blown away by the menu selections.
The worst part of this dining experience was the customer service. The restaurant gets very busy, but when your server looks directly at you, then turns his back and ignores you, it does not look good for the restaurant management.
Furthermore, do not assume just because I’m an American, I am automatically going to leave a tip. More importantly, do not put in a tip amount before even inquiring if I want to leave a tip, especially when the restaurant clearly states tipping is not mandatory. I politely asked the server to remove the tip.
Before everyone goes ballistic, I do tip when service warrants giving a little extra. In other words, I don’t just tip because of societal conventions. Please don’t assume I’ll automatically leave a tip, especially when the service rendered was horrendous.
SWISS NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Landesmuseum Zürich was the top place to visit, outside Lake Zürich.
A short seven-minute walk from my hotel, I went early to avoid the large crowds the museum was expecting later that day for an event. Loved how interactive the exhibits were, especially the Swiss Passport exhibit. It was educational and I realized how hard it is to gain a Swiss passport.
SWISS FINANCE MUSEUM
Switzerland is considered a finance capital, so a visit to the Swiss Finance Museum was bound to be a highlight, right?
WRONG!
Despite being very informative, I’d classify this place as an exhibit for a museum rather than a museum itself. There is a very interesting history of Swiss Finance, and one or two interactive components. This is a nice 30-minute break if you have the Zürich Card and entrance is free. If you don’t have the Zürich Card, don’t waste €10 visiting this “museum.”
STEAKHOUSE OLD TOWN
The mouth-watering aroma of steak hit me as I walked by the Steakhouse Old Town on my way to catch the tram to the Swiss Finance Museum. My stomach loudly told me that I had to make my way here afterward visiting the museum and feed myself a nice juicy steak.
OMGosh, the best meal I had in Zürich. Ordered a sirloin steak, served on a hot stone, with fries and a large glass of sparkling water.
The steak was delicious. Serving it on a hot stone meant that the steak cooked to the temperature I wanted, no mistakes or guesses.
Scrumdiddlyumptious!
CITY LIFE
I spent the majority of my visit walking and capturing City Life. There were a few tours available, but none seem to be worth the cost. Plus, Zürich does not have a Hop On/Hop Off tour, which surprised me.
Walking the town was more enjoyable than riding on a dirty bus trying to take photos through a dirty window.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Zürich is a nice, expensive city. However, it didn’t ‘Wow’ me as other cities have done. No, Zürich was nice to visit on this adventure, but I don’t think I’ll be returning. No doubt, Zürich is a beautiful city and I’m glad I explored it. Nevertheless, this city wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped.
Oh well, not every adventure leaves you spellbound. The best advice – keep exploring!
Onto the next adventure:
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