Audio Guide: Zurich Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Zurich

Zurich-Switzerland’s largest city and possibly the classiest time machine you’ll ever stroll through. Beneath its polished surface of banks, trams, and world-class chocolate lies a city with roots older than most empires. Humans have been hanging out here for over 6,000 years, and in 15 BC the Romans finally gave it a name: Turicum-meaning “the place of Turos”, likely stemming from a Gaulish personal name, Turos-because even back then, people loved naming places after themselves...

Over time, Zurich grew from a Roman customs post to a powerful Free Imperial City in the Middle Ages, and later, in the 16th century, became a centre of the Protestant Reformation led by one Ulrich Zwingli-kind of like Switzerland’s answer to Martin Luther, but with a sleeker font...

These days, Zurich is a mash-up of history and high finance. It’s the home base of banking behemoths like UBS and Credit Suisse, and thanks to Zurich Central Railway Station-one of the busiest railway stations in Europe-it is also where many adventures begin. Step outside the station and voilà, you’re on Station Street: the one where your wallet might panic but your eyes will thank you.

For a respite from all things mercantile, gaze at the stars from Urania Observatory, which has been open since 1907 and is proof that even bankers need to dream. Or head uphill to Lindenhof Square, once a Roman fort, now the perfect place to sit under lime trees and wonder where all your francs have gone...

When it comes to churches, Zurich doesn’t hold back. St. Peter's Church boasts Europe’s largest clock face-because punctuality is practically practically the country's second religion. The Church of Our Lady dazzles with stained glass by Marc Chagall and once housed noblewomen who probably judged your posture. Across the river stands the Great Minster, a twin-towered titan where Zwingli shook up the Swiss religious scene.

Art buffs, rejoice: the Art Museum of Zurich is bursting with masterpieces, from Giacometti’s spindly figures to heavy hitters like Van Gogh and Picasso. And when it’s time to dine, Kronenhalle restaurant is an edible art gallery where your schnitzel comes with a side of Miró.

End your stroll at Burkli Square by the lake, where boats bob, markets buzz, and Zurich breathes a little deeper.

So, slip on your comfy shoes, open up your mind (and maybe your wallet), and let Zurich surprise you-because this city is full of stories just waiting to be walked into.