I arrived in Zurich, Switzerland so freaking excited. Not only was this a new country for Pamcakes, but I was also being reunited with a dear friend I have known since elementary school, who was kind enough to let me stay with her while I was in Switzerland.

My friends met me at the airport and together we took the train into Zurich’s city center to drop my bags off and head out to explore.

As we strolled along the medieval streets of Zurich’s Old Town or Altstadt, I was quickly taken by the beauty of Switzerland.

We explored a cute park. The once home of a 4th century fort, Lindenhof offers spectacular views of the Old Town, Limmat River, and the Great Minster. Added bonus: a giant chess board, complete with giant chess pieces. Checkmate!

Before leaving Zurich to head to my Basel home base, we stopped for some quick pick me ups: delicious hot chocolate from Cafe Presse Club, located near Münsterhof Brunner, an amazing drinking water fountain and then a trip to Pumpstation for a beer overlooking Lake Zurich.

Link, Tips, and Locations:

Old Town: Altstadt Kreis 1, Accessible via tram Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 19.

Views and Giant Chess: Lindenhof Lindenhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Hot chocolate: Cafe Presse Club Münsterhof 15, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Beer Break: Pumpstation Zurich Utoquai 10, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland