Why New Yorkers in Zurich aren’t getting what the New York Times promises them The UN is bankrupt and has to close its headquarters in Geneva – because the US isn’t paying either

In the past, when traveling for the sake of traveling was only possible for the absolute upper class, lovingly compiled travel guides were written. The author is currently browsing through “Baedeker’s Egypt” from 1897 and enjoying the detailed maps, descriptions and background information on the country, its people, sights and history (she should be working!).

Nowadays, however, we, people of the Western Hemisphere, race through the world as a matter of course. And instead of dedicating weeks or even months to a country and its culture, we have exactly 36 hours for destinations. (36 hours? More on that in a moment.) To make sure we don’t miss anything valuable in this limited time, travel blogs and Tripadvisor tell us the “must sees” in virtually every corner of the world.

The city of Zurich is also one of those places that is often touted as a travel destination. And starting today, Zurich will be New Yorkers’ favorite short-trip destination. The quasi-community newspaper of the New York metropolitan area, “The New York Times”, has dedicated itself to the city of Zurich as a travel destination and has created a 36-hour must-do list. (Exactly, this is where the 36 hours come from.)

But New Yorkers aren’t getting what the New York Times promises them.

The horizon

If you were to ask the people of Zurich to paint a skyline of the historic old town, most drawings would probably show four church towers: two towers of the Grossmünster, one of the Fraumünster and one of St. Peter.

The “New York Times” Zurich teases something similar in its cover photo. The Münster Bridge, the Fraumünster and a kitschy sunset should attract American city dwellers to the largest city in Switzerland:

Quite beautiful, this Zurich, as presented in the NYT!

The only problem is that if you want to visit this beautifully staged setting, the New York Times doesn’t tell you where to go. According to the text, during the 36-hour Zurich must-see trip you should see the following (descriptions from the NYT):

This list is certainly not bad. But there is a clear gap between text and image. There is no church here for a kitschy sunset.

Admittedly, the Kunsthaus certainly belongs on this list. And a Freitag bag also looks great on hip New Yorkers. (Also: a little shopping is necessary.)

But the list seems to suggest a 36 hour trip to New York without even looking at the Statue of Liberty or Central Park! It’s like going to Paris for a short trip that shouldn’t be missed and avoiding the Eiffel Tower. It’s like spending 36 hours in Cairo without seeing the pyramids (hello “Baedeker’s Egypt” on the desk next to me). It’s like looking at Basel without – yes, what exactly?*

Now what about that church in the teaser image?

So what about this New York Times cover photo? Dear New Yorkers, in the photo you see one of Zurich’s biggest tourist attractions: the Fraumünster.

What awaits you there? Spectacular Chagall windows (Note for the “New York Times”: The Chagall windows should not be missing from a list on which the Blüemlihalle is a “must see”) as well as a cloister with a fantastic story about a glowing deer. And also in Fraumünster you can find Onophrios, the hairiest saint since saints existed. (It’s really an eye-catcher!)

If we are going to visit the Fraumünster and admire strange saints, we can also make a short trip to the Grossmünster: Felix, Regula and Exuperantius are the main attractions and have stoically held their heads in front of them for centuries. In the crypt, Charlemagne amazes with his physical features.

And since we also traveled to Zurich because of the teaser photo from the New York Times, it is also worth climbing the Grossmünster tower, from where you have a fantastic view of the Fraumünster and the entire old town.

Please continue.

Decadent Birchermuesli? Decadence is different in Zurich!

What struck us, besides the missing Fraumünster, was the description of the “Key Stop” Sprüngli:

Zurich residents are used to their city appearing in the media as expensive and decadent. To the chagrin of many people in Zurich, this cannot be denied.

But if Zurich is decadent, then we don’t want to recommend Birchermüesli (or Big Mac) to New Yorkers, but the Fischli-Weiss-Haus.

This work of art with the simple name ‘House’ by the artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss has a very special connection with New York, as it was exhibited there for the first time in 2016 (only on the sidelines and to quench the homesickness of our guests from the abroad).

The ‘house’ is a meticulous replica of an inconspicuous commercial building on a scale of 1:5. It is worth around 2 million Swiss francs and is located around Zurich, between the circuit and the indoor stadium. No security, no fence. Everyone can touch it and experience what 2 million feels like in a small space. Subtle decadence à la Zurich.

We can also recommend Birchermüesli from Migros.

* No, dear people of Basel, you have a beautiful city, the highest skyscrapers in Switzerland, the Rhyfisch invented and a carnival that is even a cultural world heritage! And honestly, if I want to see a Tinguely sculpture, I don’t go to Zurich to see “Eureka”, I go to Basel! I love you and your city more than this stupid joke suggests!