What I've Learned in Zurich: My Experiences

The New

Zurich is a revelation to me: a city by the lake with clear mountain water and views of snow-capped peaks – a backdrop that is truly unique worldwide. The calmness is particularly striking. In contrast to bustling Singapore, which pulsates around the clock, I experience moments of solitude in Zurich, whether on an evening stroll through deserted Old Town alleys or a morning swim in the mirror-smooth Lake Zurich. The connection to nature here is unique.

The Zurich lake and river "Badis" (public baths) are unique institutions. There's even a river bath that's exclusively for women during the day, and another just for men. Both transform into vibrant, peaceful open-air bars for everyone in the evening.

The Way of Life

Thanks to Zurich's internationality and the openness of its locals – many of whom travel extensively themselves and are therefore open to other cultures – I found it easy to settle in. However, the city's rhythm is different from that of Singapore, where street life truly awakens in the evening. Zurich residents tend to be early risers and wind down their evenings earlier. This might also be due to their pronounced sportiness and active lifestyles. People here cycle a lot, hike, swim, and are generally always active. It's not uncommon to meet 80-year-olds who appear to be physically fitter than younger people elsewhere. Moreover, ski resorts are only 45 minutes away, and hiking trails lead directly from the city into the forest. Everywhere you'll find vitaparcours: these are public training trails, usually in the forest, with various stations that include exercises for strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. They promote popular outdoor sports and support health.

The People

The people here actually remind me a bit of Swiss cheese. Once you break through their hard outer layer, you get to a soft core and make friends for life. Most of the people I've met here are very loyal and strike me as extremely well-balanced. This is certainly because they do so much outdoor sports. I have also become much more physically active and internally calmer since living here.

Inspiration

Zurich is a place where people from all over the world constantly come and go. The diverse influences they leave behind are evident throughout the city. This diversity has an invigorating effect on the food scene. Since my arrival in 2013, more and more Asian restaurants have opened, offering not only classics from Japan, China, or Thailand, but also more specialized cuisines from northern or southern Thailand and Singapore. As a true foodie who is constantly on the lookout for new restaurants and gastro trends, I find this extremely inspiring.

For Friends

The Lindenhof offers the most beautiful views over Zurich, the Grossmünster, and the Alps. What's less known is that beneath the park are the ruins of a Roman fort that you can descend into. You can obtain the key from the Stadthaus (town hall) by leaving an ID as a deposit. A must for first-time visitors is a hot chocolate at Sprüngli, the world-famous Zurich chocolatier located on Paradeplatz, the city's most exclusive square. It's best enjoyed with a piece of raspberry tart. At lunchtime, it's worth visiting Haus Hiltl, the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, which has been serving magnificent meatless dishes since 1898. Another highlight is renting an electric sauna boat on Lake Zurich. Up to six people can cool off in the lake water between sauna sessions. Dinner at Kronenhalle, open since 1924, is like a journey back in time. While seated under works by Chagall, Picasso, and others, waiters serve classics like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal Zurich-style) with rösti. In the Kronenhalle Bar, lights by Swiss designer Diego Giacometti illuminate the counter.

About

Originally from Singapore, Carrie Meier Ho has been living in Zurich since 2013. She is not only active as an influencer and content creator, but also runs the food and travel blog harrysding.ch and the Instagram and TikTok accounts @harrysding with her husband Harry. Previously, she worked in the gastronomy and hospitality industry in Singapore, where she managed marketing and communications. She has worked at a Four Seasons luxury hotel, and she has also lived in Australia and California.