Most of Zurich's sights lie within the compact area on either side of the River Limmat, between the Hauptbahnhof and Lake Zurich. The churches and burgher houses of the Old Town are clustered here, as are the elegant shops along Bahnhofstrasse. The baroque Rathaus (Town Hall), Zurich's most impressive churches - the Grossmünster, Fraumünster - and the city's oldest, St Peterskirche (its clock face is the largest in Europe), all lie within a short distance of the River Limmat, near the point at which it opens onto the lake.

Zürich Tourismus
Bahnhofbrücke 1 (in the Hauptbahnhof)
Tel: (044) 215 4000.
Website: www.zuerich.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0800-2030, Sun 0830-1830 (May-Oct); Mon-Sat 0830-1900, Sun 0900-1830 (Nov-Apr).

The ZürichCARD (available for 24 or 72 hours) allows unlimited travel within the Zurich canton, free admission to over 40 museums, reduced admission to the zoo, complimentary welcome drink at over 20 restaurants and a half-price guided stroll in the Old Town. You can buy the cards at the train stations, many hotels and some of the main VBZ ticket offices around town (including Central, Paradeplatz and Bellevue).