Bahnhofstrasse: Built along what was once the Froschengraben (Frogs’ Moat), it leads from the Hauptbahnhof, (main train station,) to the shore of the lake. Home of world-renowned, prestigious boutiques Cartier, Bally, Gucci and the like. There are department stores, specialty shops, leather goods shops, and a wonderful selection of accessories, porcelain, jewelry and of course, Swiss watches.

Several banks line the streets, outdoor cafes, confectioners and some smaller boutiques. It is, perhaps, the most important business center in Switzerland and probably one of the most expensive streets for shopping in the world. This area is open only to pedestrians and trams.

Fraumunster church: The modernistic stained-glass windows of Marc Chagall are here. During the 13th Century, this church replaced a convent for noblewomen. It was founded in 853 by Ludwig the German, who appointed his daughter Hildegard as its first abbess. The church has been modernized. Augusto Giacometti also designed some of the stained-glass windows. Protestant Mass in German, Sunday at 10am. Open to public Mon-Sat 9am-12:30 pm; 2-6pm, Sunday after Mass until 4pm in winter, 6pm in summer. Guided tours available; Fraumunsterplatz, phone 261-5311 (German only).

Grossmunster Cathedral: Built between AD 1100 and AD 1250 on the site of a 9th- century church. With its unique dual towers, it is the city’s most famous landmark. Its oldest parts date back to the late 11th century, and there are sculptures dating back to the 12th century. First a canonic educational establishment, it became the first school for girls, (Wegmann) in 1853. Today, it houses the theological faculty of the University of Zurich. Stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm and after Sunday services, until 4pm. Free; Zwingliplatz & Munsterplatz, Old Town off the Niederdorstrasse; phone 261-5311.||

St. Peter Church: This is the oldest church in Zurich. The basement of its tower is Romanesque and the largest clock face in Europe, in working condition, was added in 1534.

Opera House: Famous the world over, the Opera House was built in 1890/91 by Viennese architects, Fellner and Helmer. The Neobaroque auditorium has 1100 seats and is completely preserved. The stage is modern and the acoustics are amazing. Operas, ballet and symphony concerts are regularly performed from the end of August through the beginning of July. A repertoire theater offers year-round exceptional programming. Falkenstrasse 1, phone 251 69 20.

Schauspielhaus: Zurich’s largest and most famous theater. During World War II, it was the only free German-speaking stage. Actors, writers and other artists have spent time here, including Peter Lorre, Therese Giehse and the writer, Bertolt Brecht. On Raemistrasse 34, phone 265 57 57.

Swiss National Museum: Art & culture of Switzerland; diversified, interesting, details history of Switzerland from prehistoric & Roman times thru the Confederation. The historical displays are worth at least a couple of hours. It is housed in a castle built in 1892. Of significance is a display of arms and armor, with Swiss-made weapons from medieval times, including impressive crossbows and swords. There is also a model of the Battle of Morat. Tu-Su 10am -5pm. Free. Museumstrasse 2; (behind the Hauptbahnhof), phone 218-6565.

Kunsthaus (Fine Arts Museum): Houses paintings, sculptures and graphic arts of mostly Swiss artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. It includes a Dada collection and Photography Foundation collection. Open Tu-Th 10am-9pm; Fri-Sun. 10am-5pm. Around Sfr 8 for adults; Sfr 4.50 for kids. On Heimplatz 1. Phone 251-6765.

Swiss Craft Center: Popular arts & crafts. M-W and Fr 9am-6:30pm; thurs 9am-8pm; sat 8:30 am-4pm. Free. Located at the Rudolf-Brun Brucke, phone 211-5720.

Belvoir Park The city’s largest, it contains spectacular floral displays and pleasant walks. Take Tram no.7 to Billoweg or walk from Bellevueplatz along the west side of the lake.