A Guide to Zurich from Parking Luton Airport

Zurich may be best known for its thriving financial industry -- Swiss bank account, anyone? -- and spotlessly clean streets, but Switzerland's largest city has much more to offer visitors. From museums to theaters, scenic lake and river views to the European Union's largest annual street party, Zurich's many attractions can thrill even the most jaded traveler.

Zurich Opera House
	The Zürcher Opernhaus or Zurich Opera House is one of Europe's most prestigious. It first opened its doors in 1834 and was the center of legendary composer Richard Wagner's work. This neo-classic structure is home to busts of great European artists, including the authors Goethe and Shakespeare as well as musicians Weber and Mozart. Each year, the Opernhaus hosts the Zürcher Opernball, a world-class operatic event attended by multiple heads of state and influential movers and shakers.
Fluntern Cemetery
	For hilltop city views, take a stroll through Fluntern Cemetery and climb to to the top of Zúrichberg Hill. It's not as macabre as it sounds; this scenic graveyard is the final resting place of several famous authors, actors and artists. James Joyce -- the Irish literary master and pacifist -- fled to officially neutral Zurich during World War II, where he wrote his masterpiece "Ulysses." He's buried in Fluntern Cemetery, along with Bulgarian novelist and playwright Elias Canetti, German actress Therese Giehse and Swiss artist and illustrator Warja Honegger-Lavater.
Zurich Playhouse
	For a taste of Zurich culture, visit the Schauspielhaus Zürich or Zurich Playhouse. This massive theater complex operates four venues across the city, including the 750-seat Pfauen stage on Pfauen Square and the Schiffbau. Housed in a former factory, the Schiffbau has three stages -- the 80-seat Matchbox, the 200-seat Box and the 400-seat Halle -- as well as a restaurant, bar and jazz hall.
Fraumunster
	Dominating the city center, the Fraumunster Abbey has stood since 863 when it was constructed at the orders of Louis the German as a gift for his daughter. Once a center of religious and political power in the region, today the Fraumunster serves as a parish church and a tourist attraction. Most visitors come to see the five large stained glass windows created by Russian artist Marc Chagall in the 1970s. Each window is dominated by a story from Christian mythology and a specific color scheme, including "Christ," "Jacob," "Law," "Prophets" and "Zion."
Street Parade
	If you're lucky enough to be in Zurich during the second weekend in August, you won't want to miss the most popular event in the country -- the annual Street Parade. With almost 1 million visitors, this celebration of electronic music, diversity, tolerance, freedom and love takes over the city, especially along the coastline of Lake Zurich. If you're planning on joining the festivities, don't forget your craziest costume, lots of water and plenty of sunscreen.