What good to do in Zurich?

Where is the best place for two college students to go by train from Zurich round trip with price, affordable and good dining options, and a good experience in mind for the course of 4 nights?

• We are meeting up in Zurich. My friend is studying abroad in Paris. We'll be staying in Zurich for 4-5 days, then another 4-5 days in another city. I know that Zurich will be more on the expensive side, so cheaper suggestions would be appreciated.

• Answer:

  It all depends! Especially on the season and your personal interests. And of course on your budget. If you want to travel each day, a 4-day rail/boat/bus pass (http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/popup_preisoverview.php) is a good idea. My recommendation for a very special round trip is: train to Berne (walk around the old town, see the bears) - Thun - boat (if it's fine; otherwise train) to Interlaken (Backpackers Villa is good value) - day trip to Mürren (highest spot included in rail pass) or Grindelwald (view of Jungfrau, Eiger north face) and up to Kleine Scheidegg (costs extra) - train via Brienz (visit the open-air museum Ballenberg if you have a day free), Meiringen, cog-railway over the Brünig pass to Luzern (walk over the wooden bridge to the old town) and back to Zürich. You'll find good restaurants everywhere. I can't make any suggestions for night life.