Zurich trip

A sociable way of dining, traditional Swiss raclette involves heating cheese over the fire (or a special machine on the table these days) and serving it with side dishes. You’ll find it in restaurants across the city during your holiday to Zurich. The Raclette Factory is a popular spot, or head into the hills above Zurich to the quaint restaurant Chasalp.

Seeing the city from up high is a must during a short break to Zurich. Prime Tower is Zurich’s tallest building, and Clouds restaurant on the 35th floor is a great spot for dinner and views. For an alternative look at Zurich, head up Uetliberg Mountain. Hike to the top from the city centre in under two hours to be rewarded with incredible views of Zurich and beyond.

Zurich’s fun side is visible in its unusual modern art installations. It’s also home to the Kunsthaus, the largest art museum in Switzerland, as well as enough specialty museums and galleries to satisfy every taste. For an art-themed holiday to Zurich, visit during the free Zurich Art Weekend in June every year, and go on a guided art tour of the city.

A neighbourhood enveloped by centuries of history, Altstadt has wonderfully preserved buildings and narrow, winding lanes. This is the heart of the city and it’s one of the best areas to stay in Zurich. As well as the iconic Grossmunster church, there are quaint boutiques and cafes lining Niederdorfstrasse. Taste Swiss delicacies in the traditional restaurants that dot the area.

Good for: History, sightseeing, central location, restaurants

To the west of the city centre, Aussersihl is the best neighbourhood to stay in Zurich for a taste of local multicultural life. Find eclectic boutiques, thrift shops, international food markets and nightlife here. Visit the bustling Helvetiaplatz Market on Tuesdays and Fridays for fresh produce. Try a Swiss sausage from a food stand while you’re there – it’s a local speciality.

Good for: Shopping, restaurants, nightlife

The best neighbourhood to stay in Zurich if you want a blend of nature and city life, Riesbach is right on the bank of Lake Zurich. The impressive waterside promenade and lively shops and restaurants along Seefeldstrasse are must-visits here. The botanical garden and China Garden are tranquil spots to spend time, and Zurich’s opera house is on the edge of the neighbourhood too.

Good for: Nature, shopping, restaurants, lake

Add Zurich Zoo to your wish list of things to do with family in Zurich, as well as the Swiss Science Center Technorama, where the kids can interact with science hands-on. A bus tour is a fun family activity too. Or catch the number 6 tram to see popular landmarks, then take little football fans to the FIFA Museum.

As a city that is both compact and classy, Zurich is a shopper's paradise. For luxury shopping in Zurich, head to Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world. Housed in railway arches, Viadukt offers an array of vintage, designer and artisanal products. The Freitag Tower is an eco-friendly bag store made entirely out of recycled shipping containers.

Zurich is home to several world-class museums, including Switzerland’s National Museum, Landemuseum Zurich, which houses a vast collection of artefacts representing the cultural history of Switzerland. Other museums in Zurich include the Swiss National Museum and Museum Haus Konstruktiv, a modern art museum inside a former power station.

Zurich is known for its diversity of nightlife venues, including intimate jazz bars and high-energy nightclubs. For the best bars in Zurich, the Langstrasse neighbourhood is a must-visit – head to Bar 63 for its legendary punch. The Old Town has some great live music venues, while Moods is a favourite haunt for jazz, blues and funk.

Zurich is an interesting blend of Swiss heritage and colourful internationalism – an impression that comes to life in its food. One of the best restaurants in Zurich is Kronenhalle, where the walls are adorned with artworks by the likes of Chagall and Miro. Lesser-known dining gems include Restaurant Barengasse, for Argentinian and modern Swiss dishes, and Blindekuh, where you’ll dine in the dark.

Start at the Limmat River for free things to do in Zurich. Wander alongside it to see changing vistas of the city. Stop by Fraumunster church for stained-glass windows by Chagall. More art awaits at Zurich Police Station. Yes, really! The entrance hall is decorated with murals by Augusto Giacometti, and they’re free to visit. You’ll just need to show some ID to enter.