One of the Happiest Cities in the World

Zurich is the heartbeat of Switzerland, a highly walkable city with a fantastic transportation system. Gloriously set at the confluence of a river and lake and embraced by mountains, Züri, as the locals affectionately call the country’s largest city, is as culturally vibrant as it is efficiently run.

World-class museums and the Old Town’s historic buildings link one to the past, while avant-garde architecture and a casual-meets-cool restaurant and bar scene make it one of Central Europe’s hippest destinations.

With so much to see and do in Zurich, the big question for visitors (and locals) can be “Where to start?” Regardless of your interests, there are some “musts”. Set on the right bank of the Limmat River and part of Zürich’s Old Town, Niederdorf has a vibrant coffee and cultural scene—it’s where a group of artists, writers, and thinkers hung out at Cabaret Voltaire during WWI and dreamt up Dada, the now-celebrated anarchical literary and artistic movement.

The world-famous shopping street Bahnhofstrasse is the vibrant heart of the city with a fascinating history. Zurich’s oldest public green space, Lindenhof is an urban oasis with amazing views of the Old Town, Lake Zurich, the Limmat, and the mountains. And, of course, there is stunning Lake Zurich itself, with its endless hiking, boating, and swimming activities, as well as its surrounding picturesque parks, beaches, and promenades.

The architecture in Zurich, both old and new, is an endless source of inspiration. History lovers will marvel at Grossmünster Church (c1220), Fraumünster Church (c1250) and St. Peterskirche Church (c1000).

Contemporary gems, meanwhile, include architect Santiago Calatrava’s Law Library with its remarkable interior of ovals; Bétrix & Consolascio’s playful and distinctive Leutschentower, which combines randomness amid structured conformity; and Theo Hotz’s Sihlcity, a deluxe cultural and lifestyle complex set on the former site of a paper mill near the Sihl River, and home to our hotel.

The nightlife scene in Zurich rivals those found in capitals across Europe. Be sure to see the city lights with a cocktail in hand on a night cruise departing from Bürkliplatz. For high art, experience the gold-gilded chandeliers, plush red seats, and neo-baroque architecture of the Zurich Opera House. And for an evening you won’t forget, head to the dive bars, eclectic restaurants, and underground techno clubs on Langstrasse (long street).

For high art, experience the gold-gilded chandeliers, plush red seats, and neo-baroque architecture of the Zurich Opera House. And for an evening you won’t forget, head to the dive bars, eclectic restaurants, and underground techno clubs on Langstrasse (long street).