The largest city in Switzerland and a leading global economic powerhouse, don’t let it’s façade as big business scare you off. With architecture dating from the 9th Century, Zurich is classically beautiful, but also has a hip, young and wealthy populace that supports a great club scene and bar culture. Here’s how to spend two days in style.
DAY 1
9 AM INDULGE IN SWISS CHOCOLATE FOR BREAKFAST
MIGROS, BAHNHOFSTRASSE 21, 8022 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Take breakfast at Confiserie Sprungli, which has been serving Zurich’s sweet-toothed citizens for 175 years. You can get healthy local specialty Bircher Musli (raw rolled oats) there, but why would you when you could start with a big slab of their famed chocolate cake? You might have to wait for a table, but it is worth it. And be sure to get some truffles to go.
10 AM BAHNHOFSTRASSE PROMENADE
8001 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Take a stroll along the popular outdoor Bahnhofstrasse promenade, which is where you’ll find all the fine watchmakers, designer boutiques and department stores (there’s a great food hall in the basement of Jemoli with a variety of well priced places to eat). A must-see pedestrian only walkway, it’s one of the best “main streets” in Europe and the third most expensive space for retail worldwide.
1 PM EXPLORE WEST ZURICH
8005 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
A former industrial area that’s been turned into an epicenter of design and what’s hip, start at the Viadukt, where a series of railway arches has been transformed into a farmer’s market, stores (here you’ll find local designer boutiques and no chains) and even a tango studio. Get lost for a while, exploring all the great little shops and galleries.
4 PM SPA-SATIONAL
BRANDSCHENKESTRASSE 150, 8002 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Spend a few blissful hours at the Thermalbad Spa, which harnesses a thermal spring to create various pools throughout a cavernous old brick brewery building. There’s a system of steam rooms, saunas, cold plunge pools, and hot soakers inside the brewery, and a large thermal pool on the roof, which affords incredible views over the city in one direction, and the Alps in the other.
8 PM DINNER AND DRINKS IN THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT
STAUFFACHERSTRASSE 60, 8004 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
The old red light district, named Langstrasse after the main road that runs through it, is still a little seedy in places, but over the years has morphed into one of the city’s most ethnically diverse and trendy neighborhoods. Start the evening’s festivities at the massively cool Volkshaus, a bar and concert venue housed in a heritage worker hall, for great traditional Swiss food with an upmarket spin (and booze) – but get there before 9 p.m. if you want a table. Café Casablanca (Langstrasse 62) is quieter but also very hip with a highly curated drink menu. Bars stay open late, and even after official closing hours, many lock the doors to keep the party.
DAY 2
10 AM THE KUNSTHAUS MUSEUM
HEIMPLATZ 1, 8001 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Dedicate the day to history and culture, starting with the Kunsthaus, one of Europe’s finest art museums. On entry, you’re faced with spectacular religious art from the Middle Ages, which is so amazingly well restored that it all looks freshly done, before walking through several halls of modern masterpieces (be sure to take advantage of the excellent audio tour available).
11 AM TOUR THE OLD CITY
GROSSMÜNSTERPLATZ, 8001 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Walk from there through the cobblestone streets of the old city, past courtyards with elaborate fountains and ancient doorways, to check out Grossmünster, a beautiful church dating back to the 12th century. Afterwards, cross the bridge to Fraümunster, the city’s oldest church, founded in the year 853, and home to a set of spectacular stained glass windows by artist Marc Chagall. As you’re walking through the old city look around and take it all in, because even the chain stores are housed in beautiful heritage buildings complete with frescos and gargoyles.
1 PM BRATS AND BEERS
THEATERSTRASSE 22, 8001 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Swing by the Sternen Grill for the best bratwurst in Zurich. Be sure to grab a little pot of mustard and a piece of fresh baked bread, and get a glass of beer – you’ll need it because the mustard is blow-the-roof-of-your-mouth-off hot, but so delicious. They have been serving their signature Gold Bürli (veal sausage with bread roll) since 1961.
2 PM LANDESMUSEUM ZÜRICH
MUSEUMSTRASSE 2, 8021 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Continue your cultural journey at the Landesmuseum Zürich, a cleverly curated national museum that presents William Tell, watches and banking in a way that isn’t remotely snooze-worthy, and tons of other stuff you probably didn’t know about Switzerland.
4 PM SWEET TREATS
NAPFGASSE 4, 8001 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Stop for a break at Conditorei Cafe Schober the oldest coffee and pastry shop in Zurich (dating back to 1834), which has the absolute best hot chocolate in the city, made even more perfect when you add a shot of amaretto.
7 PM DINNER AT HAUS HILTL
SIHLSTRASSE 28, 8001 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
After you’ve chilled out for a while, head downtown to Haus Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records, which has undergone a serious rebirth under the ownership of Rolf Hiltl, grandson of the original owners. Known for their buffet, over 100 hot and cold vegetarian and vegan specialties from cuisines around the world are available to tempt you. The dining room is gorgeous, the food decadent and the place turns into a chic nightclub post-dinner rush.
WHERE TO STAY: DOLDER GRAND
KURHAUSSTRASSE 65 ZURICH, SWITZZERLAND 8032
For a truly decadent stay, the Dolder Grand is an elegant resort built in 1899 whose exterior resembles a castle on the outside, but morphs into a slick futuristic Bond Villain lair on the inside. One of the city's most prominent landmarks, it's five-star luxury at it's finest.
