Swiss Bliss: Zurich, Switzerland

Arts & culture

Zurich's preeminent cultural institution is the Kunsthaus Zurich. It is a stunning modern art museum spread across an original 1910 Neo-Grec building and a blazingly contemporary David Chipperfield-designed building that opened in 2020. Inside you'll find a wide range of modern works from across the world rendered in every medium as well as at least one or two very well-executed exhibitions at any given time. If you're staying at the Dolder Grand Zurich, the concierge can arrange complimentary tickets for you during your stay.

Architecture lovers will also want to stop by the iconic Pavilion Le Corbusier a bit further south on the shores of the lake.

After getting your fill of modernity, the Landesmuseum Zurich is the perfect 101 course on the history of Switzerland starting from prehistoric times. Located right next to the Hauptbanhof (or main train station) it's easily reachable from anywhere in the city.

Shopping & treats

Zurich isn't necessarily the first place that comes to mind when you think of the world's great shopping cities. But it has a unique offering of local Zurich brands and Swiss-made homewares and tools that makes it much more appealing than you might think.

Looking to outfit your kitchen with a precisely engineered coffee machine, cold-cut slicer or travel knife sharpener (if you didn't know you needed one of these, you still don't but it's tempting)? Stop by kitchenware merchant Sibler right off the main square, Munsterhof.

Homeware and crafting shop FABRIKAT, with locations in the Langstrasse and Rathaus neighborhoods, well serves those searching for a different sort of Swiss character. You can pickup everything from a finely crafted pen to a handcrafted manual coffee grinder. It's also worth stopping by Limited Stock while you're in the neighborhood to check out some very nice glassware and vases.

No visit to Switzerland would be complete without chocolate, and Zurich doesn't disappoint. For the ultimate chocolate shopping experience, the main Laderach store on Bahnhofstrasse is the creme de la creme. Spread across multiple floors of a building right across the street from the main train station, the superb staff will guide you through an endless array of exquisite chocolate creations. For a more involved and educational experience, truly passionate cacao fans can visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate, a short drive or bus ride down the lake from Zurich. Here you can tour the factory and learn about the rich history of Swiss chocolate manufacturing.

Nature & relaxation

Zurich isn't just a city, but it's a launchpad for the pristine nature that Switzerland is famous for. From a forest hike through the Adlisberg to a ski trip to Andermatt or Stoos, there are a variety of outdoor activities to take advantage of on a trip to Zurich.

After a long day hiking or skiing, a trip to the spa is in the books. Zurich's best spa is at the overall outstanding Dolder Grand. With every treatment imaginable and a gorgeous pre-treatment facility with indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a pool, steam rooms, saunas and even an indoor recreation of an ice cave (yes, really!), this is the place to go to get pampered in Zurich.

If you're on more of a budget, or just prefer a more simple offering, the Hurlimannbad & Spa offers thermal baths and a limited menu of massages and body treatments at a surprisingly modern facility right on the Sihl river in the beautiful Enge neighborhood.

Breakfast

The Dolder Grand Zurich isn't just a luxe hotel and spa, but it also has some of the best food in Zurich. This includes their breakfast buffet and table service. You'll find traditional Continental breakfast options and juices as well as a wide range of egg preparations, exotic fruits and some funkier seafood offerings.

Babu is a relatively affordable and classic option for breakfast classics and coffee if you're looking for a traditional cafe vibe. It's also right around the corner from the Botanical Garden if you need to stretch your legs after that second croissant.

Lunch

Rooftop is, surprise, on the rooftop of a department store in downtown Zurich. The Asian fusion menu feels right at home with views over the surrounding office buildings of this metropolitan and international city. There's even a wraparound terrace for when the weather is nice.

For a local staple serving up Swiss comfort foods from lunch until the early morning, try Alexi's Restaurant in Rathaus. You'll find schnitzel, raclette and fondue that will make you wish these were the foods you grew up on.

Dinner

Swiss Chuchi Restaurant keeps the Swiss nostalgia going, but in a more grown-up and elegant dining room in a historic building. It's also only a block off the Limmat river, which is perfect for a pre- or post- dinner promenade.

If Chuchi isn't close enough to the water for you, Schipfe 16 might be just the thing. Located in a boat house nearly level with the Limmat. It has a terrace right on the water. This restaurant feels incredibly connected to this key vein of Zurich's geography. The food is simple but well-executed and tasty. An added plus is that it's owned by the city of Zurich as part of a workforce revitalization program that helps people learn skills and get back into the job market. You can ponder ways your own hometown could practice this sense of community while eating a fresh fish filet from the Zurichsee.