A weekend In Zürich: 10 things to do in this quaint European city

If there’s one boutique hotel we highly recommend staying at when in town it’s the newly renovated Hotel Ameron Zürich Bellerive Au Lac. Idyllically located at the banks of the lake with a sweeping view over the water, this illustrious hotel just received a facelift that’s a sight to behold. The hotel has a compelling history, lots of heritage that is felt throughout the suites and restaurant, while also being fresh and modern.

The historic building with its buttercream façade was built in 1928 (operating as a hotel since 1932) and constructed in an Art Deco style. That specific style has now been revived with bold colours through the renovation. The interior of the in-house restaurant, which is worth checking out for dinner as well, is a nod to the city’s very own classic film studio. Just around the corner from the Opera House and the ever-busy Sechselautenplatz, Hotel Bellerive au Lac’s prime location also makes it easy to get around the city.

Utoquai 47, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland

If you’re looking for a decent coffee – flat white, matcha or any of the sorts – then The Monocle Shop & Café is a good bet. Truth be told, there are many decent coffee places dotted around the city. But this one also houses a small concept store including many international fashion and design magazines to browse through while the caffeine kickstarts your day.

Monocle, Dufourstrasse 90, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland

Other than that, no trip to Switzerland would be complete without eating your weight in cheese. The best place to do this: Welschland which specializes in produce – from cheeses to saucissons, fresh bread and drinks – from Romandie, the French-speaking region to the West of Switzerland. If you have the chance also try the fondue with the shop’s signature blend of three Gruyère and eight Vacherin cheese varieties.

Welschland, Zweierstrasse 56, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland

And if you’re a chocolate aficionado, hop on a short train ride and visit Lindt Home of Chocolate. As you might know, Swiss chocolate brand Lindt has the most exquisite fine chocolate in many flavours. Here you’ll not only find plenty of sweets to indulge in but also the world's largest chocolate fountain. Then, of course, if you’re around during holiday season it will be impossible to miss the many Christmas markets (in Niederdorf, Wienachtsdorf, Werdmühleplatz, and Christkindlimarkt) where you’ll be able to try out any type of local snack. Have a glühwein or two, and marvel at all the lights and fireworks which are a real spectacle here.

Lindt Home of Chocolate, Museum in Kilchberg, Zürich, Switzerland

With a focus on Swiss art, the country’s largest art museum has a collection spanning from the medieval era to the present, while the extension houses (part of the impressive monumental building of Kunsthaus Zürich) contemporary exhibitions showcasing artists such as Niki de Saint Phalle and Sylvie Fleury. O

OAther than that, the notable Hauser & Wirth is well represented in the Swiss capital as Zürich is where it all started for this visionary gallery with a worldwide scope. Founded in 1992, Hauser & Wirth is the brainchild of Swiss-born art dealers Iwan Wirth and his partner, Manuela Wirth, as well as Ursula Hauser, whose personal collection zooms in on female artists. Stop by the Publishers Headquarters and one or more of the three galleries heralded for its display of contemporary and cutting-edge artworks.

Kunsthaus Zürich, Heimpl. 1/5, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Hauser & Wirth Publishers Headquarters, Rämistrasse 5, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Zürich is a real foodie destination – even for vegans. There are many delightful culinary options, and the Swiss city also happens to be a standout for plant-forward fare. Fun fact: Haus Hiltl is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world and still a much-loved lunch and dinner place.

If you’re really looking to give your palate a pop of flavour, make sure to book Restaurant Neue Taverne. This tavern, which looks like a cosy stübe with wood-clad walls but in a contemporary fashion, holds one Michelin star. The menu offers creative gourmet dishes with vegetables taking centre stage. One of our favourite dishes: the egg yolk cream (disguised as caviar) served with blinis and a good glass of wine on the side. Speaking of, the wine region in Zürich and its surroundings is particularly well-known for its pinot noir and riesling-silvaner wines along with a white grape called ‘Rausling’.

Haus Hiltl, Sihlstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Neue Taverne, Glockengasse 8, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Zürich is one of those great walking cities. Apart from the revered Bahnhofstrasse, with designer boutiques lining the storied boulevard, there’s also an area referred to as ‘the Venice of Zürich’. A quiet and picturesque water-side path along the canal.

For more of a nature-focused hike head to Uetliberg with hiking, biking and toboggan trails that will guarantee some incredible views of the lake. Another fun option: walk down to Zürich West, a former industrial area which recently morphed into the city’s creative heart. Visit Im Viadukt’s Markthalle, shop at (quintessentially Swiss, known for its recycled bags) Freitag or Maiuki.

Markthalle IM VIADUKT, Viaduktstrasse, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

FREITAG Flagship Store, Geroldstrasse 17, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

Maiuki, Geroldstrasse 23, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

Getting a bit dozy from all that fresh air (Zürich sure has a high air quality) and a bit tired of walking? It’s probably spa time. This writer now has a favorite European spa and it’s called the Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich. Here you can bathe in hundred-year-old vaults and the premises are reminiscent of the brewery that it used to be. The thermal bath area was redesigned in 2022 and offers all the tranquility you could wish for. The real highlight: on the roof there’s an infinity outdoor pool that offers a spectacular panoramic view over Zürich. Interesting to note: the Roman-Irish spa ritual at Hürlimannbad & Spa is unique in Switzerland and combines ancient bathing cultures into a unique cleansing ritual.

Zürich Thermal Baths & Spa, Brandschenkestrasse 150, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland