Zurich
Zurich blends the urban and rural perfectly. Take flights to Zurich for riverfront shops, hearty Swiss food and Alpine views.
Things to do
Nothing epitomises a holiday in Zurich like the first glimpse of the Alps rising above glittering Lake Zurich. Join locals on the tree-fringed banks in summer for an invigorating swim or a photogenic lake cruise.
Shopping
Travel to Zurich’s medieval times wandering along Schipfe promenade. Overlooking the turquoise Limmat River, Zurich’s one-time boatbuilding quarter is packed with little artisans' workshops, antique shops and boutiques. Pause for coffee and river views between purchases.
Restaurants
Convivial wood-panelled taverns and clamorous beer halls fill the lanes fanning out from Zurich’s Paradeplatz. Pull up a chair under the beams for Swiss fare like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, veal in creamy mushroom sauce served with Rösti potatoes.
Nightlife
Niederdorf's tangle of lantern-lit backstreets comes alive after dark. Laid-back lounge bars nestle against chandelier-strung Art Nouveau cafés once frequented by the likes of Lenin and James Joyce. Take flights to Zurich in summer for alfresco cocktails on the cobbles.
When to go
KLM has frequent flights to Zurich. Time your Zurich city break to catch pre-Lenten merrymaking at Fasnacht in February. Open-air concerts, fairground rides and fireworks draw crowds to the mammoth Zuri Fäscht in July.
