Zurich is expensive, orderly, and beautiful in a way that rewards slowing down rather than rushing between sights, a medieval old town on a glacial lake, trams that run to the minute, and a financial district that funds an outsized number of excellent museums and restaurants for a city this size.
The Old Town and the Lake
Niederdorf, the old town's narrow lanes on the east bank of the Limmat, is best explored on foot with no particular destination, guild houses, small squares, and the twin towers of the Grossmünster where Zwingli launched the Swiss Reformation. Climb the tower for the best rooftop view over the old town and lake.
Lake Zurich itself is swimmable in summer, with free public bathing spots (Badis) along both shores, the Seebad Enge is the most central and has a small restaurant on stilts over the water.
Day Trips Into the Alps
The Glacier Express and the Bernina Express both depart from Zurich and are among the most scenic train journeys in the world, though a shorter day trip to Lucerne or up Mount Rigi gives a taste of the Alps without the full-day commitment. Rigi's viewing platform looks across a ring of lakes and peaks that includes, on a clear day, a dozen named summits.
Uetliberg, Zurich's own 'mountain,' is a twenty-minute train ride from the centre and gives a full panorama of the city, lake, and distant Alps for the price of a regular transit ticket, no cable car, no crowds.
Recommended Stay · Zurich · Old Town
Widder Hotel
Nine converted medieval townhouses joined into one hotel in the heart of Niederdorf, blending original stone walls with contemporary interiors just steps from the lake.
