Zürich

St Peter’s Church is one of four main churches in the Old Town, alongside Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Predigerkirche. Inside, traces of earlier foundations can still be seen under the choir. The tower holds the largest clock face in Europe, measuring 8.7 metres across — it’s hard to miss when walking through the Old Town.

Lindenhof is a quiet hill and public square in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town, offering views over Grossmünster, Rathaus, and the Limmat River. Explore the square, play a game of giant chess, or just sit by the fountain and watch the city move below. The site has a long history, once home to a Roman and later Carolingian fortress, around which Zurich grew. Today, it’s a calm spot where locals and visitors alike stop for a break from the streets nearby.

Grossmünster is a Romanesque church with twin towers that stand out across Zurich’s skyline. It’s historically important as the place where Ulrich Zwingli started the Reformation. Visitors can climb one of the towers for a view over the Old Town and the Limmat River, and notice details, such as the modern stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti.

A visit to Zurich is not complete without a walk along the Bahnhofstrasse. It’s often listed among the priciest shopping streets in the world, something you’ll realise as soon as you see the window displays. Bahnhofstrasse runs from the main station down to the lake and is home to big international brands and Swiss department stores. Even though it is known for luxury labels, there are a few everyday shops mixed in as well. If you prefer smaller, independent places, the side streets and nearby Old Town have more variety.

Swiss chocolate is beyond comparison. In Zürich, you can try offerings from all the top brands and small artisanal confectionery manufacturers. Take a chocolate walking tour of the city and taste your way through the signature pralines and cakes, as well as the hot chocolate fondue. Real chocoholics attend workshops to learn about everything from cocoa cultivation to conching, tempering, and the artistry of the confectionery craft. You can learn to decorate your own pralines, too. For a one-stop all-inclusive tour, head to Lindt Home of Chocolate with its towering chocolate fountain, museum exhibits on production, as well as hands-on workshops with chocolatiers.

Fraumünster stands by the Limmat, marked by its tall green steeple that you can easily spot from across the river. The church has roots back to the 9th century, first built as part of a women’s abbey founded by Louis the German for his daughter. People mainly come to see the stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti, which bring colour and light into its fairly simple interior. It’s an easy stop while wandering Zurich's Old Town, especially if you’re crossing the bridges or exploring the nearby squares.

Zurich Zoo is one of the city’s most-visited family spots, with around 300 species, from elephants and penguins to smaller primates and reptiles. The Masoala Rainforest hall is a highlight, with tropical plants, birds flying overhead, and warm humid air that feels like stepping into another climate.

Zurich’s Opera House has been home to opera and ballet in the city since the late 1800s, and there’s usually something on, from big productions to smaller concerts. So, be sure to check the schedule if you’re thinking of going, as shows often sell out. There are guided tours too if you’re curious about what goes on behind the curtain, and the square outside is a good place to sit for a moment with an ice cream or coffee after a walk by the lake.

About an hour’s drive from Zurich, the Kaltbach Cave is a natural sandstone tunnel system formed millions of years ago. Here, cheese wheels mature in cool, humid air deep underground. Rows of Gruyère, Emmentaler, and other wheels age slowly in the dark, picking up a strong flavour and that thick, dark rind the cave is known for. Guides explain the process, and there’s usually a tasting at the end. Tours need to be booked in advance and are mainly for groups, so planning ahead is essential.

Football fans will appreciate this modern museum dedicated to the history of the world’s game. Spread across several floors, it features memorabilia from World Cups, interactive exhibits, and plenty of chances to test your skills in the 'Lab'. The museum shop is full of fun trinkets, and the Sportsbar 1904 has live games on big screens and refreshing drinks.

Once a district of factories and shipyards, Zürich-West has evolved into the city’s creative playground. The old industrial bones are still here—big brick buildings, railway arches, steel beams—but they now house design studios, galleries, indie boutiques, start-ups, and some of the city’s most interesting bars and restaurants. It has a raw, slightly gritty feel compared to the polished city centre, which is exactly why people love it. Wander through Im Viadukt, where shops and market halls curve along the railway arches, or grab food and a drink in Frau Gerolds Garten, a colourful mix of urban garden, casual dining, and social hang-out. The Freitag tower, built from stacked shipping containers, sits in the heart of the neighbourhood. Climb up for views and browse their recycled-material bags on the way.