Zurich Hotels

Take time to explore

There are few more pleasant ways to spend your holiday in Zurich than to meander around the Old Town. Stroll the cobbled streets lined with historic old buildings, fascinating shops and delightful cafés. Be sure to make time for a hot chocolate at the famous Café Sprüngli – it’s been serving up sweet treats since 1836.

For high art, head to the Kunsthaus, Zurich’s impressive fine arts gallery. You’ll find a collection of mostly European art including Old Masters as well as modern works by artists such as Giacometti, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. You can see more great art in the Rietberg Museum, which is set in a lovely park.

Inside the Fraumünster, Zurich’s 13th-century cathedral, take time to admire the stained-glass windows designed by Chagall. Just across the river from here is the Grossmünster, Zurich's twin-towered cathedral founded by Charlemagne in the 9th century. Inside you can see stained-glass work by Giacometti while from the southern tower you can enjoy fine views.

Wherever you stand in the city, it’s hard to miss the 13th-century tower of St Peterskirche. Its huge clock face, 8.7m in diameter, is the largest in Europe. While much of the church was rebuilt in the 18th century, the choir stalls date from the 13th century. A short stroll from here brings you to St Petershofstatt, an elegant cobbled square.

Breathe in the clean air

The Limmat River flows through the heart of Zurich and there are numerous places along its banks where you can sit and take in sights, perhaps over a coffee or a glass of glühwein. For a real sense of peace, take a boat trip on Lake Zurich. During the summer months the locals cool off in the refreshing waters of both the river and the lake and there are numerous public swimming baths along the lakeshore and riverbanks.

Get out of the city

It seems somehow wrong to come to Switzerland and not climb a mountain. Uetliberg Mountain towers over the rooftops of Zurich yet can be climbed in under two hours. Once you reach the summit you’re rewarded with great views. Alternatively, you can catch the train from Zurich station, which whisks you straight to the top.

Shopping heaven

The Bahnhofstrasse is known the world over for its luxury stores. In Niederdorf, in the Old Town, you’ll find smaller shops mixed with big fashion names. And if you’re after a souvenir of your trip to Switzerland, there are plenty of wonderful chocolate shops.