Zürich

Zürich-what a city to call home. Switzerland is truly one of the most beautiful countries to live in and Zürich has no shortage of local sights to soak in. Switzerland’s largest city offers so much beyond the stereotypes and is not the sleepy, stuffy, Type-A city it once was. The city has changed massively in the last ten years since living here and offers much more in terms of culture, restaurants, retail and nightlife than it once did!

Zürch is the perfect stop on a wider European trip as Switzerland borders Austria, France, German, Liechtenstein and Italy- you can reach most major European cities via train, car, or plane in a short period of time.

For some, the Swiss sticker shock may still take some time to get over but if you come from a larger, international city you can rest assured you won`t fall off your chair when the bill comes.

While Zürich is a great addition to a trip, any time of year, we love it best in the summer and autumn. Of course, skiers will argue that December-March is the best time to pair a city trip with a weekend in the Alps. However, the city can come across as grey and gloomy in the winter months so if you want to get the most out of your Züri experience, plan to come June- late September. The city really brings on a whole different vibe come Summer. Lakefront BBQs, busy cafes, outdoor festivals, and lunch-break swims at the local Badi’s seem to be the norm throughout the city.

Zurich Airport is a breeze compared to most- it is clean, efficient and well, just Swiss. The airport is located only 10km from the city-center and Zürich HB (the main train station)which can easily be reached within 10-15 minutes with trains running every 5-10 minutes. Buy a train ticket at the airport at one of the many SBB ticket stands above the escalators or download the SBB App while you are here to buy the tickets via your mobile. Zurich also has Uber and Taxi`s if you prefer to transfer to the city via car. Depending on weekday traffic, this will likely take around 15-25 minutes.

While in Zürich, attempt to speak a little German or Swiss German if you know it!! It will go a long way with the Swiss (especially if you are outside the city in the germanic speaking part) however, you can easily get by with English in the city as it is so international.

EAT

Zurich offers some great dining options- it may not be London or Paris but it does offer an international dining experience in addition to the local Swiss staples. While here, be sure not to miss trying some of the traditional dishes Älplermagronen, Nüsslisalat, Cordon Bleu, Rösti, Raclette and of course, the beloved cheese Fondue.

We have featured some of our favorite spots herein but have pinned several others in the map directly so check out whats nearby based on your own travel plans!

Adlisberg Traditional Swiss restaurant outside the city-center serving local and classic, seasonal dishes. Expect a warm, cozy and authentic experience.

Bauernschanke This lovely modern Swiss restuarant in Old town does not disappoint! They feature seasonal specialities and some modern takes on the Swiss classics. If its on the menu, be sure to try the Parmesean Milk rolls!

Co Chin Chin Trendy vietmanese spot in the red light district. Best paired with a pre/post dinner drink at Kasheme.

Degenried Relaxed, cozy Swiss spot in the forrest above Zurich. We love combining this spot with a walk/hike on a sunny day!

Josef European dishes served in small plates and great cocktails. A go-to when we have out-of-town visitors for something a little different.

IGNIV Zurich This two-star Michelen Restuarant is nestled in Old Town and is the perfect spot for a special night out. Expect creative dishes to test your palet throughout the night. The food and service are excellent! We are still thinking about the dessert bar to cap off our night.

Grand'in Osteria Smaller Italian spot in Kreis 8 which consistently offers a great atmosphere, food, wine, and overall experience.

La Baracca- This hole in the wall restaurant specializes in delicious homeade italian dishes. The Tagliatelle Bologna Mon Amour never disappoints!

Lumiere Traditional French Bistro in the heart of the city. The Entrecôte Café de Paris is a must try that will melt in your mouth!

Miracle Pizza Located in Seefeld (Kreis 8), this neighborhood spot is a go-to for a casual Pizza dinner.

Kronenhalle This is a classic Zürich establishment dating back to 1924. Make a booking and enjoy traditional Swiss-French dishes while surrounded by the owners impressive art collection. At a minimum, go for a drink while visiting!

Restaurant Kindli Located right off the charming Rennweg street, this traditional spot exceeds expectations in mastering the classic Swiss dishes. Opt for a table outside in the summer and start with a Hugo Spritz. First timers in Zürich, try the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes.

Ornellaia High end Italian- owned by the Bindella family- this reputable spot specializes in Tuscan dishes and is the perfect spot for special evening out.

The Restuarant at the Dolder Grand. This two Michelin star experience is incredible with modern and creative dishes accompanied by an exquisite wine menu. Try to reserve a table near the window and admire the views over Zürich city and the lake.

Here are our go-to American style restuarants around the city:

Brisket The only reputable spot in the city when craving Texas style BBQ - great cocktails too!

Fork and Bottle Solid spot year-around but their patio is a crowd favorite. A hit for both brunch and lunch- we love to pair this spot with a walk around Allemend or Uetliberg. Known for their craft beers and Burgers. Our regular is the Southern Fried Chicken burger

The Bite- Looking for a no frills spot for a solid burger and fries- this is your place

Yardbird - For those nights when you crave a little Southern Fried Chicken and wings.

For vegetarians and vegans, be sure to try out local favorites Kle, Dar or Neuetaverne

Brunch favorites

Artisan Located near Wipkingen, this organic brunch spot is a delight in the warmer months with an inviting terrace and seasonal menu.

Bohemia A go-to for brunch in Seefeld - try the bagel florentine

Grain Local Sunday Brunch spot- were you can find craft beer, bloody marys and breakfast burritos - the start you need after a long night!

Milchbar Cute little Swiss cafe near Paradeplatz- great for a coffee or a longer linger and a bite.

Montmarte Un petit cafe- this little french spot is perfect for a coffee and crossaint to get your day started

The Storchen Upscale brunch in the city on the Limmat River. Expect a set menu which includes drinks and a bottle of Champagne (unfortunately it is not bottomless!)

Chocolate shops

Be sure to check out Confiserie Sprüngli or Läderach during one of your visits. At Sprüngli try a schoggi brioche and their Luxemburgerli’s (cream-filled pastry) and at Läderach, try their traditional FrischSchoggi (chocolate bricks)

DRINK

Bauschaenzli Casual and inviting beer garden in the heart of the city

Bar am Wasser Posh spot near the Limmat- great for cocktails & mocktails

Dante Trendy Gin bar near Langstrasse

Kasheme Good vibes bar and lounge in Kreis 5

Milchbar Our go-to coffee shop in Kreis 1

Monacle Boutique coffee and retail shop in Seefeld

The Nest Rooftop bar with amazing views over the city- they don`t take reservations so try to go during off peak hours

Raygrodski Bar Innovative cocktails in Kreis 3

Summer spots

Frau Gerolds Garten Located near the Im Viadukts, this urban garden/outdoor oasis is a great stop for a casual lunch and drink while exploring the various retail shops lining the Viadukts.

Gelati am see Don`t let the line sway your decision- this gelato is well worth the wait!

Rimini This spot doubles as a mens-only badi during the day and open bar at night. The perfect spot for a casual evening with friends. They take reservations for bigger groups

Fischers Fritz Enjoy beautiful views over lake Zürich while sipping Rosé. Book in advance.

Strozzi`s This Lakeside restuarant in Herrliberg is right on the water and offers great views for a lakeside dinner option.

Widder Garden Only open during optimal weather days (love that for them). Go for a salad and a spritz.

While visiting during the summer, be sure to check out one of the many Badi`s (natural swimming pools along the lake/rivers)

Badi Enge The place to be- Badi Enge is on the smaller side but offers arguably some of the best views of Lake Zürich and some of the best food options compared to other Badi`s.

Frauenbad Stadthausquai Right in the heart of the city, this womens only badi is a great spot to relax during the day and it becomes a unisex bar & lounge in the evening.

Badi Tiefenbrunnen This is a much larger Badi which provides space for volleyball/bocce/games, SuP rentals, etc. This is a family-friendly spot with kiddie amenities and large changing areas.

Badi Utoquai Great spot and great location- they have separate and coed sections available. Go to the roof-deck for great photos and views over the lake.

Letten This no frills hipster river side spot is a great place to day drink, soak up the sun and float down the river.

PLAY

The classic must-see stops include strolls through the Old town, “Niederdorf” (get lost in the cobble stone streets), Bahnofstrasse(main shopping street with the classic and upscale brands) and down the Limmat River. And of course no visit to Zurich would be complete without a Lakeside stroll-we recommend walking from Opernhaus down to Zürichorn. When walking through Old Town, be sure to walk up through Lindenholf to check out the locals playing chess and take in views of the charming Grossmünster church.

Zürich is very walkable but bike and scooter rentals are available throughout the city.

For a little culture check out Kunsthaus ( free on Wednesdays!) Museum Rietberg or the Swiss National Museum. Check out the websites in advance for any notable exhibits. While strolling the Old Town, be sure to check out the famous Grossmünster and Fraumünster medieval churches. While in the Grossmünster, you can climb the spiral staircase for a small donation to take in views over the Limmat River and Lake Zürich.

For a little electro party, head to Hardbrücke and check out Hive or Supermarkt. When in Langstrasse, check out Kauz, Zukunft or Longstreet Bar. Near the Opernhaus, head to Club Bellevue.

For a little relaxation, check out the Hürlimannbad Spa or go to the day-spa at the Dolder Grand Hotel.

Take in the views with a boat tour of Zürichsee. Most leave from Zürich Bürkliplatz

For some retail therapy, Banhofstrasse and Old Town will have your classic and upscale brands. If your looking for a more boutique experiene, wander through the Im Viadukts for a wider selection of European brands and wander through kreis 3, 4 & 8 for select boutiques.

The city`s most recent retail development is Europaallee next to Zürich HB. This area is full of restuarants, bars, pop-up as well as established retailers, boutique fitness studios and business. Well worth a visit if in the area.

Take a hike! On a clear day, head to the local mountain, Uetliberg which is surrounded by several hiking trails and the top offers amazing 360-degree views over Zürich. The top of Uetliberg can also be reached via train from Zurich HB.

STAY

Zurich is a small city and you really can`t go wrong. Try to stay central so you are in walking distance to most attractions. We would recommend Kreis 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8.

If you want a splash out stay, try the Baur au Lac or the Dolder Grand. The Dolder Grand is slightly outside of the city center but with public transport you can be downtown within 10 minutes.

Jungfrau

The Jungfrau region is a picture perfect, “postcard” destination. With views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, it is revered as one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland. We’ve lived in Switzerland for seven years and easily count it as one of our favorite corners of the country. Beautiful alpine meadows, waterfalls, charming chalets and iconic mountain views are waiting beyond every peak and turn.

If planning to travel in Switzerland for a few days via train, it is worth looking into the SBB Swiss pass for discounted rail tickets.

Jungfrau is a “must” stop on any Swiss holiday to connect with nature, enjoy stunning vistas of the Alps and the peaceful village life. Our favorite villages in the region include:

Grindewald Located at the foot of the Eiger North face, Grindewald offers a wide range of summer and winter activities. The village is best reached by car (2 hours) or train (2 hours 45 minutes).

Lauterbrunnen The village sits at the base of the Jungfrau valley and is surrounded by five other Swiss villages, the most notable being Wengen and Mürren. Lauterbrunnen can be reached by train and car. It is 20 minutes by train from Interlaken and 2 hours from Zurich HB. If you are traveling by car, check with your hotel or lodge on parking availability. Many offer free parking.

Mürren This quiet, car-free village offers stunning views of the Alps. We usually hike to the village but it is worth an overnight stay if it is your first time. The main street has shops with typical Swiss products and outdoor gear for local sports. From Mürren, visit the beautiful area of Allmendhubel which offers stunning views at 1907 meters. For those staying in Mürren or the other car-free village, Wengen, there is a paid parking garage next to the main stations.

Wengen Celebrated for is amazing views over the valley, Wengen offers more restaurant and nightlife options than Mürren. Stay here if traveling with a group of friends or family.

EAT & Drink

Air Time Café This is a quick(er) option for lunch in the Lauterbrunnen valley. A great spot for a sandwich and a cold beer or coffee to go.

Da Sina Pizzeria The perfect restaurant and pub combo when you have had enough cheese and chocolate. The pizzas are highly recommended and the service is friendly.

Hotel Eiger Restaurant We visited this spot after the Mountain View Trail hike for lunch. The terrace offers incredible views of the Eiger and a variety of options for meals.

Hotel Schonneg`s Restaurant 1903 This charming restaurant specializes in traditional Swiss cuisine. Try the delicious Flammkuchen!

Restaurant Baeren This spot serves up European dishes using local and regional products that vary by season. Weather permitting, try dining on the terrace to enjoy the beautiful views. En guete!

If you plan to hike and are looking to pack your lunch, there is a Coop grocery store in Wengen village near the train station. Or, checkout the local Chäs-Gruebi for cheese, wine and other regional products.


PLAY

Cable Cars An alternative to skiing, take advantage of the many trains and cable cars that feature views of the region’s highlights, including Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch and Grindewald First.

Day Hikes In late-spring through autumn, enjoy 500 kilometers of marked hiking trails with amazing views of the Alps. Check the Jungfrau region website before starting your journey, as trails may be closed in shoulder season due to snow and weather conditions. We are enclosing a few of our favorite hikes below:

Bachalpsee This circular trail begins at Grindewald-First and goes to Balalpsee and back. Round trip it takes about 1hr 45 minutes and covers 5.8km. Enjoy the alpine meadows and beautiful views of the mountain lake with the reflection of the Alps.

Mountain View Trail Looking for a hike with iconic mountain views? Look no further. This hike lies high above Lauterbrunnen valley, goes through alpine meadows and ends in Allmendhubel/Mürren. To start, take the gondola from Lauterbrunnen to Grützschalp. Follow the yellow-marked hiking signs to Allmendhubel (they will also say Mountain View Trail). Tickets for the Grützschalp gondola can be purchased via the SBB app or at the ticket counter in the Lauterbrunnen train station. One-way covers 5.1km in about 2 hrs, and is medium grade.

Panoramic Trail (Panoramaweg) This hiking trail goes from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidigg. You can, however, start your journey from Wengen by taking the cable car from Wengen to Männlichen. You can also hike this portion but it is a steep climb and will add 2-3 hours. One way, the trail is 4.5km and doable in 1.25 hrs. It is easy grade.

Jungfrau Marathon trail (partial) Looking for a longer, more challenging hike? Try the hike from Wengen —> Wengeralp —> Kleine Scheidegg through the Jungfrau Marathon trail. The length one way is 7km, taking roughly 2hr 45min, and medium grade.

Lauterbrunnen Valley There are two good options:

  • Staubbach Falls Close to the Lauterbrunnen train station, this waterfall is the third highest in Switzerland.

  • Trümmelbach Falls These famous falls comprise of 10 glacier waterfalls, that are accessible via underground lifts, tunnels, paths and platforms.

Winter Skiing Wengen’s Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen is the ideal starting point, boasting 110 kilometers of beginner, medium and difficulty pistes. This area allows access to the neighboring resorts of Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn. For non-skiers and boarders, it also offers toboggan runs, sledging (Swiss sledding) and 50 kilometers of winter hiking trails.

Summer Sports If planning a visit in warmer weather, do not miss the opportunity to go canyoning, paragliding, river rafting, sky-diving and zip-lining.

STAY

We recommend staying in Wengen for ease of access around the region. For a relaxing stay near the train station, we recommend Hotel Wengenerhof. While the interior is a bit dated interior (typical in Switzerland), the hotel is reasonably priced for the region. Opt for a mountain view room for amazing views of the valley. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

Another good option is Hotel Schönegg (recommended by a friend).

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Lauterbrunnen Valley /Wengen