Zürich, sure, is the Swiss financial capital, but long ago Switzerland’s largest metropolis shook off that mono-reputation. Zürich is a lively city that entices visitors with endless offerings.

While the city centre is compact and walkable, the beloved sky-blue-and-white trams will deliver you anywhere on time and in style. Bike hire stations throughout the city and e-bikes make cycling another easy option. You can say Zürich is a winner (a reference you can also make after a visit to the fabulous FIFA museum in town).

Life Along the Limmat

Nothing is more Zürich than Limmat-schwimmen or Limmat Swimming in summer. Join locals for a quick dip or just a refreshing Gsprützte Wisse at a badi (public pool) that runs riverside. (Zürchers are natty dressers but they always carry swimsuits in their briefcases or Freitag backpacks.)

In so many other ways, Zürich is a water city: the city’s famously clean drinking water can be sourced from the gorgeous fountains around town. You can even take a city water-themed tour.

Come fall, exchange the river swim for a riverside walk with snack stopping at stalls along the Limmat selling roasted chestnuts (marroni). Afterwards, people watch and enjoy pastries and spectacular views at local favourite Café Wuhre on Limmat’s west bank.

Lucy Light and Christmas Markets

Zürich is perhaps at its most magical in winter. Set your Swiss watch to November 21st at 6 p.m. That’s when the municipality turns on its enchanting “Lucy” holiday lights that illuminate a 1,050-metre stretch of the main shopping street Bahnhofstrasse. It’s simply breathtaking!

Explore an endless array of gift ideas at one of Zürich’s many Christmas markets. There’s really a market for every taste, whether design-forward such as Wienachtsdorf selling unusual and hard-to-find trinkets, or traditional ones, like the Werdmühleplatz, which even has a Singing Christmas Tree.