11am

Through the charming Old Town

The celebrated Old Town district of Niederdorf is affectionately known by locals as the Dörfli – the “little village”. With its winding, car-free alleys, and many small boutiques, antiquarian bookshops and craft studios, it is a delight to explore both by day and in the evening. The Schober-Péclard boutique and confectionery, for example, is a listed building that stylishly combines the elements that make a trip to Zürich so special: history, architecture and shopping.
> zuerich.com/highlights

12 noon

Zürich’s top dish

When in Zürich, be sure to sample its most famous dish, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: sliced veal in a cream sauce, served with Rösti. A particularly tasty version is prepared at the traditional Zimmerleuten guildhall: eat either in the rustic Küfer parlour or in the magnificent guildhall itself.
> zuerich.com/gastronomy

1:30pm

The city seen from the water

The glittering reflections of the sunlight, the splashing of the water, the scent of the fresh air: a cruise on one of the Limmat boats is a treat for all the senses. The tour even takes in three stops on Lake Zürich, before you are brought straight to your next port of call: the Swiss National Museum.
> Lake Zürich Navigation Company

3:30pm

The history of Switzerland

More than 100 years old, the fairytale castle beside the main railway station is home to the Swiss National Museum, and a permanent exhibition called “History of Switzerland” – along with a host of other fascinating exhibits. The park behind the museum is one of the most beautiful in the city.
> zuerich.com/events

4:30pm

Summer on the lake

The people of Zürich are proud of their river lidos and lake lidos – and of the quality of the water, clean enough to drink. The lovely views often reach as far as the Alps, as from the raft at the Enge lake lido.
> zuerich.com/summer

5:30pm

City shopping at the viaduct

Zürich is celebrated for its shopping – from the luxurious Bahnhofstrasse to the charming Niederdorf. The latest attraction, however, are the arches of the railway viaduct in Zürich West. There are shops and stalls devoted to design, crafts and hip Zürich labels as well as fresh food straight from the farm. Around the corner, incidentally, is the Container Tower, the flagship store of Freitag, famous for its bags made of recycled truck tarpaulins.
> zuerich.com/goshopping

6:30pm

Drinks in a glass box

At around this time the pace picks up in the nightlife district of Zürich West. Revellers flock in, and in the golden light of evening the area reveals its innate post-industrial charm. A top spot to head for is the Nietturm Bar, housed in a glass cube above the Schiffbau, a former shipyard. The views in every direction from this stylish bar are superb.
> zuerich.com/bars

7pm

Post-industrial cuisine

And on to dinner: across the Turbinenplatz (“Turbine Square”) and into the former foundry. This is another industrial space recently spruced up – and transformed into the chic Gnüsserei, a restaurant and gourmet shop with a passion for detail. Towering structures from the old foundry form impressive sculptures, while light is used to fascinating effect.
> zuerich.com/gastronomy

8:30pm

In the rhythm of the night

The evening continues in the neighbouring Schiffbau, at Moods – Zürich’s top venue for jazz, funk and avant-garde music. Its programme regularly features famous names – but also offers the chance to discover promising newcomers, and see up-and-coming stars.
> zuerich.com/nightlife

10:30pm

Magical river bar

Take the mellow mood with you as you catch the number 13 tram to Paradeplatz. From here it’s a five-minute walk to the Rimini-Bar. By day, this outdoor bar on the Schanzengraben waterway is a sleepy lido. As soon as night falls, the lights come on, bathing the exotic plants in a mysterious light. The result: a magical atmosphere that attracts Zürich night owls, who like to chill out on the wooden walkways beside the water – just as if they were in Rimini.
> zuerich.com/outdoorbars

11:30pm

Switzerland’s oldest club

Just as famous as Zürich’s cultural life and its shopping is its clubbing scene. One of the most popular venues is Mascotte, offering a glamorous programme that includes live gigs featuring international stars as well as regular club nights.
> zuerich.com/nightlife

Accommodation in Zürich

You can book approximately 250 hotels free of charge through Zürich Tourism – online or by telephone. The range includes everything from youth hostels to luxury hotels, rooms in the center of the Old Town, on the edge of Lake Zürich, or in one of Zürich’s trendy districts. In addition, there are attractive deals and special offers throughout the year.
> zuerich.com/accommodation

8:30am

Birchermüesli and Luxemburgerli

A few steps away is heaven: the confectioner’s Sprüngli on Paradeplatz, which celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2011. Take a seat in Switzerland’s most famous coffee house, and order the legendary Birchermüesli, along with a couple of the famous Luxemburgerli macaroons – preferably upstairs, on the first floor, where celebrities are frequently spotted.
> zuerich.com/cafes

10am

Up Zürich’s home mountain

After a big night out in Zürich, you’ll need to blow the cobwebs away. Locals know the feeling, and their favourite spot is the Uetliberg – on foot, by bike, or on the narrow-gauge railway. The summit offers superb views over the city and lake, from the forests to the snow-capped Alps on the horizon – and of course fabulous fresh air.
> zuerich.com/nature