Dubbed “The Beverly Hills of Switzerland,” the Swiss city of Zurich is so far more than a finance capital, despite the palpable banker presence. Positioned on the northern a part of its namesake lake, with picturesque waterfront promenades and stunning alpine views—especially via the Glacier Express to nearby St. Moritz—Zurich is a seriously underrated European destination able to have its moment. Whether you’re planning a vacation or are only within the mood for a healthy dose of winter wanderlust, here’s what to see, eat, drink, and where to remain.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Courtesy Kunsthaus Züwealthy
Boasting one in all the most important collections within the country, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Piet Mondrian, and Claude Monet, to call just just a few, Kunsthaus is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. Fun fact: the flowers within the planters inside are replaced daily.
Glacier Express
Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld
If you’ve got a while to kill (roughly three and a half hours, give or take), hop the train to St. Moritz, a luxe ski resort within the Swiss Alps, and revel in the incredibly scenic route, replete with (many) mountains, tunnels, and bridges.
Audemars Piguet
Nicolas Delaroche Studio
Watch lovers (or those aspiring to be) should definitely make a stop at Audemars Piguet’s recent store. The high-end manufacturer put down roots within the historic Art Nouveau-style Leuenhof constructing, once home to the Bank Leu headquarters, and it’s almost as special because the timepieces themselves.
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Kronenhalle
Thomas Engler
You’ll be able to’t go to Zurich without eating at Kronenhalle, by far one in all town’s most iconic restaurants. Dating back to 1924, the previous beer hall-turned-fine dining establishment has hosted celebrities the likes of Sophia Loren and Yves Saint Laurent and doubles as an art gallery—original works by Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró fill the partitions.
Saltz
Courtesy The Dolder Grand
Tucked away on the bottom floor contained in the legendary Dolder Grand hotel, the very Instagrammable, Rolf Sachs-designed Saltz eatery incorporates a fire engine red interior, six wine cabinets, and a menu of options constructed from locally-sourced ingredients. Don’t sleep on the black cod.
Raclette Factory
Yulia Gursoy//Getty Images
Even those that are mildly lactose intolerant might need to pack extra Lactaid for Raclette Factory, an oasis for Swiss cheese dishes and raclettes served every which way. Wash it down with a Heineken or Carlsberg, then walk it off.
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Guest In Residence Oversized Crew
Bar am Wasser
STEVEN KOHL PHOTOGRAPHY
After sundown, this sleek cocktail bar with river views transforms right into a dimly-lit nighttime spot, with tons of creative cocktails which might be almost too pretty to drink. Almost.
Widder Bar
Steven Kohl
*Stefon voice* The Widder Hotel’s eponymous watering hole within the Old Town neighborhood has the whole lot: live piano music, over 200 malt whiskey offerings, and top-notch jazz performers.
Tales Bar
For a correct night out, head to Tales Bar. Staffed with the friendliest bartenders, the comfortable lounge serves up delicious drinks just like the Atacama (pictured above), with Pisco, passion fruit, cardamom tincture, and smoked sea salt.
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The Dolder Grand
David Biedert
Considered one of town’s most illustrious landmarks, the five-star Dolder Grand is the head of luxury, with a two chic restaurants, a world-class spa, indoor pool, gym, and 175 suites overlooking Zurich, the lake, the alps, and the woods from above. But what really sets the Dolder apart is the unparalleled level of privacy. It is smart, then, why Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, and Justin Bieber have all checked in.
FIVE Zurich Hotel
Adrian Chambre
A part of FIVE Resorts and Hotels, FIVE Zurich caters to zillennials with its unique dining experiences, mountainside spa and pool, and DJ sets by names like Robin Shulz, Jax Jones, and Lost Frequencies at The Penthouse rooftop lounge, where you’ll be able to see the skyline and pay a visit to the toilet bar (yes, you read that right).
Badrutt’s Palace
Courtesy Badrutt’s Palace
Where higher to get some R&R after an extended train ride than Badrutt’s Palace? The world-renowned property has been a preferred getaway for the Swiss because it opened back in 1896. Offering 156 rooms, including a three-story penthouse facing Lake St. Moritz, two infinity pools, a fitness center, shopping on Via Serlas, and a few of the very best skiing in Europe, the hotel and surrounding area has been the Gucci family’s go-to winter retreat for generations, and it’s easy to see why.
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La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
Treat your skin to luxurious skincare, identical to the Swiss. Dubbed “Skin Caviar” for a reason, this potent day and night cream improves skin elasticity, gently exfoliates, and retexturizes the skin’s surface, reducing high-quality lines and wrinkles.
Tom Ford Cherry Smoke Eau de Parfum
Sweet or spicy? With Cherry Smoke, you’ll be able to have each. The wealthy cherry scent has a fragrant masculine undertone of wood and leather for a decadent perfume that it would be best to wear again and again (and over) again.
Luzern Laboratories L’Essentials Hydrating Essence Pre-Serum Treatment
Switzerland is thought for its skincare technology—with a plethora of products at your disposal, use this essence to make sure optimal absorption of your regimen. Formulated with Bio Suisse extracts, ceramides, and organic green tea, you’ll concurrently prep your skin for products while toning and hydrating.
Deputy Editor
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to confess it.
