DAY 1

10:00 In particular, stroll to the top of Lindenhof hill for mid-morning views of the city. Don’t miss the neighbouring 13th-century St Peter’s Church, which boasts the largest clock face in all of Europe, with a diameter of 8.7m.

11:00 A stone’s throw away is Fraumünster (Minister of Our Lady), which you’ll recognise by its striking, slender, blue spire and sophisticated clocktower. Step inside and marvel at the stunning stained-glass windows by the great artist Marc Chagall, who was 80 when he crafted them in 1970.

Although the Fraumünster was extensively renovated in the 20th century, history enthusiasts will be interested to learn a small convent was founded on the site in 853AD and there’s evidence that a convent already existed on the site prior to that.

12:00  Cross the Limmat River and make your way to Zurich’s most famous piece of architecture, the twin-towered Romnesque-style Protestant church Grossmunster (‘Great Minister’, Grossmunsterplatz 8001). Through the lush interior of dark-wood and white plasterwork, take a brisk climb up the South Tower’s 187 steps for an incredible bird’s-eye view of the city.

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12:30 Stop for lunch at ever-so-charming café Schobe (Napfgasse 4), where bouquets of flowers and fairy lights adorn the ceiling and – more importantly – the legendary Swiss hot chocolate is out of this world.

13:30 Make your way to the eccentric Bürkliplatz Flea Market. With 400-500 traders, it’s the biggest in town and takes place on Saturdays until 4pm.

Scavenge through the vintage trash-and-treasure and you may score an antique Swiss Army Knife or maybe some second-hand jewellery. Whatever you find, it’s sure to be cheaper than shopping at the city’s expensive and famous fashion strip, Bahnofstrasse.

15:00 By now, it’s high time for some serious relaxation. Take a slow stroll around the banana-shaped Lake Zurich – you are on holiday after all.

The picturesque Chinese Gardens, with fishponds and cherry-tree-lined pathways, is a must, as is the Skupturen Park, a crazy sculpture park where you can act like a big kid and climb Swiss artist Bruno Weber’s creations. Go on, we know you want to.

Super popular on a summer’s day, Lake Zurich is the perfect place to go for a swim, cycle or boat ride. Jumping on the historic paddle-steamer for a sunset cruise is highly recommended.

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19:00 The Cafe Du Pont (Beatenplatz 4, city centre) is a fun, kitschy restaurant and a favourite among expats. The mostly American menu offers meals named after classic films, and the interior is also movie themed. While not typically Swiss, this is a great place to unwind and get in the mood for the night ahead.

21:30 Get your party on at the go-to music spot Club Q, located in the former industrial-turned-ultra-hip district of Zurich West. With so many trendy bars in this area to hop to, you could be in for a big night. (But remember, Zurich ain’t cheap.)

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DAY 2

10:00 Switzerland’s largest city has more than 50 museums, but The Kuntshaus Zurich (Museum of Fine Arts) is one of the biggest and best. It’s renowned for its rich 19th- and 20th-century art collection, including work by Alberto Giacometti, Edvard Munch and Marc Chagall, as well as Picasso, Monet, Rothko, Twombly, Beuys and Bacon.

12:00  Grab an early lunch at the city’s most famous sausage stand Sternen Grill, which offers more than 20 options, including vegetarian.

13:00  Take a short train ride to Zurich’s local mountain Uetliberg and walk or tram up to the top for spectacular panoramic views of the city, Lake Zurich and the snow-capped Alps in the distance. Then, spot native animals such as deer, squirrels, hares, foxes, woodpeckers and owls in the nearby Sihlwald forest.

17:30  Sip a drink at Cabaret Voltaire, birthplace of the Dada art movement and hang-out spot for avant-garde writers and artists of the day. This vibrant culture centre hosts exhibitions, events and a bar.

20:00 With the weekend almost over, don’t go home without trying a Swiss fondue. For a mouth-watering melting pot of cheese with bread and potatoes to dip in (plus wine to wash it down), go to the cosy restaurant Raclette Stube.

Flights from London to Zurich start at £150 return with Swiss Airlines. Direct flights take 1 hour, 40 minutes. 



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