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Switzerland’s largest city, Zürich offers exclusive shopping, a Roman-era old town and a gracious, sunny setting. Repeatedly named one of the world’s most liveable cities, it’s also become one of the more fashionable travel destinations in the 21st century.

The city’s old town is largely pedestrian-only, so you can stroll around its narrow cobbled streets, guild houses and medieval churches in community with both locals and fellow visitors without worrying about vehicle traffic. The barren white walls of Grossmünster tell the story of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland, while in the 13th-century Fraumünster, you can see the stained-glass windows created by 20th-century artist Marc Chagall.

Walk the Bahnhofstrasse for a look at Europe’s most exclusive brands, or explore the city’s eponymous Lake Zürich on a classic paddle-steamer boat. On the north side of the lake is the renowned Golden Coast, known for its sunny climate during much of the year.

Things to see and do in Zürich

Traditional paddle steamer boat cruise

You can embark on a slow, relaxing ride on Lake Zürich for free with the Zürich city card, which you’ll receive when you check in to your hotel. The boats stop in different towns and villages along the lake shore, which you can explore at your leisure.

Feel free to tour a chocolate factory, take a swim in the lake or discover the beaches, shops, restaurants and streets of the villages nearby, then join another boat to continue the cruise. The boats run throughout the day on regular schedules, so it’s easy to craft your own day-trip and return to Zürich after dark if you wish.

Grossmünster

This Romanesque church, with its unmistakable double towers atop a pale sandstone construction, was first commissioned by Charlemagne in 1100, but was inaugurated around 1220. Its greatest renown, however, comes from its role in the Protestant Reformation that informs so much of Swiss history.

The towers, with their multi-arched windows, slightly bulbous tops and detailed grotesques are one of the most well-known sights in Zürich. But if you enter the now-Protestant church, you can see the aftermath of the 1524 stripping of the church’s Catholic symbology. The statues, the pipe organ and most other ornate details were all removed, leaving the interior pale and bare.

Fraumünster

Another important church in Zürich’s old town, Fraumünster is Grossmünster’s little sister, founded by Charlemagne’s son, George in the 13th century. A more modest construction, Fraumünster’s elegant copper spire rises out of its simple, slender stone walls. Inside, this church retains its rather grandiose pipe organ, the largest in the canton of Zürich, with 6,959 pipes.

Fraumünster is also a repository of art, particularly from artists of the 20th century. Frescoes by Swiss painter Paul Bodmer decorate the church’s former cloister and in the choir of the abbey, you can see the five slender stained-glass windows created by painter Marc Chagall in 1970.

Uetliberg peak

Unlike much of Switzerland, Zürich isn’t known for its mountains. But Uetliberg, known as the city’s own Little Mountain, is a great place to get a sweeping view of the city, the lake and the Alps in the distance. You can hike up to the peak in around two hours — a relatively easy ascent to 870 m (2,851 ft). You can also access the peak by funicular.

Once at the top, take a walk along the trails to get panoramic views down over the lake and back toward the city.

Old town walking tour

In this two-hour walking tour, you’ll get oriented to Zürich and visit some of the key features of the area. Visit the renowned churches of Grossmünster and Fraumünster, and see Europe’s largest clock face at Saint Peter’s church. You’ll also explore the narrow cobblestone alleyways that wind through the old town, and see the fountains, restored medieval houses and elegant wrought-iron street lamps that decorate the area.

Along the way, you might stop at a chocolate shop or get a coffee at the café where Lenin planned the Russian Revolution. The route is tailored to your interests, so you’ll get to see the aspects that matter most to you.

Best time to visit Zürich

Zürich is nice to visit all year round, but the best months are between May and October, when the weather is milder. In the colder months of December to March, the temperature does drop below freezing. The city rarely gets snow, but the occasional dusting adds flair to Zürich’s already atmospheric Christmas markets.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit Zürich

• Christmas markets run from early November through to end of December.
• In early August, Zürich hosts its outdoor Street Parade, where the streets fill with dancers and electronic music, which may be a highlight or a time to avoid, depending on your tastes.