Dubbed “The Beverly Hills of Switzerland,” the Swiss metropolis of Zurich is a lot greater than a finance capital, regardless of the palpable banker presence. Situated on the northern a part of its namesake lake, with picturesque waterfront promenades and gorgeous alpine views—particularly by way of the Glacier Specific to close by St. Moritz—Zurich is a severely underrated European vacation spot able to have its second. Whether or not you’re planning a trip or are simply within the temper for a wholesome dose of winter wanderlust, right here’s what to see, eat, drink, and the place to remain.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Boasting one of many largest collections within the nation, together with items by Andy Warhol, Piet Mondrian, and Claude Monet, to call only a few, Kunsthaus is a must-visit for artwork fanatics and vacationers alike. Enjoyable truth: the flowers within the planters inside are changed on daily basis.
Glacier Specific
In case you have a while to kill (roughly three and a half hours, give or take), hop the practice to St. Moritz, a luxe ski resort within the Swiss Alps, and benefit from the extremely scenic route, replete with (many) mountains, tunnels, and bridges.
Audemars Piguet
Watch lovers (or these aspiring to be) ought to undoubtedly make a cease at Audemars Piguet’s new retailer. The high-end producer put down roots within the historic Artwork Nouveau-style Leuenhof constructing, as soon as house to the Financial institution Leu headquarters, and it’s virtually as particular because the timepieces themselves.
Kronenhalle
You possibly can’t go to Zurich with out consuming at Kronenhalle, by far one of many metropolis’s most iconic eating places. Relationship again to 1924, the previous beer hall-turned-fine eating institution has hosted celebrities the likes of Sophia Loren and Yves Saint Laurent and doubles as an artwork gallery—unique works by Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró fill the partitions.
Saltz
Tucked away on the bottom flooring contained in the legendary Dolder Grand lodge, the very Instagrammable, Rolf Sachs-designed Saltz eatery includes a fireplace engine purple inside, six wine cupboards, and a menu of choices created from locally-sourced components. Don’t sleep on the black cod.
Raclette Manufacturing unit
Even those that are mildly lactose illiberal would possibly wish to pack further Lactaid for Raclette Manufacturing unit, an oasis for Swiss cheese dishes and raclettes served each which manner. Wash it down with a Heineken or Carlsberg, then stroll it off.
Bar am Wasser
After sunset, this modern cocktail bar with river views transforms right into a dimly-lit nighttime spot, with tons of inventive cocktails which can be virtually too fairly to drink. Nearly.
Widder Bar
*Stefon voice* The Widder Lodge’s eponymous watering gap within the Previous City neighborhood has every part: dwell piano music, over 200 malt whiskey choices, and top-notch jazz performers.
Tales Bar
For a correct night time out, head to Tales Bar. Staffed with the friendliest bartenders, the comfortable lounge serves up scrumptious drinks just like the Atacama (pictured above), with Pisco, ardour fruit, cardamom tincture, and smoked sea salt.
The Dolder Grand
One of many metropolis’s most illustrious landmarks, the five-star Dolder Grand is the head of luxurious, with a two stylish eating places, a world-class spa, indoor pool, health club, and 175 suites overlooking Zurich, the lake, the alps, and the woods from above. However what actually units the Dolder aside is the unparalleled degree of privateness. It is sensible, then, why Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, and Justin Bieber have all checked in.
FIVE Zurich Lodge
A part of FIVE Resorts and Resorts, FIVE Zurich caters to zillennials with its distinctive eating experiences, mountainside spa and pool, and DJ units by names like Robin Shulz, Jax Jones, and Misplaced Frequencies at The Penthouse rooftop lounge, the place you may see the skyline and pay a go to to the toilet bar (sure, you learn that proper).
Badrutt’s Palace
The place higher to get some R&R after a protracted practice journey than Badrutt’s Palace? The world-renowned property has been a well-liked getaway for the Swiss because it opened again in 1896. Providing 156 rooms, together with a three-story penthouse going through Lake St. Moritz, two infinity swimming pools, a health middle, procuring on Through Serlas, and among the greatest snowboarding in Europe, the lodge and surrounding space has been the Gucci household’s go-to winter retreat for generations, and it’s simple to see why.
Deputy Editor
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Beforehand, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her pursuits embody vogue, meals, journey, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not essentially in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy pocket book and isn’t ashamed to confess it.
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