Zurich is renowned for its pristine streetscapes and the tranquil waters of its eponymous lake, this Swiss city is a sanctuary for luxury travellers seeking a blend of cultural richness and contemporary sophistication. The city’s historic charm is palpable in its well-preserved Old Town, where medieval architecture coexists harmoniously with chic modern establishments. Indulge in exclusive shopping experiences along the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most luxurious shopping avenues, or revel in the culinary delights of Michelin-starred restaurants. Zurich’s allure extends to its vibrant arts scene, showcased in world-class museums and galleries. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, this city is not just a destination; it’s an experience, offering a serene yet cosmopolitan escape into the heart of Swiss elegance.
EAT
The Restaurant
Part of The Dolder Grand hotel, this venue has been awarded 19 GaultMillau points and two Michelin stars – unsurprisingly, this means you’ll need to get your booking in early to be sure of a table. The Restaurant is headed by Heiko Nieder (GaultMillau Chef of the Year 2019), serving a la carte and an amuse-bouche menu at lunchtime (small portions of the diner menus) and six or eight-course menus into the evening. Dishes are eclectic, inspired by Neider’s own travels, with intriguing ingredients skillfully combined, and finished with arty touches such as foams and florals. This is Swiss finesse at its best.
EquiTable
A simple supply chain focussing on market-fresh fair trade products from ethical producers is at the heart of the ethos here. EquiTable is fine dining for the modern age; mindful of sustainability, fairness and the impact on growers in developing countries. The result is healthy, natural tastes that have a lasting positive impact, both on diners and those within the restaurant’s supply chain. Four through to seven-course menus cater for both omnivores and herbivores, with high-quality ingredients considered for their carbon footprint. EquiTable has one Michelin star and chef Julian Marti heads up the kitchen.
Restaurant Pavillon
Matching the Widder’s two Michelin stars and 18 points in GaultMillau, this restaurant occupies a stunning position beside Lake Zurich and adjacent to leafy parkland. Here, service is impeccable yet never stuffy. Pavillon serves Haute Cuisine classics with a modern twist, with dishes designed to be as inviting for the eyes as the taste buds; tasting menus of up to nine courses are art on a plate, with optional wine pairings available. The gazebo dining room – designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon – is equally beautiful, with its chandeliers and art deco touches. Dinner service takes place at Restaurant Pavillon from Tuesday to Saturday.
Read our guide to the best hotels in Zurich
DO
Go shopping in Bahnhofstrasse
If you like a spot of designer shopping, this is the place to be in Zurich. A little over a decade ago, a study found this street to be the most expensive for retail property anywhere in Europe and the third most expensive on the planet. Situated in the city’s downtown, Bahnhofstrasse begins at Bahnhofplatz beside the station and ends at Bürkliplatz. Having been mostly pedestrianised, it provides a calm setting for your retail therapy but is conveniently served by trams. Brands you’ll find along its length include Chanel, Dior, Bvlgari, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tiffany and Co.
Visit the Kunsthaus Art Museum
This huge museum (the largest in terms of square meterage in Switzerland) is home to one of the most important art collections in the land, curated over many years by the local art association, Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft. Its works date back to the beginning of the 17th century, right through to some of the most cutting-edge contemporary pieces and a sizeable collection of impressionist paintings. It spans two buildings; the original construction and a new glass-walled extension by David Chipperfield. Allow a couple of hours to explore the Kunsthaus Art Museum in its entirety, longer if you want time to linger.
Explore Die Altstadt (Old Town)
Hop on a tram to Zurich’s Old Town, a riverside wonderland of cobbled alleys, winding lanes and medieval buildings, including its Great Minster. Muhlesteg Footbridge is a particularly romantic spot, famous for the countless love locks left here for posterity by passing couples. And Peterskirche (Peter’s Church) boasts Europe’s largest clock face. A walking tour is a good way to get your bearings and hear the Old Town’s many stories. Although Die Altstadt is a historic area of interest, it’s also a fantastic place for a night out, with excellent restaurants, bars and the highest concentration of nightclubs in the country.
Visit the Rietberg Museum
© Museum Rietberg, Mark Niedermann Photography
While the Kunsthaus (and indeed all other art museums in Switzerland) focus on European works, the Rietberg displays Asian, African, American and Oceanian art and design. Found on the western shores of Lake Zurich and surrounded by stunning parkland, the museum opened in 1952. The Rietberg is made up of a series of grand villas, a glass pavilion and a newer, mainly underground building, known as Smaragd. It was in one of the museum’s stately mansions that Richard Wagner created the three-act opera, Tristan und Isolde.
Sleep
Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich
Due to open as the Mandarin Oriental Savoy in March 2024, this building has a long history having been first founded in 1838. French interior designer Tristan Auer is leading on the makeover which will see the hotel paired down from 104 bedrooms to 80, creating more of a boutique feel. These will be joined by three drinking and dining venues: the Italian ORSINI (directed by Consultant Chef Antonio Guida who brings his experience from the two-Michelin-starred Seta restaurant at the brand’s Milan property); the all-day French-style Savoy Brasserie and Bar; and a rooftop bar, 1838, whose name nods to the building’s heritage. A grand ballroom and guild hall are also in the process of being restored to their former grandeur.
FIVE Zurich
FIVE Zurich is a luxurious lifestyle hotel located in the city’s Wiedikon district, perched on a hill overlooking the city centre. The contemporary hotel comprises 45 luxurious suites and 42 suite-sized lifestyle rooms each of which presents either a superb city skyline or majestic mountain and swimming pool view. More than just a hotel, FIVE Zurich has been dubbed the new dining and nightlife place to be in Zurich offering seven international award-winning restaurants, ranging from sophisticated Chinese dining at Maiden Shanghai Zurich to street-food-inspired Asian bites at Soul Street Zurich, there is something for every occasion. The rooftop nightclub ‘The Penthouse Zurich’ offers spectacular views across the city with weekend DJs and dancing going on into the morning. The hotel offers an indoor pool and its famous ReFIVE spa providing a luxurious place to relax and refresh, as well as a heated outdoor pool for a beautiful mountain-side swim.
Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich, Autograph Collection
It may have opened its doors in November 2021, but this hotel close to Lake Zurich dates back to the 1930s. 57 guest rooms are spread across the art deco building’s five floors and come with soundproofing and blackout curtains. The decor pays homage to this era via a contemporary lens and vintage-inspired touches are found throughout. The restaurant, Castellan’s, is open morning through till night, serving Mediterranean cuisine. The Neues Schloss Privat Hotel offers guests bicycle rental, electric vehicle charging points, children’s TV channels and the venue welcomes pets.
