Your essential guide to Zurich

SHOP

One of the most exclusive shopping streets in all of Europe, Bahnhofstrasse has a wealth of high-end designer boutiques – and it couldn’t be closer to Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich. After snapping up some treats, relax with a hot chocolate at iconic Café Sprüngli on the terrace on Paradeplatz.

WALK

The winding, pedestrianised streets of the historic Old Town show a different side to Zurich and are well worth a gentle wander. Take a stroll to discover churches, spectacular landmarks, ornate squares and quiet historic corners, as well as local shops and cafés. Or to gain a deeper understanding of the city, book on to a two-hour guided walking tour which reveals all the city’s secrets.

EXPLORE

To get a different view of the city, make the 187-step climb to the top of one of the iconic towers of Grossmünster cathedral for panoramic scenes down along the river. Once you’ve had your fill of the views, head down to explore the cloister and crypt and stop to admire the sun streaming through the decorative glass windows.

EAT

For a boundary-pushing Italian feast crafted by a renowned Michelin-starred chef, ORSINI is the table to book in Zurich. Enjoy the innovative creations of chef Antonio Guida in a chic setting full of playful sculptures by Italian artist Giuseppe Lo Schiavo.

SEE

Be sure to pay a visit to the growing art hub of Kunsthalle Zurich to see its thoughtful temporary exhibitions of powerful contemporary art themed on everything from fairy tales to bodybuilding. With six to ten exhibitions per year and no permanent collection, it’s always worth checking what’s on: previous shows have included work by Gilbert & George, Wolfgang Tillmans and Derek Jarman. And to gaze at contemporary work by Swiss artists or those living in Switzerland, head to Helmhaus.

CYCLE

Zurich is one of Europe’s most cycle-friendly cities, so it’s well worth hiring a bike and exploring on two wheels. Pick up a bike at one of the free Züri rollt spots and take a spin down the river to the lake. Cycling is such an important part of the culture here that there’s a Cycle Week each spring that’s a national bicycle festival, with workshops, events and showcases.

SWIM

Swimming is a key part of life in Zurich, so do as the locals do and visit one of the city’s many badi (outdoor pools). Everyone has their favourite: there’s Seebad Enge for a centrally located dip, urban-cool sunbathing at Flussbad Oberer Letten, plenty of history at Seebad Utoquai and family fun at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen.

DRINK

Finish the day with a glass of bubbles at the best rooftop bar in town, 1838. There are views across the city and on to the mountains up here, all enhanced by Asian plates, creative cocktails and DJs to soundtrack the stunning sunsets.

SAIL

If you have a bit more time in Zurich, see a different side to the city from the water. Limmat-Schifffahrt river cruise boats sit very close to the water and have wide glass roofs, giving you exceptional views as you glide past the Old Town and under the seven bridges of the Limmat. Take an hour’s round trip to breathe it all in.

ASCEND

To see even more of the city (and beyond), take a day trip up Uetliberg. At 2,850 feet above sea level, the mountain looms over the rooftops with breathtaking views of the city, the lake and the Alps. There are plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, or you can get the train up to the observation tower from the main station.

EXPLORE

Once full of old warehouses, Zurich West (also known as Kreis 5 or Industriequartier) is now a vibrant alternative area full of exciting restaurants, bars and independent shops. Walk down the Viadukt to soak up the atmosphere and feel the buzz and check out Schauspielhaus for cultural events and Lichthalle MAAG for cool exhibitions – both are based in interesting converted former factory buildings.

EAT

A trip to Zurich isn’t complete without indulging in some traditional Swiss fondue. The decadent melted-cheese meal is served all over the city, including in trams, wooden chalets and even little gondola cars. For a local favourite, head to Frau Gerolds Garten in Zurich West. It’s an urban garden with heated tents in the winter.

Explore the frescoes of the Giacometti Halle, a hidden gem located in the entrance of a police station. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Niederdorfstrasse and discover charming boutiques and local establishments. Visit the church to admire Marc Chagall’s stunning stained-glass windows. Climb the Lindenhof or the towers of Grossmünster and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and lake. And relax with a scenic boat trip on Lake Zurich to take in the city skyline against the backdrop of the Alps.

- The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich.