Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland and a cultural hub. It offers more than 50 museums and more than 100 galleries as well as internationally celebrated hotels, shopping stores and catering establishments.

A great number of lakeside and riverside lidos are located in the center of the city and Zurich Mountain, is an ideal destination for outdoor activities.

Walking around the city is a rewarding journey of discovery for both locals and tourists as one encounters first-hand the city’s past and present through its architecture, food and culture.

Zurich is also known as the city of water because as the waterfront offers splendid views of the Alps. The lake is great for tourists as they can take boat trips as well as lunch and dine on the cruises. Just 45 minutes away from Zurich are the Rhine Falls, the biggest waterfalls in Europe.

Almost all of Switzerland’s water comes directly from a mountain spring but 70 percent of tap water comes from the lake and the water’s quality is excellent. Normal tap water is drinkable, as is water from public fountains, which is one of the famous characteristics of the city as it has more than 1200 artistic public fountains. The unique part about these fountains is that they are well maintained, flowing absolutely clear drinkable water. Make sure to drink from them on your next visit there.

The city is full of attractions for families, sports lovers, honeymooners and more.

1) Zooh Zurich: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday offers different programs that suit everyone in the family. The zoo has 2200 specimens of 300 species. You cannot miss the penguin parade, which is performed daily after noon if the outside temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius.

2) Retail Therapy: The Bahnhoftrasse is the main shopping street of Zurich; here you will find local and international boutiques that offer different products from clothing, accessories, jewelry, department stores, furniture shops as well as cafes and restaurant. The street is a link between the railway and the lake. The more affordable shops are closer to the railway, while the expensive boutiques are located near the lake.

3) For a panoramic view of the city head to the Lindenhof, which is an idyllic place with a beautiful view of the Limmat, located high above the town. Celtic, Roman and medieval finds indicate the eventful history of the hillside settlement since 1500BC. Just talk a walk and make sure to take your camera with you to enjoy the view and take memorable pictures of the magnificent view of the whole city.

4) Walking down from the Bahnhoftrasse you will find the lake and the Alpine view. The waterside is busy with open-air markets that sell food, homemade products, flowers and more.

5) Zurich is famous for its art scene. A number of internationally known museums, galleries and auction houses are gathered in the city on the Limmat a leading art exhibition and market place. Make sure you visit at least one of their museums and galleries to learn more about their art scene. The Uhren Museum Beyer is a historic watch museum that offers a beautiful collection of locally made watches. The Atchaologische Sammlung Museum offers a huge collection of art from historic epochs. The Kunsthaus Zurich Museum offers Swiss and international art from the 15th century until now.

6) Sports lovers will enjoy going to the Pilatus where the panorama gondolas and the world’s steepest cogwheel railway are found. Great hiking trails and exciting sled runs are available at Flumserberg, just 45 minutes away from the city.

7) Children will surely enjoy the Spielzeug Museum, which has a large collection of European toys from the 18th century: from dolls to pewter figures onto railways and steam engines. Children will also love the Indoor Kartbahn Rumlang where they will enjoy the indoor-go karting track.

8) More than 50 of Zurich’s restaurants have been rated in the French Gualt Milau restaurant guide, the most influential after the Michelin Guid. “The Restaurant” at the Dolder Grand hotel was awarded 18 Gault-Millau points. The favorite among the jury members was Rico’s Zunftstuben in Kusnacht. A must visit is the Zunfthaus Zur Waag where you can experience real Zurich cuisine in a luxury venue and an amazing service. You must try the Geschnetzeltes Zuricher, which is the city’s famous dish. It is diced veal served with creamy mushroom sauce with a side of Rosti (Swiss style hash brown). This is truly delicious.

9) Make sure to visit the old town, Altstadt, and enjoy learning more about the city where the houses and shops were built hundreds of years ago. In the narrow streets you will find many local boutiques and restaurants available in the area.

10) For a quite picnice day filled with activities, visit the Lindenhofplatz park overlooking the city. Or visit the Botanischer Garten, which is Zurich’s famous botanical garden, and see their local plants and colorful flowers.

How to get there:

Etihad Airways and its new Swiss regional equity partner Darwin Airline have announced the destinations. Darwin will add under its new identity as Etihad Regional. The flights to Zurich will launch in June 2014.

Where to stay:

You can choose any of the city’s five or four-star hotels and enjoy great service. The city offers many local boutique hotels and internationally celebrated hotels that will suit your needs.

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