Not to miss in Zurich

Minimalist bakery-café with house-roasted coffee, fresh croissants and a shakshuka brunch. Open only until mid-afternoon, so plan a morning visit.

Closes at 3pm daily

Roastery run by two former Swiss barista champions. Pick a cup size and one of several rotating coffees, from chocolatey to floral.

Try a filter coffee

Local roastery-café serving espresso and V60 or Kalita filters, with weekend brunch and coffee cocktails in the evening.

Weekend brunch gets busy

Tiny café, formerly called Coffee, pouring locally roasted espresso. Locals queue for its eggs Benedict. Very few seats.

Go early; few seats

Beer-hall dining in a former arsenal since 1926. Order the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes or a bratwurst at long shared tables.

Book for dinner

Brasserie open since 1924 with original Chagall, Miró and Picasso works on the walls. Classic order: veal Geschnetzeltes with rösti.

Reserve a few days ahead

Lively courtyard restaurant with modern Turkish plates. Try the mini lahmacun and manti, then baklava. Michelin Bib Gourmand listed.

Reserve; opens 6pm weekdays

Opened spring 2025 by the Silex team. Share small plates like agnolotti with chicken liver parfait; natural wines and vermouth.

Evenings only; book ahead

Tree-lined hilltop square above the Limmat. Frames the Grossmünster, City Hall and rooftops, with locals playing chess.

Visit at golden hour

Broad terrace beside the ETH main building with views across the old town to the lake. Ride the Polybahn funicular up.

Take the Polybahn up

Zurich's local mountain at 871 m. Views over the city, the lake and the Alps; the S10 train takes about 25 minutes.

Go on a clear morning

Cobbled riverside path with arched passages and small craft workshops, opposite the busier Limmatquai. Quiet for river and old-town shots.

Walk it early morning