Zurich becomes the center of attention in Europe: what to visit in the leading city.

Why should you visit Zurich?

According to The Sun: Switzerland is currently in the spotlight: it hosted this year's Eurovision and the Women's European Football Championship, where the English Lionesses triumphed.

Zurich is the largest city in the country, offering countless opportunities for exploration during the weekend.

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WHY AM I GOING?

Zurich often appears on lists of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. The city is famous for its picturesque lakes and rivers, where locals swim in the summer. Additionally, there is a vibrant café culture, making it a great place to relax at any time of the year.

Football fans can enjoy the Lionesses' glory at the FIFA Museum, where specialized exhibitions and tours take place.

Streets suitable for walking?

Zurich is often referred to as the Little Big City — it has a significant global influence but remains small in size. The city has less than 1.4 million residents, so you can easily explore it on foot.

There is also a convenient public transport system: buses, trams, and trains, should you need them. Or you can take the UBS Polybahn — a small funicular that connects the old town to the university in just 100 seconds.

Must-visit attractions

Zurich has many interesting places to visit. For example, the world of Lindt chocolate, where you can find the largest free-standing chocolate fountain in the world, along with fun classes and tours.

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It also has the largest chocolate shop in the world, where you can buy many famous chocolate bars from Dubai. Another great place is Kunsthaus — the largest art museum in Switzerland with 4000 paintings, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

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Admission to Kunsthaus is free on Wednesdays or with the Zurich City Card. If the weather is warm, visit one of the 18 beaches in the city to cool off. I recommend Frauenbad Stadthausquai — a women-only beach, with an entrance fee of about £7 per day. Or join the locals and dive into the clean lake for free.

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Where to eat?

Zurich isn't just about Swiss cheese and sausages. A must-visit is the House Hiltl restaurant, considered the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. They offer a buffet with high-quality Italian, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Remember, the price here depends on the weight of your dish. For breakfast in a lovely spot, head to the trendy Langstrasse district — to the Bank restaurant.

It is located in a former Swiss bank, has a great interior, and delicious food. I recommend the green shakshuka. If you're still craving sausages, the best place in the city is Sternen Grill. Order it to go, to enjoy a juicy, salty sausage with a large crusty bread.

Want to drink?

To enjoy the best views of the city, I recommend the Rooftop bar, which offers a wide range of cocktails, including my favorite — with chili and elderflower. If you're hungry, they also serve great small Asian fusion dishes.

Or visit the cozy Kasheme, where vinyl music plays, and people gather on the streets with beer. This is a place where you'll generally stay much longer than you planned. You can also visit Cafe Bar Odeon — where, reportedly, Einstein drank.

Where to stay?

One of the most functional hotels in the city is the 25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse, located near the main train station. You can rent everything from chargers and umbrellas to bikes and electric scooters, depending on availability.

The rooms feature a UE boom speaker, which you can take with you during the day, as well as bags made from recycled plastic. There is also an underground pawn shop, a rooftop sauna, and a central bar where events are held.

The rooms are beautiful, with large beds, big glass showers, and complimentary sweets and drinks. There’s no need to leave the hotel for dinner, as delicious dishes are prepared at Neni, which offers a wide variety of Persian, Arabic, and Moroccan cuisine. I would go back for the lamb tacos and falafel popcorn.

Where to go: Zurich

HOW TO GET THERE: A stay at 25hours Zurich Langstrasse starts from £241.70 per night without meals. Check on 25hours-hotels.com.

HOW'S THE ENVIRONMENT: EasyJet flies from Luton to Zurich from £26.99 round trip. Details at easyjet.com.

Attractions: 24-hour Zurich city cards with discounts, free public transport, and free admission to attractions start from £26.85. Check on zuerich.com.

Zurich is not just a city, but a true cultural and gastronomic capital of Switzerland, where everyone will find something to their taste. From breathtaking art museums to delicious cuisine, this place is worth visiting. If you are planning a trip to Europe, Zurich can be a great starting point for discovering new horizons.