Start your adventure in Switzerland’s most vibrant city at a pop-up bakery trying local pastries such as Gipfeli and Weggli, then stroll through the Old Town, stopping at a few avant-garde galleries and the Fraumünster church to admire the beautiful stained glass windows by Marc Chagall before heading up to see the latest exhibition at the Kunsthaus.

After a delicious lunch at one of the city’s many great Italian restaurants, visit the posh Seefeld neighborhood, taking a coffee break at a café that’s perfect for celebrity-watching and buying a few artisanal design products as souvenirs from the small boutiques in the area. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon checking out the impressive architecture, like a stunning 19th-century villa with a private floral park.

In the evening, a boat will pick you up and take you to your dinner spot on an idyllic terrace overlooking Lake Zurich. The evening ends with a stroll along the lake back to your hotel or apartment.

Start your second day in Zurich with the locals’ favorite weekend pastime: brunch at a popular café in the hip neighborhood of Wiedikon. Fuel up for a long day of shopping in the Wiedikon and Langstrasse neighborhoods, where you’ll find a thriving creative atmosphere with many local brands, trendy bars and restaurants, and specialty coffee shops. 

Rest your legs in the hidden garden of a café serving daily market-fresh lunch menus before heading to your private appointment at a local designer’s studio, where you can exclusively shop their limited-edition collections. In the afternoon, after you’ve safely stashed your purchases at your hotel, join a floating party on the Limmat, where locals float down the river in rubber boats, playing music and turning the whole thing into a festive parade. Disembark at Werdinsel to swim and sunbathe on the small island.

As the sun sets, take the tram home to change and freshen up before dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants, which combines natural wine with traditional Swiss cuisine. Afterwards, go dancing at a trendy cocktail bar, join the crowds at a popular karaoke spot or take part in a monthly boozy bingo night.

Today’s program includes visiting a small farmers market to pick up supplies for your afternoon excursion. Then, enjoy breakfast and coffee on the terrace of an adjacent café that’s always packed with locals.

After breakfast, take the cable car up to a viewing platform for a stunning view of the city, then sneak into the showroom of one of Switzerland’s finest artisanal chocolate makers for a quick tasting and maybe pick up a bar for your subsequent hike up Zurich’s own little mountain, the Uetliberg. Enjoy the fresh air, nature, incredible panoramic views and a picnic lunch of the delicious local specialties you picked up at the market in the morning.

In the evening, dine in a restaurant that doubles as an art gallery, with dishes inspired by the current exhibition. After dark, join local movie lovers for an outdoor screening by the river.