Spanning nearly 90 square kilometres, Lake Zürich is one of Switzerland’s most popular sights ringed by pastoral towns, vineyards and upscale restaurants. In the summer, head to one of its lidos for a brisk swim in the glacial lake or stay dry with a picnic on its banks. The best way to experience the lake is by boat, as regular tours stop at many charming villages along the way. Steamboats dating back to 1835 are still in commission today, with the hardworking Stadt Zürich taking passengers on Zürich day trips to nearby Thalwil and even longer journeys to Ufenau island.

Zürich’s medieval spirit is very much still alive, with a Roman fort, imposing cathedrals and more. Zürich Old Town takes you back in time with sites like the Romanesque Grossmünster church which features two gigantic towers, and stunning views at the top of a 187-step trek up. Across the Limmat River, see Fraumünster’s stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and St. Peter’s Church’s huge clock face – the largest in Europe. For those visiting Lindenhof, see the hilltop ruins of a Roman fort.

Bahnhofstrasse is renowned for being one of the most expensive streets per square metre, lined with designer shop fronts and department stores. While Bahnhofstrasse is one of the more expensive things to do in Zurich, other lively neighbourhoods to check out include Zürich-West; a former industrial zone turned hipster hub, similar to New York’s meatpacking district. If it’s markets you’re after, join the chef crowd at Zürich’s many outdoor markets at Gemüsebrücke and Helvetiaplatz.

Nicknamed the ‘City of Roses’, Rapperswil village is a Zürich day trip worth making – if only to see the town’s 16,000 roses. Filled with vibrant fragrant gardens and ivory Swiss cottages, this charming area is a four hour boat trip from Zürich across the lake with regular ferry services. Every fairytale requires a castle and Rapperswil has a medieval one called Schloss Rapperswil housing a Polish Museum, located on a hill from which you can see as far as the Alps.

As Zürich is so close to Germany, it’s influenced by stodgy Germanic fare’s love of meat, potatoes and cheese. A Zürich food signature is Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, a creamy stew of veal cuts traditionally served with rosti: a fried shredded potato pancake. Early birds should start the day off with a bowl of Birchermuesli as Zürich happens to be the birthplace of the cereal. It’s also impossible to come to Switzerland and not order fondue, and it’s available literally everywhere in Zürich: on a Lake Zürich cruise, themed tram, garden restaurants, chalets and more.

Switzerland is renowned for its luxurious, creamy chocolates and Lindt has swiftly become a household name. For all those with a sweet tooth, Lindt Home of Chocolate is the place to go – let alone for its 9m fountain, through which 1,500kg of chocolate flows. From a Lindt museum detailing the treat’s history to taste testing stations, this shrine to Swiss sweets also offers chocolate classes. Don’t forget to stop by the cafe on your way out to grab its famed hot chocolate and waffles.

From art to football, there’s a Zürich museum for everything. Art lovers should make visiting the National Museum of Art – also known as Kunsthaus – a priority with a collection of works dating back to the 13th century, as well as the largest Edvard Munch collection outside Norway. As one of the best Zürich museums, Van Gogh, Mondrian and Monet are also represented in its galleries. The modular museum Pavillon Le Corbusier is an architecture buff’s dream and houses Swiss architect Le Corbusier’s art collection. Other museums include Beyer Clock and Watch Museum, packed with horological delights, while you’ll find the lads at FIFA World Football Museum.