PICTURESQUE ON THE PARK

Swiss glamour is on full display at Baur au Lac, a prestigious, 180-year-old grande dame brimming with history (the Nobel Peace Prize was conceived here). Set on its own private park and minutes from many of Zurich’s most prized attractions including the famed shopping drag Bahnhofstrasse the five-star property remains a magnet for the rich, royal, and famous. Suites are cushy and chic, boasting dedicated living rooms and large marble bathrooms, plus dazzling views of the park, lake, and Alps. A new Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed flagship restaurant, Marguita, is set to debut this summer, though the Brasserie and Bar is currently serving modern European bites for those visiting before June. There’s also a top-floor fitness center on site, stacked with state-of-the-art equipment against a breathtaking backdrop of Zurich rooftops. bauraulac.ch

TAKE A DIP

The world can thank Swiss alpine farmers for the invention of cheese fondue, the glorious gooey goodness served in a communal pot. Though originally conceived as an inexpensive way to stretch resources, fondue today is considered an indulgent treat, typically crafted from Gruyere cheese and white wine and served with a side of Tuscan bread, skinned baby potatoes, and cornichons for dipping. Most traditional Swiss restaurants in Zurich will have their variation on the menu, but for a unique dipping experience opt for a fondue tuk-tuk street tour, featuring a 90-minute tour of Old Town over a fresh pot of the melty Swiss favorite. $300 for two. tuktuk.ch

RIVERSIDE REFUGE

Perched on the edge of the River Limmat in the heart of Old Town, Storchen Zürich is one of Switzerland’s most historic hotels, with roots dating back to the 1300s. The sophisticated boutique features 64 recentlyeimagined guestrooms and suites, each bathed in a warm palette and finished with thoughtful details like plush fainting couches, thick drapes, and deep marble bathtubs. The top-floor Signature Suite boasts exquisite views of the River Limmat, Lake Zurich, and the towering Alps in the distance. There are six dining and drinking destinations on the property, including the Michelin-starred La Rôtisserie, helmed by local superstar chef Stefan Jäckel. Follow dinner with a nightcap at the Nest, Storchen’s swanky rooftop steeped in stunning panorama. storchen.ch

ALL ABOARD!

Carved into the shape of a banana, Lake Zurich at the city’s western end is as scenic as it is soothing, offering lovely views of waterfront mansions and the Albis, Pfannenstiel, and Zimmerberg hills. The best way to experience the crystalline lake is by boat, and several companies operate group and private tours. Embark on a unique themed cruise, from culinary categories like Japanese Izakaya, venison, and mussels and fries, to experiential tickets like murder mysteries and salsa dancing. Visitors can also take in the sights on the deck of a classic Belle Époque steamboat circa 1900 (though, to be fair, the boats were renovated in the aughts). zsg.ch, swisstours.com

SLOW BURN

The experience at Elmira, a sleek, Michelin-starred restaurant hidden in the basement of a former silo on the Löwenbräu brewery site, feels like dining at a friend’s home – if that friend were a highly decorated, world-class chef, of course. Anchored by an open kitchen, Elmira prides itself on its relaxed and refreshingly informal atmosphere. Patrons choose between an animal or plant-based menu of five or seven courses, and each dish is composed of 100% seasonal and sustainable ingredients (the restaurant was also awarded the coveted Green Star by the Michelin guide, which honors restaurants leading the way in sustainable gastronomy). Past menu standouts include oxtail ravioli with bone marrow and mushroom essence, charred leeks with black garlic and vegetable jus, and confit organic egg yolk with beef tartare and caviar. elmira.zuerich