For a city that is widely known as the global hub for Finance and Banking, Zurich also appears to be visually stunning. It may not be as exciting as New York City, Tel Aviv or Paris, but Zurich still has a lot to offer: cosy cafés, interesting museums with new exhibitions almost every month, plenty of concerts, a vibrant nightlife, amazing outdoors, and quite an international population.

While famous for luxurious lifestyles, high-end shopping, and fancy chocolates, we decided to explore another part of Zurich. Far from the clichés foreigners tend to have in mind -dull grey buildings, luxury shops and banks-, Zurich shelters in incredible old city center and hipster neighborhood.

There are endless cafés and breakfast bars to explore in Zürich. If you’re a sucker for interiors, start your day off at Babu's. Known for it's mouthwatering brunches, Babu's can get quite busy. We recommend making a reservation so you're sure to enjoy the delicious etagères with scones, croissants and fruits!

If you're into healthy, wholesome breakfasts, try out Juicery 21 instead. Their cold pressed juices are simply perfection. Lush breakfast bowls and decadent bagels also cater to travelers on a plant-based diet! You can't go wring with either two breakfast spots in Zürich.

A short 10 min walk brings you to the Lindenhof Park. Built on the ruins of a Roman fort, this beautiful park is the perfect place to take in your first views of Zürich. From here you'll enjoy a glorious view of Zürich Old Town, the Limmat river, the Grossmünster Church and City Hall.

Fancy another view of the city? Limmat's waterfront is one of our favorite walks in Zürich. Along the Limmat's shores you’ll find cafés, beautiful façades, observation decks and public swimming pools in the Limmat river. Walk all the way from Park Lindenhof to the docks at Bürkliplatz.

Lake Zürich is absolutely beautiful! Its turquoise color and numerous sailing boats gave this metropolis an instant Mediterranean feel. Watch the sun reflect on the water surface from the docks at Bürkliplatz

One of our favorite meals of the trip and we're sure you're going to love it too! When at the Zürich docks, take a romantic boat ride to the charming lakeside town of Kusnatch for lunch at Romantik Seehotel Sonne. This 350 year old restaurant (and hotel) has several restaurants but we really wanted to experience the Sonnengalerie which also allowed for an al fresco lunch during the summer time (do make reservations if your keen on lunching outside!). Zurich has a very international food scene but the Sonnengalerie also serves local Swiss delicacies. If we ver return to Zurich we're very keen on staying at this hotel as most of the guest rooms have lake views!

After lunch, visit one of Zurich's famous landmarks: Grossmünster Church. If you make it up the 187 narrow steps, you'll enjoy another great view of Zurich. From high above you'll have great views over nearby Lake Zürich, the Limmat river and Zürich Old Town.

According to legend, Felix and Regula, Zurich’s patron saints, were beheaded at the site of the Wasserkirche and then walked up to where the Grossmünster stands today. In doing so, they took their heads with them. Centuries later the emperor Charlemagne, passing through Zurich, decided to found a church in honor of the martyrs.

Why not twirl through the streets of Zürich's most photogenic neighborhoods: Altstadt and Niederdorf? Zürich Old Town is filled with colorful rows of houses and restaurants. Stroll through the Münstergasse and Niederdorfstrasse and admire the lovely façades, little squares and quaint shops.

For great coffee in Zürich, try Schwarzenbach Teecafe in Münstergasse where you can watch them roast the coffee beans and create your special cup of coffee.

After you’ve had your fill of charming Swiss architecture for the day, head over to Zurich's hipster neighborhood: Zürich West. In about 30min you'll walk from the Niederdorfstrasse to Im Viadukt. Im Viadukt is exactly what it says, a viaduct but converted into shops, bars and restaurants. A great place to stroll around and breathe in a completely different side of Zürich, a far cry from the dusty banker image it used to have!

For a casual drink or dinner, Frau Gerolds Garten is the perfect spot. An "urban garden" is created in the center of Zürich, using old containers and wooden garden sets. Located near Hardbrücke, Frau Gerolds Garden houses a vegetable garden, fresh cuisine, small shops, art and colorful events in order to create an interesting cultural meeting place.

It's the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink with appetizers or a full blown meal. The menu contains seasonal fresh local dishes (including bbq) with vegetables and spices straight from the garden. Grab a drink, peruse your options, and snag a table on the summer terrace early because it fills up quick!

Zürich has quite an impressive international restaurant offer. Asian and Italian cuisine can be found almost everywhere. After having enjoyed a local meal for lunch, you'll certainly enjoy diner in one of our favorite Asian restaurant: Co Chin Chin. Definitely try the Bo Bun (rice noodle salad with spring rolls)!

There you have it, our ideal Zürich one day itinerary. An excellent introduction to Zürich's most exciting metropolis. If you're limited in time, our itinerary covers the must-see attractions in order to explore Zürich in one day.