Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and financial capital, sitting at the north end of Lake Zurich with the Alps visible on clear days. It's more business-focused and less international in feel than Geneva, German is the working language, and the city consistently ranks among the world's most expensive and highest quality of life. The Old Town's narrow medieval streets sit a short walk from major bank headquarters, a contrast that defines the city.

Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce usually served with rosti, a shredded and fried potato cake, is the dish to order here. Chocolate is a genuine local industry, not just a tourist souvenir, several major Swiss chocolatiers are headquartered in the region. Trains and trams run on a schedule taken seriously, being even a minute late is enough to miss a connection.