Cheap holidays to Zurich

The municipality of Zurich, with roughly 400,000 inhabitants, is Switzerland's largest city. It sits at the tip of Lake Zurich, in the north of the country. Founded by the Romans around 15 BC, in recent times, it has served as a commercial, financial and transportation hub of Central Europe.

Zurich's fascinating blend of Old-World charm along the Limmat River in the Old Town (Altstadt), chic shops along Bahnhofstrasse, and stunning natural surroundings and vistas will surely inspire you. A Zurich Card, which can be purchased online from different locations in the city, offers discounts, deals and free admission on public transport and at many museums and restaurants.

Your smooth flight to Zurich will touch down at Zurich Airport (ZRH; also known as Kloten), Switzerland's largest international airport. Conveniently located 10km from the city centre, it's a quick 15-minute ride by taxi or train to commence your weekend in Zurich. Trains depart every 10–15 minutes to the main railway station in the city.

Zurich is one hour ahead of the UK, and British citizens do not require a visa for entry. It's often nice to have a bit of the local currency on hand (Swiss Franc, or CHF) for sundries upon arrival. German is the official language in Zurich, and locals speak a distinct Swiss German dialect.

City breaks in Zurich, which enjoys four seasons, are enticing year round. On average, July is the warmest month, January is the coldest, and precipitation levels are moderate. Whichever you prefer, you can easily find package holidays in Zurich, with comfy flights from London or Manchester.

The pleasing mildness of spring or autumn makes for a perfect weekend in Zurich – you'll delight in strolling along the Limmat River or through the winding cobblestone streets of the Altstadt and pausing at alluring boutiques and cafés at each bend. In winter, the family might enjoy a day at the nearby Dolder Open-Air Ice Rink, the country's largest; in summer, a sun-drenched cruise on Lake Zurich is an excellent day trip option.

With a flight to and hotel in Zurich, you'll have the opportunity to explore a smorgasbord of delightful activities:

• Go for a cruise on the Limmat River or Lake Zurich.
• Marvel at the elegant shops on glitzy Bahnhofstrasse.
• Visit a museum, enjoy a concert at the Tonhalle concert house, see the world-renowned Zurich Ballet at the Zurich Opera House or catch a play at the Schauspielhaus.
• Spend an afternoon sampling tantalising Swiss chocolates, sipping coffee at a café such as the Odeon or becoming a connoisseur of cheese fondue.
• Rejuvenate at one of Zurich's many wellness spas or thermal baths.
• Enjoy a spectacular panorama of the city from atop nearby Uetliberg.

Package holidays in Zurich open the door to a pleasing selection of attractions. City breaks in Zurich might include visits to

• Fraumuenster Church, to see its awe-inspiring stained glass windows by Chagall.
• FIFA World Football Museum, a must-see for any sports history fan.
• Kunsthaus Zurich, a fine museum near the famous Romanesque Grossmünster cathedral.
• Lindenhof Hill, a charming green spot offering an amazing view of the Old Town.
• Swiss National Museum, which houses an important collection of European cultural history.
• The Botanical Garden, the perfect place for a breather while walking around the city.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Zurich.

Eating in Zurich

When you opt for a flight to and hotel in Zurich, you'll get the chance to sample some of Switzerland's culinary delights, such as:

• Cheese fondue with accompanying bread and white wine; or its more deluxe counterpart, raclette.
• Bircher muesli, the celebrated breakfast cereal.
• Rösti, mouthwatering potato pancakes.
• Zürcher geschnetzeltes, a favourite veal dish in rich cream sauce.
• Zuger kirschtorte, a creamy nut and meringue cake flavoured with cherry brandy.

What can you bring home from Zurich?

Bring home some yummy sweets or fun souvenirs to conclude your memorable holiday. Swiss chocolate is considered to be some of the world's best, so bring back some Lindt truffles or Toblerone bars. Cheese lovers might appreciate a little gift of Swiss Emmental or Gruyere. A bottle of Riesling-Sylvaner wine from the Lake Zurich region is always a nice gesture. Finally, Swiss watches or cuckoo clocks are highly acclaimed and cherished the world over.