Switzerland

Cost of living

What a month costs

One of the world's priciest cities, with rent and groceries that bite hard.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Zurich

1. Old Town and NiederdorfCobbled lanes, guild houses and cafes packed into the historic core.
2. BahnhofstrasseThe famous shopping mile running from the station down to the lake.
3. GrossmünsterTwin-towered Romanesque church tied to the Swiss Reformation, climb for views.
4. FraumünsterRiverside church prized for its glowing Marc Chagall stained glass windows.
5. Lake ZurichSwim spots, promenades and boat rides framed by distant Alps.
6. LindenhofLeafy hilltop terrace with the best free view over the old town.
7. Kunsthaus ZürichSwitzerland's leading art museum, from Old Masters to modern classics.
8. Swiss National MuseumCastle-like building telling the story of Switzerland beside the station.
9. UetlibergThe city's local mountain, a short train ride to panoramic Alpine views.
10. St. Peter ChurchHome to the largest church clock face in Europe.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. LucerneStorybook lake town with the wooden Chapel Bridge, under an hour by train.
2. Rhine Falls, SchaffhausenThe largest waterfall in Europe, easy day out to the north.
3. Interlaken and the Jungfrau regionGateway to Alpine peaks, glaciers and the Top of Europe railway.
4. BernThe relaxed federal capital with a UNESCO old town and arcaded streets.
5. Stein am RheinA tiny medieval town famous for its painted facades on the Rhine.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Confiserie SprüngliThe Paradeplatz institution behind those featherlight Luxemburgerli macarons.
2. Grand Café OdeonGrand Art Nouveau room where Lenin and James Joyce once sat.
3. Conditorei Péclard im SchoberFairy-tale interior famous for its thick hot chocolate and pastries.
4. Café HenriciRelaxed spot by the Grossmünster for coffee and a quiet break.
5. ViCAFELocal specialty roaster with quick espresso bars across the city.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. KronenhalleTimeless dining room hung with real Picasso, Chagall and Miró works.
2. ZeughauskellerHistoric beer hall in an old armory serving hearty sausages and rösti.
3. Haus HiltlThe world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, running since 1898.
4. Swiss ChuchiReliable old-town address for bubbling cheese fondue and raclette.
5. Zunfthaus zur WaagElegant guild house plating classic Swiss cuisine by the Fraumünster.
6. Le DézaleyCozy Vaud-style tavern devoted to fondue, raclette and Swiss wine.
7. Sternen GrillLegendary street stand for a grilled bratwurst with crusty bread and mustard.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Babu's Bakery & CoffeehouseBuzzy all-day brunch spot with big bowls, eggs and fresh bakes.
2. John BakerPopular sourdough bakery for excellent bread, pastries and coffee.
3. Café ZähringerCooperative-run classic with a generous, veggie-friendly weekend brunch.
4. Café BoyNeighborhood favorite in Kreis 4 for a laid-back late breakfast.
5. Confiserie HonoldHistoric confiserie for morning pastries and proper Swiss chocolate.
6. Frau Gerolds GartenWarm-weather urban garden that draws crowds for weekend brunch.
7. GamperMarket-driven kitchen known for a fresh, seasonal brunch menu.
8. KafischnapsFriendly Kreis 6 cafe with a lively brunch and good coffee.
9. MAMESerious specialty coffee bar with pastries for a quick morning stop.