Zurich

Perched on the northern shores of Lake Zurich, Switzerland's largest and wealthiest city is also one of the world's leading financial centers and is regularly named as one of the most livable cities across the globe. Zurich bears witness to over 2000 years of history, its Medieval old town a beautifully preserved chronicle of its past, while its post-industrial streak for revitalization is best observed at Züri-West where old warehouses have been seamlessly transformed into vibrant cultural centers. Of its collection of over 50 museums, the Kunsthaus and the Rietberg Museum harbor some of the world's finest art collections, while the Swiss National Museum exhibits the nation's cultural heritage. Zurich is also a world renown destination for shopping, the bustling Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf host to the world's foremost designer labels as well as trend-setting, local brands. Besides stunning vistas of the distant Alps and the shimmering waters of Lake Zurich, this city is the place to experience Swiss nightlife at its best, its numerous clubs and bars more flamboyant, flashy and fashionable than any of its sister cities. Parties rarely start before 11p and go on well into the wee hours of the morning. From its historic quarters to the vivacity of its post-industrial enclaves, Zurich is Switzerland's cultural icon.