Beyond Beyond its status as a bankers' metropolis, Zurich offers modern living against a lakeside setting. As Switzerland's largest city, it serves as both a financial district and cultural hub. It is, in fact, relatively small with an old and new town boasting a variety of architecture, from traditional to design-led. As the birthplace of Dadaism and the former home of an exiled Lenin, Zurich hosts an array of unique history. With the mountains just an hour away, it's a perfect pit stop before your winter ski trip or a weekend getaway.

Being one of the wealthiest and most liveable cities of the 21st century might not sound like a particularly sexy accolade, but a younger generation have softened Zurich with a creative flourish, taking the city far beyond big banks and punctual trains.