Zurich is historic, clean, wealthy, interesting and has proper weather; hot enough in summer to swim in the lake and cold enough in winter for fur coats to be cool. If money is no object stay at the Widder Hotel in the old town, near the Bahnhofstrasse; up to 1500CHF (£900).

If you are on a budget eat outside at Vorderer Sternen Grill in Bellevue, Zurich's most famous sausage stand. A large traditional bratwurst, bread and (hot!) mustard costs just 6CHF (£3.60).

For traditional Swiss food the Zeughauskeller is in a medieval armory, just behind the Paradeplatz. The portions are hearty and served with local beer, the Dunkle Perle is fabulous. Kropf across the road has a more upmarket menu. Originally a 15th century private house, occupied by the mayor in the 18th century and turned into a restaurant and beer hall in 1888, its original decor is practically unchanged. Closed for renovation recently, it re-opened looking exactly the same but cleaner.