Switzerland Is The Best Place To Visit On Winter Break

While most flock to someplace warm and tropical during the months leading into spring, there are many like us, who enjoy traveling to a destination that embraces a chilly season. This January, our urban escape brought us to Switzerland. As a whole, Switzerland offers the ideal balance of picturesque old towns for exciting strolls, vibrant art, food, and a smorgasbord of shopping. The lovely city also highligts festive treats involving skiing and ice-skating. The country is known for ski resorts, hiking trails, raclette, chocolate and clocks, and where you will meet the friendliest people on the planet.

Where To Go

Zurich

Zurich is a buzzing city that has a mixture of shopping from luxury boutiques including Chanel and Harry Winston on Bahnhofstrasse to indie designers and vintage shops at Im Viadukt. It is the birthplace of Dada art movement, and the recognizable Helvetica font.

Winterthur

Take an off the beaten path to Winterthur, a mid-sized town less than 30 minutes from Zurich. Practically the whole town is pedestrian friendly making it easy to stroll car-free. However, there are many cyclists, as Switzerland has a large number of bike commuters. Shops, museums, restaurants, markets and festivals surround Winterthur, making it a perfect meeting place for locals and visitors and a great escape from touristy areas.

Lucerne

Lucerne, or Luzern, is known for its mountains, lake and spectacular views. Located just 45 minutes from Zurich, lies an incredibly pretty setting. Snowy peaks, wooden footbridges across the Reuss River, and fresco-painted houses lining the old town square.

Where To Stay

25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse

This hip hotel boast 170 rooms located in the factory district of Zurich and steps away from restaurants, bars and trendy boutiques geared towards modern urban outdoor enthusiasts.

Where To Drink

Cinchona Bar

Located in the lobby of 25hours Hotel, Cinchona Bar is the go to place for lovers of highball drinks. The laid back ambiance is the perfect blend with lounge-like booths, a bicycle adorned over the bar, and signature cocktails and fare. Try the Penicillin Highball featuring Monkey shoulder whiskey, Laphroaig 10 year, agave syrup, lemon and ginger beer. The Morgenthaler Sour, involving Maker’s Mark bourbon, amaretto, sugar, lemon, and egg white and the M & M Highball with Amores Mezcal and mango soda.

Bar Am Wasser

This stylish bar adorned with plush velvet, embellished lighting, and a collection of cocktail shakers from the around the world. The cocktail menu is broken into chapters on classic cocktails. Try the Walnut; their twist on and Old Fashioned involving corn, walnut, and old fortified Jerez grape and maple. Or the Other Tea Time, their next level Highball featuring Juniper, Grain, Lemon, Jasmine Tea, Soda and egg white.

Tales Bar

Small and cozy, Tales Bar is the ideal date nightspot or hangout with friends for drinks. The leather bound menu highlights exciting stories with spirits presented in swank glasses including Rye Whiskey, Mezcal and Navy Gin. Order the Mother in Law, featuring Michters Rye, Maraschino liqueur, Cointreau, Picon Orange liqueur, sugar and bitters and the Trinidad Sour with Rye Whiskey, Angostura Bitters, limes, and Tales Orgeat.

Widder Bar & Kitchen

Located inside one of the leading hotels of the world The Widder Hotel, this bar features an extensive wall of spirits, that you are bound to find that favorite Bourbon or Whisky.

Where To Eat

Wild Bowls Luzern

We were in super food heaven at Wild Bowls when visiting Luzern. The menu shares our passion for healthy eating options featuring Buddha Bowls packed with quinoa, spicy tofu, and avocado or beets, zucchini and baby spinach.