It is hard to believe that Zurich isn't Switzerland's capital. Inarguably the country's most important city economically, and a major European business centre to boot, Zurich can also boast the biggest and best cultural attractions in the nation. The Swiss National Museum, Switzerland's largest church and a truly international selection of restaurants are just a few of the attractions that draw visitors to this beautiful city.

But Zurich is a city that has always had a rebellious spirit, and perhaps it is this more than anything that has prevented the city usurping Berne as capital. Quite unlike anywhere else in Switzerland, where most towns seem to have hit the pause button sometime in the 17th century, Zurich positively embraces change. Compared to the rest of the nation it is a dynamic place and well deserving of its international reputation as a 21st century city.

Dynamism is a characteristic that has defined Zurich's growth over the centuries. It made the city one of the leading lights of the Reformation and even today the city has an exciting Modern Art movement best seen in the excellent Kunsthaus and the Fraümunster Church, with its experimental stained glass windows. More traditional entertainment can be found at the Opera House and from the Tonhalle Orchestra, one of Europe's finest musical ensembles.
The high number of business visitors means excellent - if slightly expensive - hotels and restaurants, although many hotels are cheaper at the weekend when tourists replace the business travellers that form a fair percentage of the city's midweek population.
Zurich is also a good base for exploring the rest of Switzerland. Ski resorts including St Moritz are nearby, while Basel, Lucerne and Interlaken are all only an easy day trip away.