Sprüngli is a Zürich institution, a “Confiserie” selling chocolate, pastries, cakes, as well as sandwiches and other savory delights. The main location at Paradeplatz has a traditional café above the shop, with a cozy interior and lots of windows looking over the busy Paradeplatz.

Since they are a chocolate shop, they use their high quality chocolate for their drinks as well. We always order their house-made 70% dark chocolate with whipped cream, which is usually served on the side so you can spoon it in gradually.

Instead of a croissant, we prefer the truffle brioche, with a chocolate truffle baked inside the bread. But go early, as they can sell out quickly. We also can’t resist their very rich Bircher Müesli, often with seasonal berries.

Best to make a reservation, especially on weekends, essential if you are more than 4. If you like the hot chocolate, they sell it as a shaved chocolate mix in their shop downstairs.

What to drink: 70% Grand Cru house-made hot chocolate with cream or Chocolate Dalgona with hazelnut crunch and grand cru chocolate foam

What to eat: Truffe Brioche, seasonal Bircher Müesli

Website: www.spruengli.ch

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 21, 8001 Zürich

Since Zurich is relatively small and mostly car-free, it's best to explore on foot. Most landmarks clustered in the old town along the river, so you can see most everything within an hour or two.

If you want a flexible schedule, try my self-guided Zurich walking tour that wanders the cobblestone lanes of the old town.

If you don’t have time or energy for a full walking tour, we suggest visiting a few of the most popular landmarks and viewpoints. See all our favorite Zurich photo spots.

⏱️Plan about 90 mins to 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make at various landmarks and shops.

Other options

I also have chocolate walking tour, which visits a bunch of chocolate shops as you explore the old town, particularly nice if you have kids in your group.

➡️ See also Guided Walking Tours and Reduced Mobility Tours.

The “Landesmuseum” in Zürich showcases the history and culture of Switzerland, from prehistoric times to the present day. They have a large collection of artifacts, including weapons, textiles, and artwork, which can help you understand what life was like in Switzerland throughout many centuries.

I often take my visitors here to answer all their questions about Switzerland. I learn something new every time I visit.

If you have children in tow, they will enjoy the interactive exhibits, including a replica of an old Swiss village, a medieval castle, and a children’s discovery room. They offer a free “Family bag” and “Discovery suitcase” for families, both of which include puzzles and fun activities for children to compete during their museum visit.

Location: in Zurich city – Museumstrasse 2, Zürich

Discounts: Free under age 16 / Free with Zürich Card, Swiss Museum Pass, Raiffeisen Members

Website: www.landesmuseum.ch

During the Christmas market season, the courtyard of the Swiss National Museum (aka Landesmuseum) because a festive food court, filled with yummy food stands and thousands of lights covering the walls. People come here to eat and enjoy the ambiance, standing shoulder to shoulder at standing tables.

They have a fondue chalet with indoor seating, reservations highly recommended. It’s free to enter the food court. For a fee, you can watch a light and music show projected on the building walls.

Website: illuminarium.ch

Location: Landesmuseum /

Transit stop: Zürich HB or tram stop Bahnhofquai/HB

Dates: 7 Nov to 30 Dec 2024 (closed 24 & 25 Dec)

Opening times: food stands open daily 17:00 – 23:00

Our full review: https://swissfamilyfun.com/illuminarium/