I'm a family travel expert, here's how to spend 24 hours in Zurich

So you’ve only got a day to explore Zurich? Not to worry! Whether you’re passing through or simply have other commitments to attend to, I’m here to tell you that 24 hours is enough to get a taste of this drop dead gorgeous Swiss city, the largest in fact in Switzerland. And there’s something for the whole family to enjoy, whether they’re eight months old or 88.

WHERE TO STAY

Boutique Hotel Seefeld

The four star Boutique Hotel Seefeld is super centrally located and thus the ideal base from which to explore the city. An easy train ride along from Zurich ’s main station - Zurich Hauptbahnhof, or Zurich HB - it’s set a couple of streets back from the banks of Lake Zurich on Seefeldstrasse, surrounded by bars, coffee shops and restaurants. Rooms at Seefeld are stylish, modern and meticulously clean. They’re spacious too. We had a family room, with a double bed, single bed and cot, and there was still more than enough space to lounge and relax after a day spent wandering. Breakfast, served in the bright and cheerful hotel restaurant on the ground floor is well considered, varied and delicious. Children are welcomed with open arms.

*Double rooms at the Boutique Hotel Seefeld in Zurich, start at £225 per night, which includes breakfast

WHERE TO EAT

Santa Lucia Niederdorf

I don’t know about your family, but mine can be fussy when it comes to eating… And as a result, an Italian restaurant is always a winner. This one has it all - location, heart and taste. Set in a little side street in the Old Town, steps away from the River Limmat, which flows off Lake Zurich and meanders through the centre of the city, it’s a gorgeous little spot to cool off and refuel. The pizzas were fabulous, as was the seafood linguine. Noise levels were reassuringly high. Service was spot on. All plates were cleared by the whole family in minutes.

WHERE TO WANDER

The Old Town

Zurich’s Old Town was made for strolling. It’s divided into two parts: the Niederdorf Quarter on the eastern side of the Limmat river and the Lindenhof Quarter on the west. They’re connected by the very Instagrammable Munsterbrucke bridge, which in itself is worth a look. Enjoy the pretty building facades, cobbled roads and winding alleys. FInd the historical Augustinergasse, a beautiful narrow street with well-preserved brightly painted bay windows and tumbling flower boxes. Stop for a drink in the Munsterhof, an open square in front of the Fraumunster Church (founded in 853 AD). Our five year old was particularly taken with the huge water fountain, which pours drinking water from its spout.

WHERE TO SHOP

Kanzlei Flea Market

Open every Saturday from May to October, from 7.20am until 4pm, the Kanzlei Flea Market is an Aladdin’s cave of pre-loved treasures, from jewellery to homeware to toys - and everything in between. Go for the vintage coats, and stay for the designer bags, cute tea sets and gilded mirrors. The latter had me wishing we’d driven so I could take one home, although, that said, some sellers are happy to ship larger items for you for a fee.

WHERE TO SIT

Lake Zurich

To sit a while and wile away the hours, it has to be the banks of Lake Zurich. And with a circumference of around 40km, there are plenty of spots to enjoy. However, the best can be found by heading left around the lake when walking out from of the centre of town. You’ll find yourself on a long path right by the shore, along which are ice cream stands, seats, coffee carts and so many picturesque picnic patches you’ll be hard pressed to decide which one to choose. When we were there, the Zurich Food Festival was in full flow, which was fantastic and went on for miles down the path with endless food and drink options. When the weather is hot you can cool off in the Lake - absolute bliss.

WHAT TO DO

Lindt Home of Chocolate

What do you think of when you hear the word Switzerland, or Swiss? Watches, engineering… and chocolate, of course. So what better way to spend an hour or so than in the control centre of all things chocolate: the Lindt factory. Inside there are ingredient demos, workshops, tastings and more. Oh, and there’s a 9m chocolate fountain too. It’s the stuff of Willy Wonker!

GETTING THERE

One way flights to Switzerland with SWISS start from £76 to Zurich and include all taxes, fees, surcharges, checked luggage and hand luggage.