Felicity Long
Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is also one of its most important, thanks to a solid reputation for finance and banking.
But it is cool?
First-time visitors might be surprised to find a destination that, in fact, has a lot of what Europhiles typically look for — a picturesque medieval center, charming river walks and seasonal festivals.
Food Zurich
This fall, for example, the 11-day Food Zurich festival showcases the region's cuisine with more than 100 foodie events in various city venues.
Cooking classes, workshops, tastings and food tours are on the menu, and this year's theme -- Culinary Future -- focuses on sustainable food trends that promote not only the health of the diner, but also the health of the environment.
Events at this year's festival, which will run from Sept. 7 to 17, include a tour of sustainable chocolate factories in Zurich, a cheese-making workshop and a cooking class on plant-based street food.
Autumn is also mushroom season in the Lake Zurich region, and restaurants will feature local varieties in such popular dishes as fondue.
Zurich Design Weeks
Another annual event, Zurich Design Weeks features special exhibitions, workshops and talks centered around design in the city.
This year, the event, set to run through Sept. 19, is themed around "Transition" and opens studios and shops to the public and showcases new works from well-known brands and designers.
Digital Art Zurich
Meanwhile, Zurich is no stranger to the dialogue about digital art — so much so that the annual Digital Art Zurich festival is already in its fourth year.
This year's events will take place from Oct. 19 to 29 and will present works from international artists, focusing on the new, virtual realities of digital media.
Venues are scattered throughout the city, and events will include exhibitions, panels, talks, workshops and guided tours.
The goal of the festival is to showcase artistry while encouraging discussions on the influence of digitalization on our everyday lives.
Outdoors in Zurich
It's no secret that Switzerland is a magnet for outdoorsy travelers, and Zurich proves that you don't have to go far afield to enjoy nature.
Hop on a Sauna Boat on Lake Zurich, for example, where you can detox in the floating sauna, then cool off with a plunge in the lake.
Or wander through any of the 70 or so parks in and near the city, including botanical gardens, museum parks and promenades along the lake.
You can also walk or e-bike along the Limmat River promenade into Old Town, where some of the architecture predates the medieval era.