Zurich's top places to splash the cash

Politicians, artists, writers and international superstars have all passed through the unpretentious doors of this establishment and wondered where they would be seated - below the Chagall, next to the Miro, left of the Braque? 

Originally opened in 1899, the Dolder Grand was equipped with two additional wings by Norman Foster and re-opened in 2008. It has hosted celebrities like Sophia Loren, Albert Einstein and the Rolling Stones and offers some of the most exquisite accommodation in town. Some love it for its secluded location, but others will miss the city’s hustle and bustle.

At Grieder, you can find some of the most popular luxury brands all under one roof, including Burberry, Akris, Isabel Marant, Diane von Fürstenberg, Chloé, Stella McCartney and many more. The concept store on the top floor sells various original items, and the café with its terrace is a great hangout for female best friends.

The lobby in the Baur au Lac, one of Switzerland’s most iconic hotels, has undergone a dramatic renovation recently, making it a truly stunning centre point to this grand dame of Swiss luxury hotels. Everything is done to a high standard at this hotel, making it a consistently excellent all-rounder, yet it manages to remain relaxed and unstuffy. 

You might expect people to come here mainly for the view from the 35th floor of the Prime Tower, but the food might actually exceed your expectations. David Martinez Salvany creates dishes inspired by his Catalonian heritage, and there is even a full tasting menu for vegetarians. So do pay attention to this tingling sensation in your taste buds while looking out of the window.

Seefeld is the Notting Hill of Zurich and this independent store perfectly captures the neighbourhood’s cosmopolitan attitude. 

Adriana Tripa works to the motto that “anybody can look like a star”. At LOOX Photostudio in Zurich she offers photography with make-up and styling for men and women and has worked with celebrities including Uma Thurman, Sylvester Stallone, Cameron Diaz and Roger Federer.

Switzerland is of course associated with luxury watches but it’s somewhat surprising to discover that none are made in Zurich. Watch entrepreneur Daniel Dreifuss, one of the most charismatic characters you can meet in the city, is the founder of Maurice de Mauriac, the only watch brand made in Zurich. 

One of the top destinations for local fashionista's thanks to owner Laurence Antiglio's lovingly curated collections which showcase of-the-moment designers plus cute lifestyle accessories. 

2B for Hair is among Zurich’s top names in hairdressing, and counts high profile sportspeople, musicians and fashion industry folk to its client list. 

This former cinema was Zurich’s most beautiful ruin for many years and has finally been reborn as a fine restaurant. Its interior is classy, stylish and elegant and has the air of a British gentlemen’s club.

Based on set menus which feature a series of small tapas style dishes that are fixed around the themes of veggie or meat, it makes for gourmet pick ‘n’ mix experience. 

This gentrified brassiere restaurant, awarded 15 points by the Gault-Millau gourmet guide, attracts a bohemian and lively crowd of local literati and financial wheeler-dealers. 

Jacky Donatz’ food palace high up on the Zürichberg has been one of the best addresses in town for years. Though the food tends to be slightly overrated, everything is nicely served and presented, service is friendly and the view is certainly worth coming here for. Definitely a good place for a business lunch with important customers.

Be it a business lunch or a fancy dinner with the family, the Kindli restaurant provides the necessary elegance. 

Zurich-based clinic Smoothline was founded in 2007 and was the first clinic in the city to specialise in botulinum (aka botox) and fillers. It offers treatments for wrinkles, lips, facial contouring, dark eye circles, sweat and hydration, and has become renowned for ensuring clients achieve a natural look.