Zurich was once again named the «smartest city in the world». Switzerland's largest city is a multifaceted destination worth discovering.
The IMD Smart City Index recently revealed the world's "smartest" cities for 2024, with Zurich topping the list for the fourth consecutive year. But what does a "smart" city mean?
The IMD Smart City Index assesses "residents' perceptions on issues related to the structures and technology available to them in their city", with "structures" referring to infrastructure and technology. It then evaluated 142 cities in terms of health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance.
Zurich performed particularly well in public transport, health, education, and public safety. It's worth noting that Oslo came in second place, also for the fourth time, earning especially high marks for minimal traffic congestion and green spaces. Australia's capital, Canberra, Geneva and Singapore round out the top five.
Zurich: A city with many faces
Commenting on the Swiss city's first-place finish, the travel magazine Travel + Leisure notes that Zurich isn't just a global hub of innovation, but also one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of mountains, lovely lakes, and serene rivers, Zurich offers abundant natural, historical, and cultural attractions and hides plenty of surprises for every traveler.
At Zurich's heart lies the Old Town, the Altstadt, with its cobbled alleys, welcoming bars, luxury boutiques, and medieval cathedrals. The city boasts more than 70 parks and gardens, as well as 150 museums and galleries, including the famed Kunsthaus Zürich and the Swiss National Museum.
To truly appreciate the city's grandeur, stroll along the Limmat River or take a cruise on Lake Zurich. Don't miss heading up Mount Uetliberg to savor the city's stunning views.
Food lovers will discover a vibrant culinary scene that includes traditional cafés and more than a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants. It's worth tasting Swiss chocolate at the Lindt Home of Chocolate or indulging in a mouthwatering fondue at the Swiss Chuchi restaurant at the Hotel Adler.
A lineup of luxury hotels graces Zurich, from the Mandarin Oriental Savoy, housed in a historic building on the famed Paradeplatz, to The Dolder Grand, a magical castle hotel perched atop Adlisberg hill and adorned with more than 100 works of art.
With information from Travel + Leisure
