Narrow alleyways and romantic streets. Beautiful church spires that pierce the sky. And a lovely lakefront with summertime swimming clubs.

Zurich in my mind is one of the most surprising cities in Europe; a great mix of steep, cobblestone streets mixed with vibrant, up-and-coming neighbourhoods in a beautiful setting. Here’s a look at some of great things the city has to offer.

FRAUMUNSTER CATHEDRAL: To me, this is one of the real treasures of Europe; a striking, 13th century church with plenty of modern touches. Perhaps the most striking recent addition are the panels created by renowned artist Marc Chagall in 1971; towering designs in stunning shades of blue, green and red with biblical scenes and, naturally, Chagall’s omnipresent horse heads. You’ll also find stained glass windows designed by esteemed artist Augusto Giacometti.

THE OLD CITY: Central Zurich features endless, romantic alleyways and narrow streets lined with quaint shops and a huge variety of sidewalk cafes that are perfect for sipping a cup of coffee or a crisp Swiss lager. After your beer, work things off by hiking to the top of the Grossmunster Cathedral, a Romanesque-style Protestant cathedral that offers remarkable views of the city and the surrounding countryside if you’re willing to make the climb to the top of the lookout.

PUBLIC TRANSIT: This sounds odd, but simply taking a public transit line in Zurich is an amazing experience. The trip from the airport to the central train station is seamless, and city trams list arrival times at various stops along the way so you’ll know exactly when you’ll arrive at your destination, or when the next tram on another line will be departing. The main train station is a beauty; with lovely cafes and shops and an extraordinary market at Christmas. I was in the city during Pride Week several years ago and spotted a young man on a tram wearing nothing but lavender panties and a matching bra. Hey, this isn’t your grandmother’s Zurich.

WEST ZURICH This city may be famous for banking and button-down financiers, but the West Zurich area features late-night clubs with the latest music pounded at ear-splitting decibels and groovy deejays. The area also is home to trendy shops and cutting-edge restaurants. A gritty, surprising part of a city that doesn’t get enough credit for its diversity.

LAKE SWIMS Zurich residents embrace summer in a big way, with wonderful swim clubs that pop up along the shores of the Zurich See (Lake Zurich). It’s a wonderful way to embrace summer and enjoy some fresh air. When I was there a few years ago, a local guide told me that “everyone in Zurich in summer is either at the lake, on the lake or in the lake.”

GREAT HOTELS The Dolder Grand sits high on a hill overlooking the city, with beautiful rooms and a truly amazing spa with a wide variety of treatments guaranteed to soothe the most tire of travellers. The Ambassador a la Opera is lovely, boutique property while the Radisson Zurich Airport is a fine choice for business foks. If you’re on a budget, try the Best Western Plus Hotel Zuercherhof.

DINING Veal Zurichoise might be the city’s most famous dish; lovely veal topped with a creamy mushrooms sauce. But you’ll also find excellent Italian food (Switzerland butts up against the north end of Italy), great Asian cuisine and lots more. To me, a buffet at a fine Swiss hotel is as good as it gets; fresh breads of all description, creamy, fresh butter, oodles of jam varieties, freshly made Birchermuesli, plus creamy yogurt, ham and other meats, flaky croissants and good, strong coffee. A great way to start your day.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Air Canada will begin direct flights from Vancouver to Zurich on June 7. Zurich Airport offers fantastic connections to cities all around Europe and the world.