Nothing is as it seems in Zurich. Churches double as modern art galleries, bathhouses by day become nightclubs by night, and breweries have been converted into spas. The city consistently named as one of the best places to live in the world by Mercer consulting is famous for it’s contrasts. On a hot summer day by the lake you can see snow covered Alps on the horizon and just a short train ride away you can hike on nearby Uetliberg Mountain.

Walking around the city, you can’t escape culture; the Fraumuenster church www.fraumuenster.ch has stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Originally the nuns who managed the church also ran the city, for instance, they selected the mayor.

Women used to be allowed to join the trade guilds, but now only men are allowed in these clubs. While walking in a park overlooking Zurich University we stumbled upon a furrier guild. Despite the heat, the men proudly wore their feathered hats and dark suits while unfurling their flag and drinking toasts to days of yore. The guilds, which were originally started as support for craftsman, are still thriving thanks to families who want to ensure this ancient tradition continues.

To cover more ground, pick up one of the free bikes at rental spots strategically located throughout the area. (www.zuerirolt.ch). The city has over 200 heavy duty bikes available free of charge seven days of week. No reservations needed.

When you get thirsty, take advantage of the gushing fountains, one of the largest number of water jets in the world and also some of the cleanest H20 you’ll ever find.

If agua doesn’t quench your thirst, head for Hurlimann. This brewery is now a public thermal spa, supplied by a fresh spring, and connected to a new four-star boutique hotel.

The city is dotted with popular “bathhouses” where men and women exercise and relax during the day. At dusk, these pools are transformed into nightclubs. There’s nothing better on a warm night than soaking your feet in the water while holding a sipping some crisp Swiss white wine.

If you still can’t see the light to visiting this city, Zurich will show you the way. A “Plan Lumiere” is lighting up buildings and parks at night for the enjoyment of passengers on boat cruises and lovers strolling hand in hand along the lake.

Many Zurich tourists have also visited the infamous banks. Now you can learn more about the about the country’s economic history in the Swiss national museum which just opened a permanent exhibit on the development of the country’s economic history, www.landesmuseen.ch.

When it comes time to write home, forget email. Landold-Arbenz AG, www.landldt-arbenz.ch, on Banhofstrasse is dedicated to old-fashioned pen and paper. Linger over remnants of a bygone romantic era when letter openers, inkwells, fountain pens, and diaries, were treasured.

If you haven’t made travel plans for the summer, or your trip takes you near Switzerland, check out the Zurich festival in June and July. It’s a full calendar of opera, concerts, plays, dances, and Fringe Theater.

For more information: On the city of Zurich, www.zuerich.com and Switzerland, myswitzerland.com. For flight information, it's Swiss International Air Lines at www.swiss.com.  This article was written by Ruth Carlson and used with her permission.  All photos by Rich Carlson/talkintravel with the exception of the Zurich Festival, from www.zuerich.com.

For more travel insights, check out the International Travel Insights Examiner.  Video #1 provided by ZurichTourism off Youtube and Video #2 by Rich Carlson off Youtube.