Stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, for boutique shopping by day and buzzing bars and restaurants by night.

Take a trip out to the Jardin Albert Kahn and immerse yourself in orchards, rose gardens and forests that combine French, Japanese and English garden design. They were originally created by banker Albert Kahn before the Wall Street Crash, after which he lost his bank and his fortunes – including this garden.

Head to Paris' Marais quarter for indie boutiques and some of the city's coolest bars.

Climb Zürich's mountain, Uetliberg, which towers an impressive 850m high and offers great views of the city and its lake. There are hiking and biking trails here, and you can also book tobogganing and paragliding. 

For a wonderful way to see the city, take to the water. Head out on a boat trip on Zürichsee, the city's namesake lake, or a flat bottomed boat tour of Limmat river from Landesmuseum station.

Get lost in infinity or dance on the ceiling at the museum of immersive optical illusions. One of Zürich's zaniest attractions, the WOW Museum will appeal to kids of all ages (and adults young at heart). 

Head down to Obersee lake and take to pedalo, paddleboard or boat surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

Take the cable car to the summit of the Weisshorn for spectacular panoramic views across the Grisons peaks, and keep an eye out for bears as you pass over Arosa's wild Bärenland (bear sanctuary) on your way up.

For adventurers with a head for heights, take on the 12.6-kilometre loop up the imposing Schiesshorn mountain; you'll be rewarded with incredible views from the top. Don't forget to add your name to the signature book at the summit!

Lecco is on the eastern branch of Lake Como and the area's beaches are a welcome escape from Lake Como's busier shores. There are public beaches close to town: Orsa Maggiore is the closest (next to the road, fairly busy with a beach bar and wakeboarding), others can be reached by train.

The Erna Piani is a mountain resort accessed by cable car (the base of which can be reached by bus number 5 from Lecco). There's a stunning viewpoint at the peak and hiking trails – in winter there's sledding and snoeshoeing.

Head to the outskirts of the city to visit La Vigna di Leonardo, Leonardo Da Vinci's small vineyard, which is housed in the peaceful gardens of Casa degli Atellani, a 15th-century mansion.

Spend an evening at the Teatro alla Scala – better known as La Scala. One of the world's most iconic theatres, the Neoclassical building provides a suitably graceful setting for opera and ballet performances.