Zurich is often mistaken for just business suits and clean streets, but look closer and you’ll find a city buzzing with quiet cool. It’s where old-world charm meets sharp design, where lakeside swims turn into gallery hops, and where locals actually do leave the office early to catch golden hour. Compact, creative, and effortlessly stylish, Zurich is the kind of place that surprises you; softly, but deeply.
This week, KHAMSA explores Zurich in a special way. Instead of handing the city over to just one voice, we asked three sisters, creatives, and co-founders of Kamushki Studio. Born to Libyan roots and raised in Switzerland, Mariam, Dania, and Alla Sawedeg are a trio you want to travel with: stylish, sharp, and endlessly curious. Together, they turn their hometown into a map of inspiration, full of personal favorites, nostalgic spots, and unexpected gems.
Each sister brings something different to the table. Mariam (@mariamsawedeg on Instagram), a jewelry designer and wellness enthusiast, sees the world through the lens of longevity, chasing beauty that lasts, whether in a piece of gold or a morning ritual. Dania (@daniasawedeg on Instagram) is all about the pulse: a communications maven who juggles trend-spotting with storytelling and always knows what’s next. Alla (@sawbyalla on Instagram), with her fashion roots and business instincts, brings clarity, curation, and a strong visual sense to every project. Together, they don’t just show us Zurich, they reframe it. Think less tourist guide, more sisterhood-led journey into the city’s soul.
Top must-visit food spots?
Lulu Restaurant (@restaurant.lulu.zh) – “Super charming place right on top of the Opernhaus which is monumental in Zurich & sits on Bellevue platz”.
Kindli (@kindlizurich) – Swiss Food
For yummy weiner schnitzel and rosti, you can never have enough while you’re in Zurich.
Trattoria Sempre (@trattoria.sempre)
Super cute Italian spot in old town zurich called Trattoria Sempre (Niederdorf).
Obere Fluhgasse – Authentic Swiss food
Swiss style food and very authentic honestly, they have the best zürcher geschnetzeltes with yummy Rösti (Swiss style potatoes). The menu is adorable and hand written.
Gelateria di Berna – “Best Ice cream spot in town its on langstrasse which is the up coming area in Zurich”.
Monocle – “Great coffee and perfect for people watching”.
Marmo (@cafe.maxmo) – “Cute café that recently opened, new finds!”
Le Raymond (@leraymondbar) – “A classic for people watching and it’s by the river”.
Must-visit cultural spots?
Kunsthaus (@kunsthauszuerich)
Great museum! They always have good exhibitions and of course one of our favorite ERA, impressionism. They have a lot of pieces from Monet and currently showcasing Jeffrey Gibson.
Flea Market
On Saturdays at the Bürkli platz. Flower market on Fridays!
Best places for sundowners/roof-top places?
The Nest at Storchen Hotel – “One of our favorite hotels. It has a great roof top overlooking the lake and old town.”
Fischers Fritz – “Typical Swiss style place by the lake / yummy fresh fish – great place for the summer.”
Best places for shopping?
Bongenie – “The OG of Zurich we use to shop there growing up, my parents got us hooked and they recently revamped the entire store, it’s on Bahnhofstrasse and they have all the amazing brands form Alaïa, Chloe and Etro.”
Love at the bus stop (@loveatthebusstop)
The owner has the best eye for vintage pieces, his selection is out of this world. We always must stop by when we are in town, and we could spend hours there.
Maison Julie (@maisonjuliezurich)
Super charming store in old town & has a lot of home wear and cute shoes.
Trois Pommes Vintage (@troispommesvintage) – “Huge loft with so many archives honestly, it’s one of our top picks as you can see, we love our vintage pieces, and we have been collecting for years (in the images I got my hand on this
vintage Dior dress).”
Best boutique hotels to stay in?
Underrated Places
Kusenbad (@kusenbadkuesnacht)
Great for a hot summer day you can tan swim in the lake and eat yummy fresh food. It’s owned by an Italian family so its super cozy / (swimming lake spot with catch of the day dishes)
We really think Zurich is an underrated city. Generally, it doesn’t seem to be at the top of anyone’s list, but it should be, especially after reading this guide! There’s so much to see and do in the city! The quality of food and life is top notch with incredible views.
What should you avoid?
Don’t rent a car in the city its super easy and accessible. The Forchbahn and Trams are so easy, also you can walk everywhere when you’re in the center.
Must-pack items?
Well, it really depends on whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter.
Summer anything light as it gets hot! Skirts, linens, ballet flats – no heels the city it’s not made for heels it’s just super casual place with a touch of style!
For a winter trip a faux fur jacket or fur jacket! Boots, leather pants, denims and lots of turtlenecks!
(CASUAL CHIC)
A pair is sneakers is always needed as you do a lot of walking around the city.
SPF is needed as the sun is strong in Switzerland.
Any tips and tricks to tackle the city?
- Download ZVV app to help you navigate the trams, which is the best and fastest way to get around.
- Rent a bike or scooter through Uber (Lime) also a great way to get around the city.
For the Airport:
Must get chocolate from Sprungli in our opinion its better than Laderach! They also have yummy small sandwiches, you’re better off eating that than airplane food!
Márche – It’s an amazing market like place where you can make your own salad, fresh
juices and bakes.
