Zurich is frequently cited as the city offering the world’s best quality of life. It is situated where the Limmat River issues from the northwestern end of Lake Zurich, about 20 miles north of the Alps. Switzerland’s largest city and its financial capital is predictably clean and efficient, and it displays a rich cultural heritage, with beautifully restored historic buildings. The quays that line the banks of the river and lake make for leisurely exploring, and the snowcapped Alps wait nearby, luring skiers or merely providing a spectacular natural backdrop.