Aarau is the German-speaking capital city of the northern Swiss canton of Aargau. It lies south of the German border, east of Berne and Basel, north of Lucerne, and west of Zurich.
The old town is nice to stroll around. A special feature are the around 70 painted roofs along the city centre.
- Stadtmuseum Aarau, Schlossplatz 23, +41 62 836 05 17. Tu W F 11:00-18:00, Th 11:00-20:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00. This museum in a castle tower tells the story of 100 people from Aarau over the centuries. It also houses temporary exhibitions. Fr. 8/5.
- Meyersche Stollen.
- Visitor centre Frey chocolate, Bresteneggstrasse 4, Buchs AG (Bus 1 from Aarau station, +41 62 836 24 25. Tu-Su 10:00–17:00. While Frey chocolate is not as known as other chocolate brands abroad, it is very popular in Switzerland, due to the fact that it is sold at the Migros supermarket chain. The exhibition at the factory shows how chocolate is made. There is also a chocolate tasting included in the visit. Fr. 12/6.
Stadtmuseum Aarau, Schlossplatz 23, +41 62 836 05 17. Tu W F 11:00-18:00, Th 11:00-20:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00. This museum in a castle tower tells the story of 100 people from Aarau over the centuries. It also houses temporary exhibitions. Fr. 8/5.
Meyersche Stollen.
Visitor centre Frey chocolate, Bresteneggstrasse 4, Buchs AG (Bus 1 from Aarau station, +41 62 836 24 25. Tu-Su 10:00–17:00. While Frey chocolate is not as known as other chocolate brands abroad, it is very popular in Switzerland, due to the fact that it is sold at the Migros supermarket chain. The exhibition at the factory shows how chocolate is made. There is also a chocolate tasting included in the visit. Fr. 12/6.
Chocolate formed like Swiss army knives (Mercur).
- small rolls from Mayer bakery
- delicious chocolate, can be found everywhere.
- Try the Chinese restaurant near the tourist office (they come from Hong Kong)
- Mercur chocolate also sells small cups of good expensive ice cream (green tea ice cream, too)
- Pizza Hüsli, Bahnhofstr. 92, +41 628220064.
Pizza Hüsli, Bahnhofstr. 92, +41 628220064.
- Try hot white chocolate from Caolina (for example at a café near the theatre) or the famous Swiss "Ovomaltine" (hot or cold, similar to cocoa). Migros supermarkets do never sell alcohol, but you can get Beck's beer at coop markets (Igelwaid)
- Cardinal beer tastes light, there is also an Irish pub for Guinness lovers
- Boiler Club is a small under ground club in the middle of the Altstadt on Rathausgasse. The music is different every time you visit and is guaranteed to make you dance. Try the local Boxer Beir or the Tequilla shots with a slice of Orange and Cinnamon powder.