The Monocle Travel Guide to Zürich, Geneva + Basel celebrates the richness of these three cities and dives beneath the surface to bring an unexpected mix of creativity, entrepreneurialism and design.

Snowy peaks rising above city skylines, wandering cows jewelled with tinkling bells, gooey strings of cheese stretching from bubbling pots of fondue, masterfully engineered watches keeping people punctual, and timely trains zipping across pretty landscapes. Few countries can be reduced to such clichés as easily as Switzerland. But this neutral power is so much more than the sum of its - albeit rather charming - stereotypes.

In this guide we delve into three Swiss cities and uncover what makes them tick. We tour the spotless streets of Zürich, highlighting its distinguished commercial-gallery scene, glistening lake, inviting swimming spots and buzzy restaurants and bars. Next, we head west to explore Geneva, with its smart retailers, independent chocolatiers and curious collection of architecture. Finally, we finish with a jaunt around petite Basel and admire its robust rundown of contemporary structures and world-class museums.

The magazine Monocle covers the world with its network of bureaus in New York, Toronto, Zurich, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Tokyo, and Singapore. It also employs more than 30 dedicated correspondents-in cities from Bangkok to Bogotá, São Paolo to Stockholm-as well as a team of on-the-road reporters based out of its headquarters in London. This team's deep understanding of cities and all they have to offer has now been compiled in The Monocle Travel Guide Series.