Schweizerisches Landesmuseum

If you have time for only one museum in Zürich, choose the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum, which covers Switzerland’s cultural heritage going back to 10,000 BC. The exhibits are marvelously presented, including such highlights as a 16th-century chapel (its stain-glass windows are fabulous) and a vast collection of coats of arms and banners from the 14th century. To catch a glimpse of life in the 17th century, rooms are set up and furnished as they would have been at that time. Boys of all ages will be captivated by the toy soldiers set up to depict a model of the Battle of Murten, which took place in 1476. Another must see in the museum is an 18th-century pharmacy that was brought here from the Benedictine Abbey in Muri and reassembled. (Located on the west bank of the Limmat.)