Aarau

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.

By train
The of Aarau lies on major train lines and is thus easily accessible. Direct trains connect to Zurich (25 minutes main station, 45 minutes airport), Basel (35 minutes) and Berne (40 minutes).

By car
Aarau lies on the A1 highway and is accessible from either exit Aarau Ost when coming from Zurich or Aarau West when coming from Berne or Basel.

Get around
The best way to get around is by bus and train. Get a zone dayfare to which is valid for all bus and trains in this zone.

See and do
The old town is nice to stroll around. A special feature are the around 70 painted roofs along the city centre.

Buy
Chocolate formed like Swiss army knives (Mercur).

Eat

 * 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)

Drink
Migros supermarkets do never sell alcohol, but you can get Beck's beer at coop markets (Igelwaid)
 * Try hot white chocolate from Caotina (for example at a café near the theatre) or the famous Swiss "Ovomaltine" (hot or cold, similar to cocoa).
 * 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.