Aarau

Aarau is the German-speaking capital city of the northern Swiss canton of Aargau. It lies south of the German border, east of Bern and Basel, north of Lucerne, and west of Zurich.

The 47.391458.051291 station 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).

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.

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.

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

• 47.3944198.0452311 Stadtmuseum Aarau, Schlossplatz 23, ☏ +41 62 836 05 17, museum@aarau.ch. Tue Wed Fri 11:00-18:00, Thu 11:00-20:00, Sat Sun 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.  (updated Mar 2017)
• Meyersche Stollen (IG Meyersche Stollen; Postfach 3367; 5001 Aarau), mail@meyerschestollen.ch.  

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)
• 47.39258.053231 Pizza Hüsli, Bahnhofstr. 92, ☏ +41 628220064, info@pizzahuesli.ch.  (updated Dec 2016)

• 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).

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 Tequila shots with a slice of Orange and Cinnamon powder.

• 47.350288.048511 Aarau-West, Muhenstrasse 58, Oberentfelden-Aarau, ☏ +41 62 737 01 01, hotel@aarau-west.ch. 3-star business hotel 3 km away from the train station Aarau. Very quiet area with on-site golf course and tennis courts. Fr. 131/198 single/double.  (updated Jan 2017)
• 47.3928.052 Aarauerhof, Bahnhofstrasse 68, ☏ +41 62 837 83 00, info@aarauerhof.ch. At the Aarau train station in the city centre. 3-star hotel with modern business and meeting facilities. Fr. 145.  (updated Jan 2017)