Hello! We have a Switzerland trip planned for early May 2025. We will be arriving in Zurich on the morning of May 1st, and after doing some early trip planning, I am now seeing that May 1st is Labour Day in several of the Swiss cantons, including Zurich. We were planning to spend our first day exploring old town in Zurich after getting in, then moving on to Appenzell that evening.
I understand that the majority of tourist activities/sites will still be open, including the train station, but from what I've read, most "shops" will be closed. Does this just include stores or will most restaurants/eateries also be closed?
It seems like the canton that Appenzell belongs to does not celebrate Labour Day, so would it be better to take the train directly to Appenzell from the Zurich airport and then spend half a day in Zurich at the end of our trip before flying out? I am thinking it would be a bummer to fly in and have nowhere to eat on our first day when walking around old town in Zurich.
Thank you for your help!