On the right side of Lake Zürich, behind the trendy Seefeld quarter you will find Zürich's "Current Botanical Garden", which is run by Zürich University.
After the old botanical garden at Schanzengraben, in the city center, had become too small, the people of Zurich decided to create a new botanical garden in 1971. Planned by award-winning Zurich garden architect Fred Eicher, the garden was finalised 1977.
The three greenhouses, made of acrylic plexiglass panes, were the first of their kind planned in Switzerland and remain particularly eye-catching. They were renovated between 2011 and 13. The way the domes sparkle brilliantly in the light against the light green of the meadow and the blue of the sky remind me of a spaceship that has just landed. Or the last forests of humanity, which were sent on a final journey into space in the legendary science fiction Silent Running (The Space Review: Silent Running, running deeper).
The entrance to the greenhouses is reached via a kind of sunken courtyard with a beautiful water lily pond. From there, visitors are guided through the three show houses and different climate zones, namely mountain rainforest, lowland rainforest and savannah. Different flora, temperature and humidity, as well as a rainforest giant model with a visitor platform at six heights, are impressive for adults and children. The entire exhibition is child-friendly and there are benches and places to linger on the lawn and throughout the area.
A small cafe/food truck is available to visitors for refreshments (TWINT or cash only).
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Seefeld, to which The Opera House serves as a gatekeeper, will please urban souls with a mix of neoclassical and functionalism aesthetics, oak-shadowed streets, and an excess showcase of small local boutiques.
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The view opens up from a terrace, which overlooks a tiny vineyard, the lake, and the city. In addition to this, you can explore the entire silhouette of Zürich’s very own mountain - Uetliberg.
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What brings the shopping experience to a truly next level, is the mini-restaurants scattered throughout the store. You will find a tea room, premium sushi, a grill at the butchers, and gourmet pasta.
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It harbors almost half of all known species and serves an educational purpose for casual visitors and specialists alike. Get lost in the lush cactus “jungles” and between giant palms.
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My personal highlight is a modern geological exhibition Focus Terra, with a stunning design by Holzer Kobler Architekturen as well as The Library of a Law School, renovated according to Santiago Calatrava’s project.
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Hardbrücke is a former industrial area left behind by a manufacturer of turbines and other industrial equipment called Escher Wyss. The area is landmarked by the arched railway bridge from the nineteenth century - The Viaduct.
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If you get tired of the conservative landscape of the city center, Europaallee is your next stop. The allee, shadowed by the modern glossy giants, is reserved exclusively for pedestrians and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and relaxing.
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You are about to embark on a journey through the most controversial and fun districts of Zürich - Kreis 4 or District 4. Since the 2000s, it has developed a significant nightlife scene, with plenty of popular bars and clubs.
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Starting from the Bürkli Platz, just behind a luxurious hotel Baur au Lac begins a manmade canal through the city. It follows the outskirts of the old town and offers picturesque views of the boats, pretty facades, and terraces.
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Oberer Letten is very popular amongst the younger population. Usually, in the evenings and over the weekends, it is filled with big friend groups, loudspeakers, exposing clothing, and alcohol.
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Beyond the culinary experience, Blinde Kuh embraces an important message of understanding and inclusivity as well as the power of sensory perception.
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"Aelpli-Bar" translates to "Mountain Bar" in English, and it couldn't be more fitting - you will be transported to a warm and cozy mountain atmosphere.
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