Zürich has a strong culture of swimming in the city waters. When the temperature climbs, casual beachwear replaces the usual chic on the streets and in the parks. There are plenty of opportunities to sunbathe in the city. The options range from comfortable child-friendly lakesides to women/men-only facilities and free grass in a park.
Oberer Letten is an exception. It is a free badi (swiss germ. for an open-air public bath) built on the river Limmat. All the facilities include changing rooms, showers, storage lockers, and sunshades. The difference to most places lies in the crowd, 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. The area around the river has a chill vibe and underground aesthetics. Local terraces have a wide offering in case you forgot to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Off-season, the area around Oberer Letten makes a great walk from the train station and back. Many of the terraces in the area (for example Chuchi am Wasser or Stazione Paradiso) remain open all year round. On your way, you will also get a chance to observe some graffiti art and the views of the ex-industrial center of Zürich - the Hardbrücke area. For a complete overview, start at the main train station and follow the Neumühlequai and continue on the Kloster Fahr-Weg until the Kornhausbrücke. Coming back pass by Platspitz park.
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Find your way with 180 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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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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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Babus is one of the best breakfast locations in Zurich, earning fame for its variety of homemade bagels, fluffy pancakes, and delicious morning delights.
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180 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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