Thermal waters

From the lake to Zürich’s ‘Aqui’ springs, life in the city revolves around water. Housed in the former Hürlimann brewery, the Thermalbad & Spa offers breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop pool. Particularly magical after dark.

Urs Bergmann

Zürich is a city full of florists, but Urs Bergmann is the most beautiful. Housed in a former pharmacy, the rear wall is still lined with wooden apothecary drawers, while seasonal flowers decorate every surface.

Frau Gerolds Garten

Combining shipping containers, concept stores, art, an urban garden, seasonal markets, a buzzy open-air bar with a grill in summer and a cosy fondue spot in winter, Frau Gerolds Garten is the eccentric heart of hip Zürich West.

Fountains

Nearly all of the 1,200 or so fountains dotted throughout the city provide crystal-clear drinking water. Do as the locals do – take a bottle and refill.

Teecafé Schwarzenbach

While away a few hours with a newspaper and a coffee on one of Teecafé Schwarzenbach’s dusky pink velvet banquettes. Beans are roasted in the adjacent delicatessen, founded in 1864.

Kronenhalle

Guarded by a heavy wooden door, this Zürich institution is a discreet bar, filled with elegant patrons, heroic cocktails and artworks by Miró, Chagall and Braque.

Cathay Pacific flies to Zürich from Hong Kong seven times a week