Nora Baldenweg highlights the top attractions of the
sophisticated Swiss city, from spectacular architecture and breathtaking Alpine
views to shopping, alfresco dining and nightlife.
1.
Thermalbad & Spa
The spa’s
mineral-rich water, Zurich
Zurich’s new thermal baths, offering an “Irish-Roman” spa
ritual, are stunningly located in the former premises of the Hurdimann brewery.
You can marvel at the age-old stone walls and vaulted ceilings while bathing in
giant wooden tubs, then enjoy views of Zurich’s skyline and the mountains
beyond from the rooftop thermal bath. The spa’s mineral-rich water is drawn
from the legendary Aqui springs, deep beneath the city. Brandschenkestrasse 150
(00 41 44 205 9650; wwwthermalbal-zuerich.ch). Open daily 9am – 10pm.
2.
Widder Bar
Widder Bar
Sit back in one of the Widder Bar’s red leather sofas with a
cocktail and enjoy world-class live jazz Brad Mehldau, Diana Krall and the late
Hank Jones have all performed here. In keeping with the style of the Widder
Hotel, in which it is located, the interior fuses historic architecture with
modern design. The bar has more than 250 single-malt whiskies, and insiders
know this is the place to order (off-menu) the sturdiest. Long Island Iced Tea
in the city. Rennweg 7 (00 41 44 224 2526; www.widderhotel.ch)
3.
Storchengasse
Storchengasse
Lose yourself in the cobbled lanes of Zurich’s old town, on
the left bank of the River Limmat: Storchengasse/ Strehlgasse and the adjacent
Schipfe, Schusselgasse and St Peterhofstatt are lined with luxury fashion
stores, small boutiques and jewellery shops. Almost all the boutiques on
Storchengasse belong to Swiss fashion entrepreneur Trudie Gotz. Her “Trois
Pommes” empire stocks luxury labels (Alaia, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Céline,
Jil Sander, Thom Browne, etc) for men and women.
4.
Kunsthaus
Kunsthaus Museum
Zurich’s museum of fine art houses one of the most important
collections in Europe. It is run by an arts association founded in 1787 (which
now has more than 20,000 members), and its holdings include works from the
late-Gothic era to the present day, with an emphasis on Swiss artists (Alberto
Giacometti, Ferdinand Hodler, Pipilotti Rist). The museum is in the process of
redefining itself for the 21st century with a new extension designed
by David Chipperfield, due to open in 2017. Heimplotz 1 (00 41 44 253 8484; www.kunsthaus.ch). Closed Mon
5.
Café des Amis
Café des Amis
Escape the bustle of the city at this newly opened,
French-style café and bistro. Although just a five-minute bus ride from the
main station, it is in a rather quiet, residential area, not far from the
Oberer Letten lido (see 14). Its large patio and cosy interiors attract a
stylish, family-friendly crowd. The menu features fresh and simple home cooking
(the rhubarb cheesecake is already famous), and there’s an extensive weekend
brunch. Nordstrasse 88 (00 41 43 536 9381; www.desarmis.ch).
Closed Mon. About SFr70 ($75) for two without wine.
6.
Fountains
The Nike Fountain
on Newmarkt, Zurich
In Zurich you won’t have to carry around a water bottle you
can help yourself to perfectly clean, fresh drinking water from one of the
1,200 fountains scattered across the city. Many of them are supplied from a
150km-long spring-water system designed to provide for the population in case
of emergency. The fountains are not merely functional, however, many are works
of art with a fascinating history. For example, the Nike Fountain on Newmarkt,
pictured, was designed by sculptor Barbara Roth.
7.
The Dolder Grand
The Dolder Grand
You’ll feel like a royal at this hotel, a magnificent
fairy-tale castle on a wooded hill overlooking the city, lake and Alps. Built
in 1899, it reopened in 2008 after a complete overhaul, including a new
extension by Lord Foster. It has 173 rooms and suites, an award-winning
restaurant and a state-of-the-art spa. A ride on the Dolderbahn, the private
cog-wheel railway leading up to the hotel from Romerhof, is an experience in
itself. Kurhausstrasse 65 (00 41 44 456 6000; www.thedoldergrand.com). Doubles from
SFr590 (about $615)
8.
Zukunft / Bar3000
Zukunft / Bar3000
Dip into Zurich’s nightclub scene at Zukunft (meaning
“future”), one of the city’s best clubs. It is located off Langstrasse, in a
pulsating, arty area that is also the red-light district. A mix of hipsters and
creative types dance into the small hours to electronic and house music, with a
constant rotation of international and local DJs. Zukunft is in the basement of
Bar3000, which becomes the club’s fumoir at midnight. Non-members should get
there early. Dienerstrasse 33 (www.zukunft.cl).
Bar3000 open from 5pm (8pm Sat); club from 9pm (11pm Thurs, midnight Fri/Sat).
Closed Sun
9.
Neumarkt 17
Neumarkt 17
Get lost in the labyrinth-like interior of this must-see
furniture shop just off the main artery of Niederdorf. You’d be forgiven, for
overlooking the unassuming entrance, but the store spans several interconnected
historic houses, which have been merged into a designer haven of modern
furniture and sought-after classics. The different levels are connected with
winding stairs, narrow passageways and metal-grid floors dangling from the high
ceiling over an indoor pond. Neumarkt 17 (00 41 44 254 3838; www.neumarkt17.ch)
10.
Terrasse
Terrasse
Soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of this airy, elegant
café and restaurant at Bellevue, a prime location overlooking the lake and
river. It is one of the most popular places in Zurich and is usually packed.
With its high ceilings, slender columns and crystal chandeliers, it’s a stylish
place for a drink or a light meal. Try the delicious hot chocolate. Limmatquai
3 (00 41 44 251 1074; www.cafe-terrasse.ch).
Open Mon-Fri 11.30 pm – 2pm, 6pm – midnight. About SFr70 ($180) for two without
wine.
