Coffee & tea

I don’t know what it’s like in your hometown, but here most bigger bookshops have a Café where you can sit down and rest from the tiring bookshopping. Now I’ve even seen Starbucks built in Bookstore. That’s just… well, I won’t go there now.

Anyway, the Spheres is kind of like this – except it’s different. Because the Spheres is not a Bookshop with a Café in it, it’s a Café with a Bookshop in it. Or at least both equally. So if you want to have a coffee in an inspiring atmosphere, go to the spheres, order something to drink and take a book to skim through – if you speak German. Unfortunately, you won’t find English books there.

Something I haven’t told you yet: The Café and Bookshop, that’s not all. From time to time, at least once a week, one part of this place turns into a stage for book-readings or discussions where people are invited to take part in. For example in winter there’s a monthly event called “Science Bar” where top-scientists answer burning questions about modern science. No, not a lecture, but an unforced discussion with the guest.

The Dynamo is Zurichs youth centre with a big range of cultural projects and workshops – an ideal place for creative, active youngsters. Music, Dance, Theatre, Graphics, Photo and Handcraft are what the Dynamo is all about. The place is supported by the city, which means that there is a lot going on and projects, that wouldn’t find sponsors get some financial support.

At the weekends there are parties and often concerts (mostly rock). Besides the main concert location in the Building, under ground there is also a kind of basement, the “Werk 21“, for more underground shows. Every Band can play here, no matter if they’re good or not. So if you want to see real local, real young (and sometimes really bad) Punkbands, check this place out. I even played there myself when I was in a punkband, and oh boy did we suck The crowd at the Werk 21-Events is normally very alternative, so if you’re scared of tattoos and piercings then maybe they’re not made for you.

The Dynamo is right at the Limmat-River and there is a Café too. So even if you don’t feel like concerts or parties, you can have a coffee (or a beer) and enjoy the artsy atmosphere and (hopefully) the good weather besides the water.

The Uetliberg is pretty well known and very touristy. So what is it doing here, you ask? Well, I don’t want to tell you about the famous Zurich lookout per se, I want to recommend you a way to get there: I want you to walk up there. Don’t take the train, as they say, it’s boring, and you miss the beautiful path through the beautiful wood and that would be a pity.

So if it’s not raining take the the Bus Number 72 or the Tram 14 to their terminal station “Triemli” and from there head to the hill. Or take the Tram number 13 to “Albisgüetli”, also an terminal station for an alternative way up. Getting up takes about an hour, a bit less if you’re an athlete, a bit more if you’re a slacker like me. Halfway up there’s a booth where you can buy little snacks and a warming drink. Then on the top you can enjoy the view over Zurich, take a picture, maybe have some fries, feeling that you really deserved it after a healthy dose of exercise.

To get back into the city, I’ll allow you to take the train.

Are you a pirate, a sailor, a pilgrim on the paths of Diego “el pibe de oro” Maradona, or a social revolutionary? No? Well, you’ll have to come to El Lokal anyway, because this is a one-of-a-kind-place.

Situated at the Sihl, a small stream, this Bar will make you long for the faraway. Like the Hafenkneipe (check the article) nearby, the interior of El Lokal reminds you of docks, ships and the far far sea. But that’s only part of its charm: El Lokal is appointed with so many strange, cool and strangely cool objects that you can discover something new every time you visit. Especially in the men’s toilet (I don’t know about the women’s, for obvious reasons): A room full of captivating pictures, I look forward to peeing every time I’m in El Lokal.

The owner seems to be obsessed with Che Guevara, Elvis and Diego Maradona (who you can admire on the tv-screens from time to time). The screens are good for something else too: important Swiss football games are shown in El Lokal. If you wanna be a part of it, be on time, it’s usually very crowded.

What else does the place have to offer? There is a small stage for concerts (the music-booker has taste), and you can eat Mediterranean inspired food – the tapas are drop dead delicious.

Do you know that situation: You’re in a strange city and you’re in the mood for good, out of the ordinary coffee – but you don’t want to go to that big chain with the green logo, because they’re the same everywhere and have no character? If you’re in Zurich, don’t look any longer, I got something for you: Café Henrici.

Henrici is a cosy place with a living room atmosphere. You got couches, wooden tables, a bookshelf, wooden tables. Have a seat and treat yourself with one of their amazing coffee creations. Or tea, for that matter: Fancy a Red Latte – Rooibos shot with honey and steamed milk?

If you’re hungry have a home made tarte flambee or a cheesecake with your beverage. And have a look around, so you can observe the crowd; the place is frequented by the eccentric people that have been living in the Niederdorf (old town) forever. Oh, and if you like Jazz: There are free concerts on Tuesdays.