It may seem slightly unusual to suggest that tourists should be interested in visiting the drinking fountains of Zürich, but they are very important and symbolic for the city. Zürich prides itself on providing a clean-living, healthy environment for all of its citizens. This translates into shiny streets, (so clean that James Joyce once commented that you could eat minestrone from the pavements of Bahnhofstrasse), a clean river and lake and over 1,200 drinking fountains.
I have marked one of my favourites on the map below, but you will find them everywhere. Some are old, some are new, most of them are engraved with the year they were established. Some are truly works of art and others are purely there to fulfill the need for safe hydration.
So, while you are visiting this idyllic city, do like the locals... Invest in a steel or glass water bottle and fill up as you go. You'll be saving the environment and becoming a true Zürcher.
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Enjoy the incredibly aesthetic brutalist open space with high ceilings, soft concrete, and brass-finished elements. To complete the experience, take a seat in their art deco-inspired bar.
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For an active getaway, follow one of the tens of hiking paths to wander in the forest, or navigate to Loorenkopf for an overview of the whole city with the Alps in the background.
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To reach the spot, navigate by public transport to the tram stop Römerhof and jump on a Dolderbahn funicular. From the final stop at Dolder Grand, head to the forest and follow the signs to the Loorenkopf.
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"Weisses Kreuz" in Zurich isn't fancy - it's probably what some people would call an 'old man's pub', but what other pub has a 'Stammtisch' for regulars?
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I particularly like the variety of products they offer, which can make life a lot easier if you are gluten-free and they also have several vegan options.
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If you want to enjoy some good live jazz on Wednesdays, you should definitely try out this jam session that is clearly flirting with professionalism.
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It was made out of scrap metal and everyday objects and presents a nonsensical machine, a complex configuration of tubes, wheels, and motors.
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The outside area is also worth a visit. You'll find a beautiful collection of palms and agave in a sandy environment crossed by a water basin with fishes.
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"Raygrodski" in Zurich stands out as one of the city's best cocktail bars. Grab a Sir Mary or Hot Russian, relax and enjoy...
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