As soon as you are fed up with the posh and pedantic city center head to the Hardbrücke area. It will change your perspective of what living in the Swiss cosmopolitan city actually is.

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. Nowadays, the bridge serves as a trendy shopping gallery of local brands and a promenade. Another shopping highlight of Hardbrücke is the flagship store of Freitag, the world-famous Swiss manufacturer of sustainable accessories. You can climb their tower made of shipping containers during the opening hours of the store.

For the cultural experience head to an art exhibition in Lichthalle and for a cocktail in Prime tower (a former tallest building in Switzerland). For a completely opposite aesthetic, head for a drink or a healthy trendy meal in the rustic garden of Frau Gerold. Their menu is seasonal, and over winter it changes to a fantastic winter garden with fondue and glühwine.