If you ask a typical Zürich resident where they would like to live – many will mention Seefeld as their dream district. While only very few will get a chance to be a resident, everyone can treat themselves to a day in the most cosmopolitan area of Zürich.

Seefeld, to which The Opera House serves as a gatekeeper, will please urban souls with a mix of neoclassical and functionalism aesthetics, oak-shadowed streets, and an excess showcase of small local boutiques. For the best impression, stroll Seefeldstrasse and Dufourstrasse until one of the many high-end cafes or restaurants lures you in for a break. I recommend MAME for specialty coffee, Razzia for high-end cocktails, and NA081 for Zürich’s favorite pizza. If you are up for a rare gem, head to Dufourstrasse 90. There you can visit the editorial office of The Monocle Magazine – a global urban culture influencer, and one of two Monocle Cafes in the world. My personal highlights are their exceptionally tasteful interior and a cozy terrace on a quiet street.

After a refreshing break, head to the eclectic Villa Patumbah for a green oasis and a unique example of colonial influences in Switzerland. If the park of Villa Patumbah didn’t satisfy your floral dreams, The Botanical Garden of Zürich, with its sphere-shaped greenhouses full of lush exotic plants is just a few blocks away.

When heading back to the Opera House, diverge to Zürihorn for a panorama of pre-Alpine peaks before following the lake promenade back to the city center.