For Didierea Trolli, Cyphostemma bainessii and other astonishing creatures from the family of the succulents, take a stroll through the six glasshouses, situated a bit outside the city center along the lakefront.

The old botanical garden is my favorite green island in the city center. Thanks to a collection of moveable wooden chairs, it is an ideal spot for reading or having a chat with friends. The park is surrounded by office buildings and the Schanzengraben: a moat that serves as a hidden promenade from the city’s very center all the way to the lake.

Zürich has embraced ‘shipping container chic’ with the utterly charming urban garden Frau Gerolds Garten. We stopped by for drinks in the early evening, and sipped as the sun went down. Lovely stuff. Positioned beside the railway, I got over-excited about the bundles of overhead wires, which ultimately inspired my Tiny Guide Zurich print. Mixed in with fairy lights, street art, cushions, greenery and a bath of plants (of course) this is a great place to hang out for relaxed food and drinks, and full of opportunities to test out your camera. 

Outdoor garden with food stands and local stores.

The Hardbrücke is a long, brutal concrete bridge that runs through a former industrial area. I like the view down to the rail tracks and the many construction sites. And, within spitting distance, you can find a few good places to spend a nice evening, such as Helsinki (for concerts), Rosso (for pizza), and Les Halles (for beer and tapas).