Spend a leisurely morning brunching at Restaurant Viadukt... aaaaah. We sampled some pretty awesome pancakes here while chain-drinking delicious espressos. 

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.

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).

This is the best place to escape the winter, the city and the stress. I oftern come here to draw, meditate and enjoy the steamy smell of tropical forests.