Discover unique places and locals’ favourite spots. We bring you the stories behind the sights. This is no ordinary city guide.

Chosen for you

Balboa Fitness

Timo Klein co-founded Balboa. In these unusual fitness centres, people train in groups – and then enjoy a bowl of healthy muesli.

Kafi Paradiesli

For a taste of paradise, simply head down to Katja Graber’s café in Zurich-Hottingen. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be treated to a slice of white chocolate cake!

Uhren Atelier Rindermarkt

Theodor Wachtel is the proprietor of this watch shop where time seems to run more slowly.

Älpli-Bar

Katie Halter is the owner of this traditional folk music bar that has played host to acts such as Green Day and Mumford & Sons.

Hafenkneipe

Roger Hafner runs the Hafenkneipe, where businessmen and punks get together over a beer or two.

Blueme under de Böge

Fritz Schneiter has stood on the Limmatquai selling flowers for almost 50 years.

Meinrads Puppen- und Bärenklinik

He’s already had hundreds of dolls, teddies and cuddly toys beneath his needle: Meinrad Röösli has been running his doll and teddy bear clinic for 31 years.

Velocittà

Enrico Mounayer has been running his bike shop on Neugasse for more than ten years. Straightforward craftsmanship prevails at Velocittà in Kreis 5 – there’s not an e-bike in sight.

Marta Flohmarkt

With her rent-a-shelf flea market, Myrielle Hambrecht has brought a sustainable and surprisingly innovative store concept from northern Europe to the heart of Zurich’s Kreis 4.