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Zurich

Bücher Brocky

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A short walk from Bahnhof Enge at Bederstrasse 4, Bücher-Brocky has been Zurich’s go-to secondhand bookshop since 2000, doubling as Switzerland’s central sorting hub for donated books — so the shelves genuinely change daily. Most books cost just 2–5 francs, spanning everything from paperbacks to antiquarian finds, with plenty in English and other languages mixed in among the German titles. Tip: come on a weekday morning right after the 10:30 opening, when freshly sorted stock hits the shelves first.

FREITAG Flagship Store

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Why it matters: FREITAG pioneered upcycling before it had a name – every bag is cut from used truck tarpaulins, and the flagship ‘tower’ itself is 19 rusted freight containers stacked beside the Hardbrücke, a circular-economy landmark since 2006. Browse four floors of one-of-a-kind bags, wallets and phone cases, then climb to the free viewing platform on top for the best look over Zürich West. Every tarp pattern is unique, so if you love one, buy it – it won’t be there tomorrow. The Repair Kiosk next door patches up worn FREITAG bags.

Äss-Bar

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Why it matters: since 2013 this Niederdorf counter has sold baked goods ‘fresh from yesterday’ – unsold bread and pastries collected free from local bakeries and resold at steep discounts, keeping more than 700 tons of food out of the trash across Switzerland every year. Grab a butter croissant and a sandwich for a lakeside picnic at a fraction of normal Zurich prices. Go before noon for the best selection – it’s first come, first served, and closed Sundays.

Blindekuh

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Why it matters: opened in 1999 by the Blind-Liecht foundation, blindekuh was the world’s first dine-in-the-dark restaurant, created to provide employment for blind and visually impaired people – your servers are the true professionals in the dark. Book the five-course surprise menu (vegetarian available) and let taste and smell take over for once. Groups enter the pitch-black dining room together, hand on the shoulder in front – reserve ahead and arrive on time. Check the calendar for concerts and readings held in the dark.

Hive

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Hive Club is without a doubt one of the best clubs of Zürich. Its quality Line-Up makes it a must do for any house or techno lover. With three different rooms and…

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