Zoo Zürich
The open, park-like enclosures of the Zurich zoo house some 1,500 animals from points near and far, in areas that replicate the animals' natural environments. The zoo's animals draw crowds during feeding times (details are available on the website). A complex duplicates Madagascar's Masoala rainforest. There are several good restaurants at the zoo, including the Altes Klösterli, Siesta and Outpost.

Zürichbergstrasse 221
Tel: (044) 254 2505 or 0848 966 983.
Website: www.zoo.ch
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800 (Mar-Oct); daily 0900-1700 (Nov-Feb).
Admission charge.

Botanischer Garten (Botanical Gardens)
Zurich University's Botanical Gardens make for a wonderful place to get away from it all. Inside are over a million plants that comprise the university's botanical collection, representing a number of different ecosystems from tropical rainforests to alpine meadow flowers.

Zollikerstrasse 107
Tel: (044) 634 8461.
Website: www.unizh.ch/bguz
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0700-1900, Sat and Sun 0800-1800 (Mar-Sep); Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat and Sun 0800-1700 (Oct-Feb).
Free admission.

Üetliberg
At an elevation of 871m (2,857ft) this is the tallest point in the city, with views over Zurich, the lake and (on a clear day) the Alps. The Üetliberg is part of the Albis ridge. There is a one-and-a-half to two-hour walk to Felsenegg, from where a cablecar connects to Adliswil station, which has connections on S-Bahn line S4 to the city. A 24-hour train/cablecar pass is available. The SZU Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn (website: www.szu.ch), S10, goes to the top of the city's peak (departing from many stations, including the Hauptbahnhof). A restored 1920s electric railway car can also be hired for groups. The hotel and restaurant Uto Kulm is an excellent venue from which to look down upon the city. 

Website: www.uetliberg.ch