At Bürkliplatz I forget for a moment that I’m in Switzerland’s biggest city. It’s the same for me as it is for visitors from all over the world: the view of the Alps over the lake never fails to take my breath away.

After a brief interlude, on Tuesdays or Fridays I’m magically drawn to the other side of the square to the popular Bürklimäärt market by the government buildings. It’s a meeting place for fans of beautiful cut flowers and culinary specialities, local and exotic.

People know each other and are quick to strike up a conversation with the market traders. They get to try a delicacy here and there or witness stories and friendships that have developed over decades at the market.

I reflect on my impressions over a coffee and, invigorated, move on to Bahnhofstrasse for something almost completely different.