This large plaza in front of the Zurich opera house is the heart of the city. Many events are held here, including Christmas markets, fairs, concerts, circus, film festival, and much more.

Most notably, it's the center point for the spring Sechseläuten festival. At this plaza, they build a huge bonfire and burn snowman effigy to see how hot summer will be.

Even without an event, it’s one of the nicest places in Zürich to lounge and people watch. There are lots of chairs scattered around, with sun umbrellas on the hottest days.

See Sechseläutenplatz on map.

Picnic supplies:

If you want to picnic on the plaza, your best bets are:

• Sternen Grill for their famous bratwurst - Theaterstrasse 22, 8001 Zürich

• Napule pizza - Stadelhoferstrasse 42, 8001 Zürich

• Coop grocery - Theaterstrasse 18, 8001 Zürich (grocery in the basement)

• John Baker for gourmet sandwiches - Stadelhoferstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich