Zürich is a wonderful destination any time of the year — but for nature enthusiasts and food lovers, there’s no better season than fall. There are around 70 parks and green spaces in the city, ranging from botanical gardens to landscaped museum parks, each providing its own unique kind of haven. Consider an afternoon visit to the Baroque Rechberg, located between Kunsthaus and Zurich University; the Old Botanical Garden and its medieval herb garden, an oasis dating back to 1837; or the expansive Rieterpark and its villa-turned-art museum. In fact, some of the older beech trees in Rieterpark are more than 150 years old.

© Zürich Tourism

Enjoy the cityscape and surrounding areas with activities including the Sauna Boat on Lake Zürich. The boat accommodates two–six people for four hours. Bring your own robes, slippers and drinks, or reserve them with the craft. No skipper’s license is required, and you can do as many sauna-lake-dip circuits as you want, all while savoring splendid views of both the city and the Alps reaching into the heavens across the water.

© Zürich Tourism

Satisfy your appetite with fall’s bounty of mushrooms, harvested from nearby urban forests. Delicacies such as porcini, puffball, Burgundy and parasol varieties can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including everyone’s favorite melted indulgence: fondue. And while fondue is served up in beloved local venues including the cozy, wood-beamed Walliser Kanne and Swiss Chuchi in elegant Hotel Adler, diners also have the option of experiencing a meal and city tour in the Fondue eTuk Tuk. Up to four passengers can share a bottle of white wine and a traditional Swiss cheese fondue service as drivers shows them the city’s landmarks.