Jules Verne Panorama Bar

The Jules Verne Panorama Bar sits high in the tower of the Urania building on Uraniastrasse, near the Lindenhof and Bahnhofstrasse. It shares the building with the Urania Observatory, though the bar points out that the two have nothing to do with each other. Guests reach it by lift from Brasserie Lipp on the ground floor, which shares its contact details with the bar, and the reward at the top is one of the most spectacular views over Zurich's rooftops, Lake Zurich and, on clear days, the Alps beyond.

The view is the main focus wherever you sit. Zürich Tourism calls it a perfect place for romantics, with the city at your feet and the Alpine panorama beyond the lake. Come for sunset or after dark, when the lights of the Old Town make a fine backdrop for a drink.

The drinks list concentrates on cocktails and first-class wines. During the week the bar also serves lunch influenced by French cuisine, and light snacks are available later in the day, so it works for an aperitif, a nightcap or a midday break with a view.

According to Zürich Tourism, the bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It opens at 17:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, at 17:00 on Thursday and at 14:00 on Saturday, closing at 23:00 from Tuesday to Thursday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday, with special hours on public holidays. Because space is limited, it is worth arriving early or contacting the bar in advance if you want a window seat, particularly at sunset on a weekend. Prices are in line with other upmarket bars in the city centre.

It suits couples, small groups celebrating something and visitors who want to see the city from above without climbing a tower. The Urania building is a short walk from the main station, the Rennweg stop on Bahnhofstrasse and the Lindenhof, and the Limmat and the Old Town lanes are just below. Combine a drink here with dinner in the Old Town, or with the view from the Lindenhof for a second perspective on the same skyline.