Best cities for swimming (Quest's World of Wonder)
In this picture you see, one of 18 official outdoor bathing spots where water is crystal-clear. The city is Zurich.
This is the picture of Berlin where swimming is spacious.
This is the picture of London's Brockwell Lido where swimmers and dinners are passing good time.
This is the picture of Clovelly Beach which is even better than Bondi.
Cooling off on a summer city break doesn't have to mean going on a sweat-soaked search for the nearest air-con unit.
These classic destinations offer plenty of spots for taking a dip and shaking off the heat with the locals:
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
A city surrounded by water, Copenhagen is a joy for swimmers, especially as midsummer looms and winter becomes a distant memory.
Amager Beach Park is an ideal sandy spot for whiling away an afternoon. It's a two-kilometer artificial island that creates a calm lagoon perfect for a paddle.
If leaving the city seems like a chore, the sensational harbor baths at Islands Brygge and Fisketorvet are a winning alternative. Daredevils can try out the diving boards while fitness fanatics can plow out laps in the clean, cool water.
Amager Strandpark, Amager Strandvej, Copenhagen 2300 Denmark;
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland's love affair with diving into rivers and lakes isn't just confined to the High Alps. Zurich has 18 official outdoor bathing spots, all offering crystal-clear water in stunning surroundings.
Tiefenbrunnen swimming beach, on the shores of Lake Zurich, is the big draw thanks to its kids' pool, diving boards and the chance to get a post-swim massage.
For something off the beaten track, men can try the Schanzengraben river pool, which dates back to 1864. The women-only Stadthausquai pool is an art nouveau gem with views of the old town.
Frauenbad Stadthausquai, Stadthausquai 13, Zurich Switzerland;
Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen, Bellerivestrasse 200, Zurich 8008 Switzerland;
3. London, England
While plans for swimming in the Thames remain some way off, London has plenty of watering holes that come into their own when the English capital gets its sweat on.
Head north to the open spaces of Hampstead Heath for delicious freshwater bathing in one of the park's three bathing ponds.
The vast Tooting Bec Lido, in the southwest of the city, is a colossal 91-meter pool with room for serious swimmers and serial splashers.
South London's Brockwell Lido has the added bonus of a classy cafe. Central Hyde Park has a surprisingly secluded swimming spot in the Serpentine Lido.
4. Hong Kong
Hong Kong might not be your stereotypical beach town. But it's home to some truly stunning stretches of sand.
The sticky heat of Hong Kong means that diving into cool water is a must when summer comes around.
At Repulse Bay, the water laps gently on the sand, making it the perfect place for an easy dip. For a hectic but fun-filled swim, Shek O offers amazing views to swimmers venturing out from the packed beach.
Those unable to make it out of the city center can still take advantage of some swanky hotel pools. The W's 76th floor oasis has harbor views and a lengthy cocktail menu for ultimate post-paddle relaxation.
W Hong Kong, No.1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Hong Kong China;
5. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver's obsession with all things outdoors makes it the best city in Canada for anyone looking to take to the water. The beaches here are wonderful.
For a quiet dip away from the crowds, Third Beach is the place to be.
On the Stanley Park seawall, its calm waters are great for a lengthy session of breast stroke. Best of all, visitors can bring their own barbecue.
Trout Lake Beach has a dedicated swimming raft, its lush freshwater a pleasant alternative to the salty stuff which surrounds the city.
6. Sydney, Australia
Home to the world's largest natural harbor and some of Australia's best beaches, Sydney is a city which lives for the water.
Swimmers should swerve the surfers at Bondi and instead make for Clovelly Bay. At 350 meters long and just 60 meters wide, with a breakwater dampening those big waves, it's the ultimate place for a seaside dip.
For a more secluded paddle, check out the South West Arm Pool. Cut off at low tide, this saltwater swimming hole is like nowhere else in this corner of Oz.
Clovelly, Clovelly Rd. Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales Australia;
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