Located in Zurich’s Viadukt railway arch right next to the tracks, Bogen F offers a window looking straight onto passing trains, and great views onto the stage from the mezzanine level.

Bogen F has room for 350 people, which, as I’m sure you’re bound to agree, is the perfect size for a gig venue. Any smaller, and you risk missing out on tickets to see your favourite band, since everyone else will have been much more on the ball and gotten them straightaway. If the venue is any larger, its intimate feel is gradually lost, ticket prices tend to skyrocket, and the queue for the bar puts you off ordering something in the first place.

The good people at Bogen F put quality before quantity or big names. On average, there are gigs taking place approximately once a week, mostly international acts with an emphasis on folk and Americana. It’s also a good idea to check out the local talent they occasionally put on, in order to see some of the best bands Zurich has got to offer.

On Saturday afternoons, Bogen F doubles as a café bar when the weather is good; a particularly attractive option for some alfresco drinking. However, in the evening the café bar is only open when there are no gigs scheduled – the music clearly takes precedence.