You are about to embark on a journey through the most controversial and fun districts of Zürich - Kreis 4 or District 4. Once inhabited exclusively by the working class, this area had a poor reputation amongst other city inhabitants. In the 1970s, due to many factors, the area's main street - Langstrasse - developed into a red light district and a prominent spot of Zürich’s drug scene. Since 2001, Langstrasse has been undergoing the process of gentrification.
You can still see the signs of the unsettling past. Rather safe nowadays, but it still provides a great contrast to posh high-fashion streets and conservative historic areas of Zürich. Since the 2000s, it has developed a significant nightlife scene, with plenty of popular bars and clubs. Come on a Friday night and enter Bagatelle or Zukunft for an unforgettable night out accompanied by techno beats.
Outside of Langstrasse, District 4 is a highly-valued central residential area with an excess of great food and cultural experiences. My personal favourites are John’s bakery for morning bread, Achi for exceptional Chinese cuisine, and La Taqueria for authentic Mexican food.
Langstrasse
CHF
free
Find your way with 182 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Tibits" in Zurich has been one of my go-to restaurants ever since I became a vegetarian. The core offering there is the creative salad buffet...
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"Totò - Ristorante Bar" Zurich is a restaurant / bar where you can feel like a VIP. In the summer they have tables outside at the side street...
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"Costa Brava" Zurich has one of my favorite dishes - grilled beef filet. The ambiance is cosy. The restaurant is not vast and stressful...
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Beyond the waves, the venue offers a vibrant, beach-like vibe, with a relaxed hangout area where surfers swap stories and enjoy the sun.
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Pass by on a sunny summer morning to immerse yourself in to the tranquillity of meadows, lily ponds and shadows of century-old trees.
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"Widder piano bar" in Zurich is in the hotel with the same name. This bar is famous: it's whiskies and concerts are excellent and the crowd is diverse...
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"Palavrion Grill" restaurant Zurich has an amazing bio-beefsteak tatar. In the summer it is possible to sit outside - I love people watching here.
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"Yan Ruyi" in Zurich serves the best dim sum and pecking duck in Zurich. There, I've said it. I know there will be people who disagree, but they're wrong.
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"Sauna Enge" Zurich is one of my favorite saunas in town. There are three cabins - one of which (my favorite one) is reserved for women...
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"Churrasco Steakhouse & Bar" in Zurich is an expensive Argentinian restaurant, but the prices are definitely reflected on the quality of red meat...
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"BIMI" in Zurich is a restaurant with a simple and unpretentious environment; its luxury lies in the flavor. For a main course I recommend the beef filet.
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"Terrasse Café" in Zurich has nothing special yet it's an excellent choice for all occasions. I find it ideal for a snack, a complete meal, a late drink...
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182 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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