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 181 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Chiang Mai Take Away is a cozy spot near the HB serving fresh Thai (and now Chinese) dishes. Fast, flavorful, and perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
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The cat isn't just a playful representation of Schrödinger's thought experiment, but it also invites the viewer to take part in the experiment.
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Papiersaal is known for its events and its extraordinary stage. Music sounds better with their 180-degree stage and unique industrial but stylish ambiance.
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You can book classical courses making sourdough, croissants, or puff pastry dough. But they also have more exciting options like a pasta-making course.
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Haus Konstruktiv may appear unassuming from the outside, but you should not judge a book by its cover, at least not in this case.
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It all began when Zurich launched a competition to paint the entrance hall of a municipal building. They aimed to brighten up the dark and gloomy place...
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The structure consists of 19 shipping containers stacked on top of each other. The Freitag Tower is beautiful and also functions as a flagship store.
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The Polybahn is a funicular that was created in 1889. With an average slope of 23%, it takes you from Römerhof to Bergstation Dolder Bahn.
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For example, old dollhouses show how domestic life used to look like and dolls fashion. Train sets and steam engines reflect the beginnings of technology.
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Besides the building itself, Toni Areal hosts an abundant amount of events, often linked to the art students. There is an amazing rooftop as well!
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At Villa Tobler Park you will find benches to relax among well-trimmed bushes, beautiful statues, and a fountain featuring a golden mosaic and a dragon.
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181 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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