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 184 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Enjoy the incredibly aesthetic brutalist open space with high ceilings, soft concrete, and brass-finished elements. To complete the experience, take a seat in their art deco-inspired bar.
by
For an active getaway, follow one of the tens of hiking paths to wander in the forest, or navigate to Loorenkopf for an overview of the whole city with the Alps in the background.
by
To reach the spot, navigate by public transport to the tram stop Römerhof and jump on a Dolderbahn funicular. From the final stop at Dolder Grand, head to the forest and follow the signs to the Loorenkopf.
by
"Weisses Kreuz" in Zurich isn't fancy - it's probably what some people would call an 'old man's pub', but what other pub has a 'Stammtisch' for regulars?
by
I particularly like the variety of products they offer, which can make life a lot easier if you are gluten-free and they also have several vegan options.
by
If you want to enjoy some good live jazz on Wednesdays, you should definitely try out this jam session that is clearly flirting with professionalism.
by
It was made out of scrap metal and everyday objects and presents a nonsensical machine, a complex configuration of tubes, wheels, and motors.
by
The outside area is also worth a visit. You'll find a beautiful collection of palms and agave in a sandy environment crossed by a water basin with fishes.
by
"Raygrodski" in Zurich stands out as one of the city's best cocktail bars. Grab a Sir Mary or Hot Russian, relax and enjoy...
by
184 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 184 Insider Tips