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.