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 180 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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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Zurichberg might be less touristy than Uetliberg but is still popular among locals. Picnics, couples, and runners can be expected, especially on Sundays!
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Chemiserie+ is a cool small thrift store with reasonable prices and an assortment of good quality clothes for a wide range of tastes. Let slow fashion be!
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Irchel Park, a world made of natural meadows, hills, and small lakes, is first and foremost part of the scientific campus of the University of Zurich.
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In the outdoor space, small tables are hidden under lush vegetation, and in the summer you can also grab figs from the fig tree without leaving your seat.
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Vita volta is a neighbourhood organic shop where you will find fresh products including bread, vegetables, and fruits which are local most of the time.
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"Sauna Utoquai" Zurich is an oasis in the city at the southern end of the public baths called Bad Utoquai (known as the "Badi" among its regulars)...
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Seefeld, to which The Opera House serves as a gatekeeper, will please urban souls with a mix of neoclassical and functionalism aesthetics, oak-shadowed streets, and an excess showcase of small local boutiques.
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The view opens up from a terrace, which overlooks a tiny vineyard, the lake, and the city. In addition to this, you can explore the entire silhouette of Zürich’s very own mountain - Uetliberg.
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What brings the shopping experience to a truly next level, is the mini-restaurants scattered throughout the store. You will find a tea room, premium sushi, a grill at the butchers, and gourmet pasta.
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180 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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✓ 180 Insider Tips