20 years ago Zurich had the reputation of being a lame place. The saying went: "only the Niederdorf has some life until midnight". Things have changed. Maybe Zurich is not yet "the city that never sleeps" but it certainly goes to bed late. The Niederdorf, the old-town stretch running parallel to the Limmatquai, has lost its nightlife monopoly but has certainly followed the trend: "there is a lot happening there", especially during the weekend.
Splendid Bar, located at an alley near the river. It is housed at the lobby of the small Hotel Splendid. The bar pianist (not always the same one) is at the center of attention. Often he is only English speaking and sings, guess what, in the English language. Over the years I have heard the piano versions of "Hotel California", "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Smoke on the Water". You get the idea. Several guests cluster around the piano, follow the tune with body movements and occasionally sing along.
The public spans a wide range of ages and nationalities. There are regulars and passers-by, coming for a drink before going to a club or moving on with bar hopping.
If you don't like standing: there are some tables at the perimeter and seats at the bar. Notice the decoration with photos of several jazz artists.
The limited space favors starting a conversation with other guests.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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It was made out of scrap metal and everyday objects and presents a nonsensical machine, a complex configuration of tubes, wheels, and motors.
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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.
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"Raygrodski" in Zurich stands out as one of the city's best cocktail bars. Grab a Sir Mary or Hot Russian, relax and enjoy...
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