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
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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It harbors almost half of all known species and serves an educational purpose for casual visitors and specialists alike. Get lost in the lush cactus “jungles” and between giant palms.
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My personal highlight is a modern geological exhibition Focus Terra, with a stunning design by Holzer Kobler Architekturen as well as The Library of a Law School, renovated according to Santiago Calatrava’s project.
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Hardbrücke is a former industrial area left behind by a manufacturer of turbines and other industrial equipment called Escher Wyss. The area is landmarked by the arched railway bridge from the nineteenth century - The Viaduct.
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If you get tired of the conservative landscape of the city center, Europaallee is your next stop. The allee, shadowed by the modern glossy giants, is reserved exclusively for pedestrians and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and relaxing.
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Starting from the Bürkli Platz, just behind a luxurious hotel Baur au Lac begins a manmade canal through the city. It follows the outskirts of the old town and offers picturesque views of the boats, pretty facades, and terraces.
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Oberer Letten is very popular amongst the younger population. Usually, in the evenings and over the weekends, it is filled with big friend groups, loudspeakers, exposing clothing, and alcohol.
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Beyond the culinary experience, Blinde Kuh embraces an important message of understanding and inclusivity as well as the power of sensory perception.
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"Aelpli-Bar" translates to "Mountain Bar" in English, and it couldn't be more fitting - you will be transported to a warm and cozy mountain atmosphere.
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Babus is one of the best breakfast locations in Zurich, earning fame for its variety of homemade bagels, fluffy pancakes, and delicious morning delights.
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180 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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