Alarm clocks hanging from the ceiling ringing out closing time, kitschy paraphernalia covering every inch of the walls and a team of three sisters and a brother running the place since 1966. Mention the Olé Olé Bar to anyone who's lived in Zurich for a while and you'll see them swell up with nostalgia - this place is really a piece of Zurich's history.
So when in late 2012 the bar suddenly closed due to its former owners' health issues, people were in a state of shock. Not only did it become a main topic of conversation among locals but people even organized one last farewell drink in front of the bar's closed doors - doors that had seen people come and go for more than half a century. The fear was that this place with its unique character and history would be bought up, renovated and transformed into a modern faceless hipster bar.
Luckily enough, the team that ended up taking over the bar kept its original feel. And while the alarm clocks may now be gone, all the paraphernalia is still there including the old-school jukebox that everyone loves. Even the bar staff still manages to remind us of the old times - even if they're quite a bit younger, they're just as friendly and open-hearted as their forerunners. Really a place worth visiting.
Find your way with 180 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The cat isn't just a playful representation of Schrödinger's thought experiment, but it also invites the viewer to take part in the experiment.
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Papiersaal is known for its events and its extraordinary stage. Music sounds better with their 180-degree stage and unique industrial but stylish ambiance.
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You can book classical courses making sourdough, croissants, or puff pastry dough. But they also have more exciting options like a pasta-making course.
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Haus Konstruktiv may appear unassuming from the outside, but you should not judge a book by its cover, at least not in this case.
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It all began when Zurich launched a competition to paint the entrance hall of a municipal building. They aimed to brighten up the dark and gloomy place...
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The structure consists of 19 shipping containers stacked on top of each other. The Freitag Tower is beautiful and also functions as a flagship store.
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The Polybahn is a funicular that was created in 1889. With an average slope of 23%, it takes you from Römerhof to Bergstation Dolder Bahn.
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For example, old dollhouses show how domestic life used to look like and dolls fashion. Train sets and steam engines reflect the beginnings of technology.
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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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180 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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