Young At Heart

Most people think of Zurich as a place of order and tradition. Don’t tell that to the artists, architects, and DJs who are turning it into one of Europe’s most avant-garde cities.

- Gisela Willams

Swiss culture, despite its associations with neutrality, banking, chocolate, and watches, is far more innovative than it’s given credit for. That’s especially true of Zurich, which, though one of the most expensive cities in the world, supports a thriving population of students and creatives alongside its hedge-fund millionaires. For the young and enterprising in Switzerland, Zurich is the place to come and test one’s mettle. As a result, a robust underground music and art scene is flourishing in this picturesque, walkable city on the Limmat River. From old industrial quarters to the red- light district, here’s our guide to where to experience some of the city’s coolest spots.

Löwenbräu-Kunst

After this historic brewery in Zurich’s industrial area closed down in the mid 1980s, it was taken over by squatters and artists. Now renovated, it has become home to some of the city’s most prestigious art galleries, including Hauser & Wirth and Kunsthalle Zurich. lowenbrau kunst.ch 

SEE

‘Off-spaces’ In recent years, Zurich has witnessed an explosion of non-commercial galleries run by artists. According to Andreas Marti, co-editor of the indispensable Art Space Guide, there are now about 40 such ‘off -spaces’ in the city. Marti runs Dienstgebäude, an excellent example of the genre housed in a former printing-press factory on the outskirts of the city. artspace guide.com; dienstgebaeude.ch

SHOP

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