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Is Zurich West the new Berlin?

Beyond Zurich's medieval Old Town and avenues of designer shops and boutiques, another side of the city ditches the suits and briefcases for street art, trendy bars, and alternative living.

Beyond Zurich’s medieval Old Town and avenues of designer shops and boutiques, another side of the city ditches the suits and briefcases for street art, trendy bars, and alternative living.

Zurich West – a district that was once the industrial heart of the city – has recently been revitalised into one of the coolest enclaves of Europe, an area that brings to mind another hip and happening urban centre – namely, Berlin.

Warehouses and factories have been transformed into trendy bars, cafes and apartments, rapidly turning the west side of Zurich, Switzerland, into a hub for creative and artistic types, or just those who prefer a kombucha over an espresso.

Zurich West is just a short ten minute tram ride from Zurich’s main train station, Hauptbahnhof, and loosely borders Hardstrasse, Hardturmstrasse, and Pfingstweidstrasse.

Take tram four, 13, or 17 to Escher Wyss Platz, or tram four farther on to Schiffbau or Technopark. Alternatively, take the train and get off at Hardbrucke.

Here are five examples of why Zurich West has lots in common with Berlin.

 

1. Its urban infrastructure has been reused

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Source: www.elusivemagazine.com

Just like in Berlin, the area’s historic urban infrastructure has been transformed into shops, galleries, restaurants and bars.

The Im Viadukt was built in 1894, but recently its 36 arch ways have been converted into dens of commerce. One of the viaduct’s retired train lines has also been converted into a cycling and running path for locals.

 

2. Recycling is trendy

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Source: www.youropi.com

Just like in Berlin, recycling is the name of the game – even when it comes to fashion.

For example, the Freitag Container Tower doesn’t just stand out for its sky-scrapping sensibilities, but also for its legendary Freitag bags made from recycled truck tarps.

 

3. It’s all about the Arts

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Source: www.finance20.ch

Just like in Berlin, there’s a focus on the arts in Zurich West.

Check out the Schiffbau for a stage performance followed by a drink at the uber cool Nietturm-Bar in a building that was once used to build ships. Trendy Restaurant LaSalle also calls the historic space home.

Pro tip: The Schauspielhaus Zurich offers half-price admission in all categories at all its venues on Mondays.

 

4. And it’s all about the nightlife

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Source: www.trover.com

Just like in Berlin, Zurich West has restored disused industrial spaces into trendy bars and restaurants.

Head over to Frau Gerolds Garten for a drink in the shadows of shipping containers and within earshot of the adjacent train tracks.

Frau Gerolds Garten is a beer garden, kitchen, boutique shops and art space all rolled into one, and began as a temporary project three years ago to become THE meeting place for Zurich’s alternative crowd.

 

5. Riverside bars are institutional

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Source: www.zuerich.com

And finally, just like in Berlin, locals cool off in the warmer months by swimming in the city’s rivers.

Pack your bathers and towel and walk to Flussbad Oberer Letten on the Limmat River, a popular meeting spot where locals eat and drink along the 400-meter-long channel that’s clean enough to swim.

There’s also a two meter high diving board, two beach volleyball fields, and a place for playing boule on the opposite side of the river.

Have you been to Zurich West? Let us know in the comments below.