Zurich

The city of Zurich, with its 415,367 inhabitants, is the largest city in Switzerland. The surrounding area is densely populated, so that in the agglomeration of Zurich live about 1.3 million and in the metropolitan region of Zurich about 1.83 million people. The city is composed of twelve city districts, which are from 1 to 12.

Zurich is the largest financial center in Switzerland and is home to Switzerland's two largest university colleges. It is also the most important center of the Swiss media and creative industries. Despite its comparatively small population, Zurich is counted among the world's cities.

The city of Zurich is an important centre of Swiss artistic and cultural creation. Zurich owes part of its cultural boom to numerous painters, composers and writers who have stayed in the city - often as political refugees - and left their mark.

In Zurich in the Cabaret Voltaire the artistic and literary movement Dadaism emerged in 1916. 

Typical of Zurich is its gallery density: along Rämistrasse in the city centre, galleries are located a few steps apart. Along with London and New York, Zurich has become a major hub for contemporary art. The core city alone is home to more than 50 museums, around 14 of which are dedicated to art, and more than 100 galleries.

In Kunsthaus Zürich, the museum of fine art, you'll find a significant collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and video art. The museum Rietberg is one of the leading international centers for non-European art. A few steps from Zurich's main railway station, the Swiss National Museum -a palatial building over 100 years old-houses Switzerland's largest collection of cultural history.

Zurich boasts a large number of theatres and concert venues. Internationally renowned are the Opera House Zurich, the Tonhalle and the Schauspielhaus Zurich. In addition, there are numerous other theatres and small theatres.

Zurich offers a wide range of events. Internationally renowned is the Streetparade, the largest house and techno parade in the world. It takes place every second weekend in August and attracts around a million people to the Limmat city.

Every three years, the Züri Fäscht, by far the largest Swiss folk festival, takes place. It attracts up to three million people to Zurich's lake basin over three days.

The nightlife is also very diverse, with its 500 bars, nightclubs and discos. Zurich has the highest club density in Switzerland. Among the most popular nightlife districts are the Langstrassequartier, the Niederdörfli and Zurich-West. During the summer months, the wide range of activities is also complemented by various open-air cinemas, including the Kino am See (now Allianz Cinema), which has been held since 1989, as well as other open-air events and bars. 

In addition to concerts by internationally famous personalities, numerous regional events are held regularly, such as the rundfunk.fm event at the Landesmuseum. The so-called "Badi-Bars" in the municipal bathing facilities enjoy cult status. Among the best known are the Rimini, the Barfussbar, and the Seebad Enge.

Most of Zürich's sights are grouped in and around the Old Town. Besides buildings and monuments, Zurich's location on Lake Zurich is also worth a look. At Bellevue or Bürkliplatz, there are beautiful views of the lake and the Alps in good weather. Both lakeshores with their promenades and parks are then attractions for many locals and tourists alike.