A short off-guide to Zurich, part II: down by the sea
In part I of this post we introduced alternative art hotspots in Zurich’s Kreis 4 and 5 districts. If you prefer staying close to one of the city’s greatest assets, the lake, there’s one spot you should not miss: The red factory, a former silk mill known as the cultural center Rote Fabrik since 1980. With a truly alternative but also very welcoming and creative vibe, it hosts music venues, theatres, more than 60 artist’s studios, but most of all, the Shedhalle – an institution for contemporary art. A guidance system on the floor leads you to the various venues, also the great café/restaurant called Ziegel oh Lac.
Apart from the Ziegel oh Lac, you will find great food for relatively little money in the Fischers Fritz restaurant just a little further down Seestrasse. You should not miss the great free bathing meadows in Kilchberg as well as the Lindt chocolate factory store, where you will get finest but discounted chocolate.
If you want to return to the city center after having enjoyed lake views, check out the beautiful old fashioned bar La Stanza for drinks (their gin tonic is brilliant). And if on top of all that you feel like watching a movie: RiffRaff is an interesting art house venue with a nice bar as well – on Mondays, their movie night, it’s cheaper. And all movies in Switzerland are being shown in original version, so fear not the language barrier. Enjoy!
