By the lake, on the hillside, fashionable, multicultural, or in the heart of the Old Town: these are Zurich’s urban districts.
Zurich has a total of 12 districts, known as “Kreis” in German. Each comprises between one and four quarters or neighborhoods, making 34 in all. Below you can find out more about how the districts differ from one another and what is particularly characteristic of each one.
District 1 – Old Town, City Center
The most central district encompasses the historical Old Town on both banks of the River Limmat, as well as the area to the south bordering on the lake basin. It is home to the prestigiousBahnhofstrasse, magnificent guild houses, imposing churches, and the famousOpera House. The best view of District 1 is to be had from the top of theKarlsturmtower.
District 2 – Left Shore of the Lake
The architecturally attractive Enge Train Station built out of Ticino granite, theMuseum Rietbergwith its beautiful park, the Seebad Enge lido, and the Rote Fabrik give this district a Mediterranean feel.
District 3 – Creative Quarter of Wiedikon
Once mainly a working-class neighborhood, the district below theUetlibergis now a popular residential area with cozy cafés, boutiques, and vintage stores. TheHoudinimovie theater also lies on Wiedikon territory.
District 4 – Creative Quarter of Langstrasse
The district aroundLangstrassewas long regarded as a den of iniquity. Nowadays, it is known for its diverse restaurants and never-sleeping nightlife, with bars such as the Olé and the ClubZukunft.
District 5 – Creative Quarter of Zürich-West
In the quarter where huge machines once clattered away, now nightclubs, cultural institutions, and universities cluster around thePrime Tower. Converted structures such as theViaduktand designer stores like theFreitag Towergive the neighborhood its characteristic trendy atmosphere.
District 6 – University Quarter
University buildings, Jugendstil villas, green areas, and the Dynamo cultural center characterize Zurich’s District 6. Thanks to its tranquility and closeness to the city center, it is a much sought-after residential area.
District 7 – On the Zürichberg
The hillside location, little traffic, and fabulous views mean than living here does not come cheap. Neighbors include Zurich Zoo and the luxury hotel,The Dolder Grand.
District 8 – Right Shore of the Lake
This district starts behind the Opera House and stretches as far as the open-air bathing facility,Seebad Tiefenbrunnen. It features boutiques, villas, theChinawieserecreational area, and theSeebad Utoquaioutdoor swimming bath.
District 9 – At the Foot of the Uetliberg
For a long time, this district was solely known for the Letzigrund Stadium. In recent years, however, the quarter around Altstetten has become THE place to be, with creative club and gastronomy concepts.
District 10 – Right of the Limmat
This district boasts a fantastic location: in summer, everyone meets at theUnterer LettenandOberer Lettenriverside lidos to swim and bask in the sun. In addition, the view over Zurich from theWaidquarter is unbeatable.
District 11 – Zürich Nord
The close vicinity to theairport, the Hallenstadion indoor stadium where sports and music events are held, and the MFO-Park are the highlights of the Zurich’s northernmost district, which also offers plenty of space forpublic works of art.
District 12 – Schwamendingen
Schwamendingen, with its many green areas, lies in the north-east of Zurich. This district, which was not incorporated into the City of Zurich until 1934, has retained much of its village character. Its closeness to the Zürichberg makes it particularly popular among walkers, joggers, and children.
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