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Amazing Journeys Through Europe

Niederdorf Zurich: What To See & Do

Exploring Niederdorf

While in Zurich, you must take a stroll through the alleyways of Niederdorf and have a coffee and some confectioneries at a street-side cafe, to take in the charm of this lovely pedestrian area which is full of coffee shops, boutique stores, art & craft studios and bookstores. The place is fondly called as ‘Dorfli’ by the locals.

Niederdorf Zurich
Niederdorf Zurich. Photo: Jorge Franganillo/ flickr

Niederdorf is an area located in the old town of Zurich and is a rich representative of Zurich’s history, culture and architecture. There are many old historic buildings here. The area spans along the Limmat River on its east bank and across the old town starting from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (the main railway station of Zurich). Niederdorf, which means the ‘Low Village’, has been named from Niederdorfstrasse.

There are numerous alleyways in Niederdorf and many stores, souvenir shops and craft studios are almost hidden in them. While during the daytime, the place attracts people who love to do boutique shopping or spend time soaking in the atmosphere over a coffee and cakes or chocolates, at nights, Niederdorf morphs into one of the best nightlife venues of Zurich with its many bars, pubs, discos and street performances.

The Grossmunster, a famous Protestant church with an imposing structure is located in the Niederdorf area. Its original construction started in the year 1100, but it has been rebuilt and renovated several times.

One of the best places here to try out coffee along with some fine pastry or chocolates is at Péclard in Conditorei Schober located behind the Grossmunster church … the history of this building dates back to the 14th century, yet it looks so elegant and wonderful. The confectionery business was established in the 1800s.

While there are indoor seating accommodations on the ground floor as well as on the three levels above, you can also sit outside in the garden and the patio. There are numerous types of confectionery items, and all that is complemented by the charming atmosphere and decor with large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. They arguably make the best almond croissant in Zurich.

At the end of August, the popular Dörflifäscht festival is held at Niederdorf. DJs play music, a number of food stalls are set up, and shows and performances take place here.

Location & How To Reach

You can get to Niederdorf by various means… bus, train or light rail.

Bus routes 31, 40 46 and 916 pass nearby. You can also take a train (line S6, S7, S11, S14, S16, S18) and get off at the main train station. Light Rail 2, 4, 13 also come nearby.

For more information, contact:

Zürich Tourismus
Im Hauptbahnhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Phone  +41 (0)44 215 40 00

Find Nearby

  • Big Ben Pub (20m): A casual, friendly and no-frill pub located in the heart of Niederdorf… a great place for beer lovers and those like to watch some sports on TV while sipping on a drink. They also have a great collection of cigars. Open Monday to Saturday 4.00pm – 2.00am; Sunday 4.00pm – 12.00am
  • Babalu Bar (40m): A nice bar to enjoy your drinks. Open Monday to Friday from 5.00pm; Saturday from 6.00pm.
  • Dieci Gelateria & Take Away (40m): Great Italian fares and one of the best places for home-made Gelati… carry them and eat as you enjoy your stroll through the alleyways, you can also eat inside… there are high tables and bar stools. Other than pizzas and pasta, they also have 20 varieties of ice creams. Open between April to October. Sunday – Thursday, 11.00am – 11.00pm; Friday & Saturday, 11.00am – 12.00 midnight
  • Walliser Keller, The Swiss Restaurant (50m): This restaurant with a decor of a rustic style cellar is best known for its cheese fondues of all types you can imagine. They also have a vegan version. However, the signature offering is warm and juicy ‘Tinu’s Güggeli im Chörbli’. Monday to Friday, 11.30am – 1.30pm and 5.15pm – 11.00pm; Saturday, 5.15pm – 11.00pm; Sunday (October to March), 5.15pm – 10.00pm. Address: Zähringerstrasse 21.
  • Fondue Gondolas: Right in front of Walliser Keller Restaurant, there are 5 red gondolas placed in a line. These gondolas were once used in the aerial cableway in Saas-Fee in Canton Valais. They remind you of the Swiss mountains. They have been done up with soft seats, red & white checkered table cloths and table lamps. You can carry your cheese fondues and enjoy them sitting inside the gondolas… a novel experience!

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