From our special correspondent at nightfall,
In the very quiet Zurich, a (red) neighborhood has the reputation of being the most infamous in all of Switzerland. Welcome to Langstrasse, the central thoroughfare of the city and which, according to rumors, is home to every possible vice.More than a kilometer of main road to encounter prostitution, drug dealing and poverty, but also wild parties, almost affordable prices and a semblance of social diversity that is so lacking in the country. A little visit?
6.00pm: First pint and cold shower
“The neighborhood’s reputation is a bit exaggerated,” says Meret, co-manager of Roter Dolfin, one of the first bars to arrive there. Not in every “red light district” will you find a Christmas choir singing or a travel agency going to the other side of the world. switzerland, even the sulphurous one, remains Switzerland.
“Everything that happens hear, a resident of a large metropolis has more or less already seen at home,” continues the boss. «But for a much more sober Swiss, Langstrasse can really be impressive. » Illustration with the decoration of his bar: red neon lights Midnight demons. Not enough to make a Parisian or Londoner raise an eyebrow, but many locals asked me if it wasn’t too bold. »
Ermet, co-director, dared to wear a red decoration, shocking many Swiss-JLD/20 Minutes
A little disappointing for the tourist who was promised the seven circles of hell in ten minutes on foot… But the langstrasse still remains an obligatory stop: “We meet people we wouldn’t see elsewhere, it’s the place to go when you I don’t know what to do or are hoping for meetings. »
7pm: The price more than prostitution
Night has fully fallen and anyone passing by at a slightly slower pace is suspected of looking for something more than a night stroll.Many are quick to go and hide in the first bar that comes their way. And there’s no shortage of good deals.
At Kir Royar the half price is “only” 4.60 Swiss francs (5 euros), which, from beyond the Alps, is a real bargain. Add two more balloons and 50 decibels less in other areas of the city. «In Zurich the smallest activity costs a lot despite our salaries», confides Elio, 32 years old, who came to drink with his backpack. What makes the area attractive are the prices, much more than those of prostitutes or drugs. This makes tourists from small villages shudder.”
11pm: The bad strip club plan
While he had promised us by telephone to answer some questions, Stéphane*, manager of a strip club adjacent to the artery, welcomes us into his place with a little too much Alpine dust in his nose. A problem that is not specific to the neighborhood: five Swiss cities appear in the ranking of the ten metropolises It is European women who consume the most cocaine and the country, also helped by high wages, is suffering an “epidemic” of hard drugs, according to health authorities.
On langstrasse you know when to enter a place, not when to leave, nor how-JLD/20 Minutes
Very euphoric and no longer able to speak, Stéphane invites us to forget about our interview a bit and rather take advantage of the offers of his brand, pushing us next to a couple who are probably swingers. However, Ermet had warned us: “Langstrasse may seem a bit quiet, but it remains a side where anything can happen, especially when you move away from the crowds. » Even more so when you’re alone. Ariana, 24 years old, two of whom are officers, comes to speak with joy: “We have all types of customers, local, national or foreign.Sometimes they can just relax and drink champagne,not everyone asks for a private show. And we have good salaries and supervised work.”
11.30pm: Praise of social diversity
The shelter is located at the long Street dance bar.And dressed. another asset of “purchasing power” of the neighborhood. “To dance elsewhere, you often have to pay entry,” explains Tiago, of Brazilian origin. Free entry thus, and less insistent gazes from other customers in a country whiter than Stéphane’s nostrils. “We can mix things up a bit,” he argues, drink in hand.The city’s diverse communities, especially Latinos, quickly took over the neighborhood and some bars to feel pleasant.
00.30: Prostitution and gentrification
after midnight many bars have already closed their doors.In Zurich, street “work” is authorized in some corners of the city but has always been officially prohibited in Langstrasse. “Despite the bans, prostitutes continue to travel this road because it is the central artery, very busy, with clubs, bars and a constant clientele passing by”, informs Carine Maradan, scientific collaborator of the ProCoRe organisation, which defends prostitutes.As the night progresses, these become more and more visible in the artery. And too bad about the risk of a fine, one of them confides: “This is where most customers look for us and we are never alone if there is a problem. So it is still profitable to stay. »
For how long? The neighborhood is gentrifying, increasingly chic and cleaner establishments are replacing the old squats, “and it is indeed increasingly tough for sex workers to find affordable housing and spaces to work. » The city does not hesitate to profit from its “red light district”, even offering guided tours in this epicenter of all evil, but the policies implemented ”want to make us flee and hide far away. We are not clean enough for zurich. » The thrill yes, but well hidden under the carpet.
It’s one in the morning, there is still a kebab with questionable meat. Just look at the male bankers who come to eat their sandwich as their first paycheck during the day. Yes, there’s still some magic in it. Langstrasse.
* The first name has been changed
How do the perceptions of locals differ from those of tourists regarding Langstrasse’s reputation?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Urban Sociologist Dr. Clara Müller on Zurich’s Langstrasse District
Editor: Good evening, Dr.Müller. Thank you for joining us. you’ve studied urban dynamics for many years.Let’s dive into Zurich’s Langstrasse, a neighborhood that seems to stroll the line between notorious and intriguing. How would you describe its reputation?
Dr. Müller: Good evening! Absolutely, Langstrasse is both interesting and complex. It’s frequently enough labeled as the “infamous” red-light district of Zurich, reflecting a myriad of social issues like prostitution, drug activity, and poverty. However, beneath that surface lies a vibrant community where social diversity flourishes. It’s a place where the mundane and the unconventional coexist.
Editor: In the article, we see references to bars like Roter Dolfin, where Meret, the co-manager, hints that the neighborhood’s reputation might be exaggerated. Do you think perceptions of Langstrasse are shaped more by outsiders than locals?
Dr. Müller: Definitely. Outsiders often approach Langstrasse with preconceived notions, influenced by stories of vice and crime. Locals, on the other hand, might perceive it more as a social hub. As Meret pointed out, what might shock a sober Swiss resident might be quite normal for someone from a larger metropolis.the dynamics of familiarity and cultural norms play a meaningful role in shaping perceptions.
Editor: Speaking of perception, how do the economic factors play into the allure of Langstrasse? The article mentions affordable prices, particularly for nightlife. Can you expand on that?
Dr. Müller: Absolutely. the affordability factor of Langstrasse makes it appealing, especially for younger individuals or those within a tight budget. With zurich generally being one of the more expensive cities, places like Kir Royar offer a financial relief along with a lively atmosphere. This juxtaposition between low prices and vibrant street life draws both locals and tourists—seeking cheaper entertainment in contrast to the high-cost activities elsewhere in the city.
Editor: The text also touches upon the troubling issue of substance abuse in the area, linking Zurich with a broader European trend. What insights do you have on this societal issue?
Dr. Müller: Substance abuse is indeed a significant and growing problem, and this is not isolated to Zurich; many urban areas face similar challenges. The availability of drugs such as cocaine and the socioeconomic conditions in Langstrasse create a perfect storm. Higher disposable incomes can led to increased consumption, while the social isolation in urban settings might push individuals towards substance use as a coping mechanism.
Editor: It sounds like the neighborhood encapsulates a lot of social contradictions. Meret’s mention of “meeting people you wouldn’t see elsewhere” is captivating. How does Langstrasse facilitate these unique interactions?
Dr. Müller: langstrasse acts as a social melting pot.It welcomes a wide array of individuals—from economically disadvantaged locals to curious tourists and vibrant nightlife seekers. This environment creates opportunities for unconventional social interactions. People come for various reasons—either out of curiosity or necessity—and these actions draw a diverse crowd that wouldn’t typically intersect in more sanitized neighborhoods.
Editor: As we conclude, what do you think is the future for Langstrasse? Can it evolve, or will it remain a reflection of urban duality?
Dr. Müller: That’s an essential question. The future coudl be a blend of both—ther might be attempts to gentrify the area which could drive up prices and push out the very diversity that makes it unique. Though,provided that there’s a demand for affordable social spaces and an authentic atmosphere,Langstrasse could maintain its character. It’s a microcosm of urban life—ever-changing yet persistent, always reflecting the challenges and peculiarities of its residents.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Müller, for your insights.Langstrasse indeed seems like a place where society’s complexities become crystal clear, and your perspectives shed much-needed light on it.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing such an impactful topic!
