Winterthur is more than just Zurich's little sister. Switzerland's sixth-largest city has its own cultural scene, ranging from legendary music clubs to world-class museums and three of the biggest old town festivals. Going out here means discovering a city where industrial heritage meets creative pulse.
Winterthur – Industrial Culture Meets Nightlife
The Eulach city has transformed from an industrial hub into a cultural metropolis. Where Sulzer machines once rattled, the music scene now pulses. This mix of history and present, of repurposed factory halls and vibrant clubs, makes Winterthur one of the most exciting going-out destinations in German-speaking Switzerland.
Clubs & Nightlife
Winterthur offers a surprisingly diverse club landscape:
- Salzhaus – The premier address for live music since 1996. The former salt warehouse with 400 capacity offers everything from rock to indie to electronic. The outdoor bar is popular in summer.
- Albani – The oldest music club in town, right in the old town. With 6-8 live concerts monthly, weekend parties and cosy pub atmosphere during the week. Huge beer selection at fair prices.
- Kraftfeld – For 25 years the underground address on the Sulzer site. Undiscovered guitar bands, independent rap, electronic avant-garde – this is where those avoiding mainstream come to party. The attached Bistro Portier is perfect for pre-drinks.
- Gaswerk Kulturzentrum – In Töss, the former power distribution centre has become an alternative cultural hub. Punk, ska, indie-pop and every Sunday independent films at the Nische repertory cinema.
- Bolero Club & Lounge – For over a decade a top address for party nights with rotating theme evenings. Lounge, fumoir and terrace with bar.
For refined drinks before or after:
- Das Schmale Handtuch – Legendary student bar with the famous Serpentin drink (18 francs, various flavours). In summer, sit outside by the Eulach stream.
- Quincy Rooftop Bar – Spectacular cocktails at 90 metres height. The mid-century bar in the Red Tower offers the best view in town and was awarded at the Swiss Location Award.
- ESSE Musicbar – Intimate jazz and blues concerts at Zeughaus. Live music three times weekly in a familiar atmosphere for 70 guests. Entry on a 'pay what it's worth' basis.
Culture & Events
Winterthur is an underrated cultural city:
- Kunst Museum Winterthur – Three buildings full of art from the 17th century to today. Focus on Impressionism and Post-Impressionism – one of Switzerland's most important collections.
- Fotomuseum Winterthur – Switzerland's leading museum for contemporary photography with changing international exhibitions.
- Swiss Science Center Technorama – Over 500 experiment stations make science tangible. Europe's largest science centre attracts 300,000 visitors annually.
- Casinotheater – Comedy, cabaret and satirical year-in-review shows in historic surroundings.
The three biggest festivals:
- Afro-Pfingsten – Since 1991, Switzerland's largest festival for African and Afro-American cultures. Six days of concerts, a market with 300 stalls, workshops and parties transform the old town into an intercultural meeting zone.
- Albanifest – The oldest and largest Winterthur festival since 1264. At the end of June, the whole city celebrates for three days between old town and city garden.
- Musikfestwochen – In mid-August, over 1,100 volunteers transform the old town into an open-air stage. In 2025, the festival celebrated its 50th edition.
Popular Districts
Old Town: The historic heart with winding lanes, pubs and cultural venues. From Albani to Das Schmale Handtuch to Quincy in the Red Tower – classic going-out concentrates here.
Sulzer Site (Lagerplatz): The former industrial quarter is Winterthur's creative centre. At Kraftfeld and Bistro Portier you'll meet the alternative scene, The Boiler Room in the former boiler house impresses with industrial ambience.
Töss: The district in the west houses the Gaswerk Kulturzentrum. Slightly off the beaten path, but worth the trip for fans of alternative and punk.
What Makes Winterthur Special?
Winterthur has emancipated itself from Zurich's shadow. The city is big enough for its own scene, but small enough that people know each other. The industrial heritage shapes the atmosphere: partying in repurposed factory halls feels different than in chic new builds. Add world-class museums and three festivals that are unmatched in Switzerland. The proximity to Zurich (20 minutes by train) makes Winterthur the perfect destination for everyone wanting to avoid big-city hustle while still going out big.