Fribourg, Drei-Seen-Land and The Jura
No address better reflects Fribourg's creative spirit. Squirrelled away in a former gas warehouse on the banks of the Sarine, the Port bursts with energy…
Must-see entertainment in Switzerland
-
Geneva
At the gritty heart of Geneva's alternative culture scene, this nonprofit collection of 18 arts-related initiatives is housed beside the Rhône in a former…
-
Bern
Part bar, part nightspot, part community arts centre that hosts frequent evening performances, Turnhalle also serves an excellent-value weekday lunch …
-
Café Culturel de l’Ancienne Gare
Fribourg, Drei-Seen-Land and The Jura
In the old train station’s 19th-century hall, this hip and easy hang-out also doubles as a nerve centre of sorts for arty happenings involving film,…
-
Bern
Host to an action-packed Saturday-night club, this industrial brick riverside building also stages concerts, festivals and contemporary dance; check the…
Zürich
Regularly hitting the headlines for its controversial plays, the Theater Neumarkt shows contemporary and experimental productions in a converted guild…
-
Lugano
Lugano is justifiably proud of its cutting-edge new cultural centre, which has given the city its artistic mojo back. It brings together contemporary art …
-
Zürich
With a fabulous lakeside location, this multifaceted performing-arts centre stages rock, jazz and hip-hop concerts, original-language films, and theatre…
-
Geneva
Free summer movie series, held under the stars in Parc de la Perle du Lac. For more comfortable viewing, arrive early and rent a transat (lounge chair,…
-
Chur
A coppersmith factory turned dynamic cultural centre, hosting gigs, jam sessions, art-house film screenings, plays and parties. See the website for what's…
Zürich
From Jim Jarmusch films and Bollywood flicks to independent Swiss productions, this art-house four-screen cinema is a cinephile hot spot. Films have been…
Zürich
Offering workshops for teenagers by day, this cultural hub hosts parties and concerts at night. The musical spectrum ranges from hip-hop to metal and punk…
-
Zürich
A leftover hut from the area’s industrial days, the Helsinki attracts people of all tastes and ages for its low-lit, relaxed band scene. On Sundays, catch…
-
Canton of Zürich
Dance to your favourite '80s tunes or sing along to local or international bands at this popular nightclub and music venue. Set in an old salt warehouse…
-
Zürich
Cinema, events hall, bookshop, bistro, bar: Kosmos has many faces. The cinema screens art-house movies, and an extensive events list ranges from readings…
-
Geneva
While Geneva's stunning Grand Théâtre is undergoing a major transformation, concerts will be held in a temporary venue, the 'Opéra des Nations' (Ave de…
-
Geneva
This gorgeous historic theatre with its cut-glass chandeliers, embossed silver ceilings and scarlet chairs makes a classy venue for live concerts ranging…
-
Fribourg, Drei-Seen-Land and The Jura
DJs spin various sounds inside this graffiti-covered warehouse, one of western Switzerland’s biggest stages for live concerts. Themed dance nights – deep…
-
Interlaken
There are twice-weekly performances of Schiller’s Wilhelm Tell (William Tell) between mid-June and early September, staged in the open-air theatre in…
-
Lucerne
Alphorns, cowbells, flag throwing, yodelling – name the Swiss cliché and you’ll find it at this tourist-oriented club with regular lunch and dinner…
-
Zürich
This vibrant performance space, attached to its eponymous cafe in Kreis 5's Viadukt complex, brings in indie bands from all over the world (recent…
-
Zürich
Behind an opulent neoclassical facade, the city’s premier opera house enjoys a worldwide reputation and stages top-drawer concerts, opera and ballet…
-
Basel
The Basel Symphony Orchestra and Basel Chamber Orchestra both play regularly at this 19th-century venue, which includes a 1500-seat concert hall, ballroom…
-
Lucerne
Live gigs are the name of the game here: think everything from metal, garage and pop to electro, Cuban and world, plus theme nights with DJ-spun Britpop…
-
Lausanne
Lausanne’s premier rock club resides in a post-industrial location within the great stone arches of the Grand-Pont. Expect live rock, garage and even punk…
-
Zürich
Though this is one of Zürich's top jazz spots, other musical genres including funk, hip hop, swing, Latin and world music also grab the occasional spot on…
-
Basel
Basel boasts one of Switzerland’s top football teams, which plays at St Jakob Park, 3km east of SBB Bahnhof. Take tram 14 from Barfüsserplatz or…
-
Bern
Home to the local Young Boys team, Bern’s 32,000-seat stadium was built over the demolished Wankdorf Stadium, which hosted the 1954 World Cup final.
-
Bern
Built in 1903, Bern's neo-classical theatre stages opera, dance, classical music and plays (in German). Check the website for the latest programming.
-
Bernese Oberland
Cutting-edge design space and cultural centre, hosting events from concerts to poetry slams and urban art exhibitions in a converted factory.
-
Geneva
Geneva's one-time riverside pumping station (1886) is now a striking space for classical-music concerts, dance and other performing arts.
-
Lucerne
This is a lovely little spot for a low-key gig, with two performance areas and a cosy-glam bar. The monthly schedule is on its website.
-
Neuchâtel
Alternative venue in a converted brewery with live music, DJ sets and a free-spirited vibe when it’s cranking.
-
Basel
One of Europe’s top jazz dens attracts local and headline foreign acts. Concerts start at 8.30pm.
-
Bernese Oberland
Has a top-drawer line-up of DJs, gigs and festivals. Music skips from funk to ska and electro punk.
-
Geneva
Concert hall for the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and Orchestre de Chambre de Genève.
-
Lausanne
Opera and classical music concerts presented in a recently refurbished building.
-
-
-
Lausanne
What was once a petite old cinema is now a happening drinking den and live-music venue. Squeeze upstairs past the bar for a good view down to the stage…
