Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and has a diverse and vibrant music scene, hosting a wide range of music festivals throughout the year, ranging from the opera performances of the Zurich Festival to contemporary music at the Rock The Ring Hinwil. Live music venues like Mascotte and Kaufleuten showcase local and international artists, offering everything from indie music to EDM. Zurich Opera House, renowned for its acoustics and world-class performances, is a haven for classical music lovers. Moreover, the city's underground scene thrives in eclectic spaces like Helsinki Klub and Rote Fabrik.
Zurich has given rise to several musicians and bands that have left a mark on the global music scene. One of the most renowned acts from Zurich is Yello, an electronic band that gained international recognition with hits like "Oh Yeah." Sophie Hunger, a singer-songwriter, has captivated audiences with her unique blend of folk, jazz, and pop. Indie rock band Rival Kings and singer Heidi Happy have also gained popularity both in Switzerland and beyond. Flavio Ferri-Benedetti, known as Flava, has made his mark in the electronic music scene as part of the duo Flava & Stevenson.
Kunsthaus Zurich, home to an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, and the Swiss National Museum, offering insights into the country's cultural heritage. Zurich West, the city's former industrial quarter, has transformed into a cultural hotspot, housing galleries, theaters, and creative spaces. The Schauspielhaus Zurich, one of Europe's most prominent theaters, stages a variety of performances, from classic plays to avant-garde productions. Zurich's culinary scene is a fusion of traditional Swiss cuisine and international flavors, with gourmet restaurants like Dolder Grand offering exquisite dining experiences.
Zurich is surrounded by several towns and cities that are easily accessible. To the north, Winterthur, the country's sixth-largest city, to the west, Baden, with its thermal baths and historical Old Town, to the south, Zug, a town situated on the shores of Lake Zug, is known for its low taxes and is a popular destination for business and leisure travelers alike.
Zurich was founded by the Romans in the 1st century and has a rich historical tapestry. The Old Town, with its narrow alleys and medieval buildings, encapsulates centuries of history and is home to landmarks like Grossmünster, an iconic twin-towered church. Zurich played a pivotal role in the Reformation, with influential figures like Huldrych Zwingli leaving a lasting impact on the city's religious landscape. The Lindenhof district, a hilltop park, offers views of the city and showcases remnants of ancient Roman and medieval settlements. Zurich's banking heritage is preserved in the Swiss National Bank and the Paradeplatz, the city's financial hub.