Zürich, an important business, and financial district, is the largest city in Switzerland. It is situated at the north-western end of Lake Zürich, with an area of 87.88 km² and a population of more than 380,000 inhabitants.
This dynamic European city has plenty of green spaces, fountains, public parks, as well as theatres and opera houses. Many enjoy visiting Zürich because of its natural beauty and the abundance of tourist spots and museums. Some of the most notable ones include Swiss National Museum, Museum of Design, Zürich Tram Museum, and the Rietberg Museum.
History of the RLD
Langstrasse used to have a terrible reputation because of crime. The drug problems in the area also contributed to the street’s bad name.
The neighbourhood of Langstrasse, however, is now recovering. They have started renovated buildings. The presense of business establishments, stores, and schools is slowly changing the reputation of the street. It has now evolved into a popular nightlife district and a famous place to drink, dine, shop, and have some fun.
How to find the RLD
Langstrasse is situated in the central part of the city in district 4. The street begins nearby the district courts and extends to the main train station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof. Tourists can take the Bus 32 to get to the area, especially where most clubs and bars are located.
Stay safe in the RLD
Some have reported that the area is unsafe at night. Establishment owners say the otherwise, noting that there are authorities who patrol around the RLD. There may be plenty of people in Langstrasse at different times of the day (which raises the issue of conflict), but the area is not unsafe. The city of Zurich is relatively safe, although cases of pickpocketing may occur, with thieves mostly operating in the main train station.
Since prostitution is legal in the country, Zürich has plenty of venues offering adult entertainment. Tourists can find strip clubs, sex clubs, as well as escort services, and erotic massages in the city. Clients looking to avail sex services in Zürich can go to sex clubs that are operating legally and following security, health, and tax regulations.
It is possible to find adult entertainment locations around Langstrasse, which is also a popular area for nightlife. There are also some clubs and other adult establishments in Niederdorf (Old Town) with some street workers. Prostitution is available in Altstetten, with the famous drive-in sex boxes.
Adult Cinemas
Street Prostitution
Prostitutes are permitted to work in certain areas like Niederdof, especially in Häringstrasse. A famous place is Altstetten because of the drive-in sex boxes. This is aimed to get the industry out of the streets. The boxes have alarm button, as well as safe sex posters, and guards. With sex boxes, clients drive up to the prostitutes, make a deal, and park in the boxes (garage) to have sex. Prostitutes have to pay a yearly fee to use the facilities.
Window Prostitution
Reports suggest that many prostitutes in Zürich attract customers by displaying themselves in the windows. The city council notes that these sex workers disobey the regulations designed for protecting the people from disturbances like unreasonable noises. This way there is a law that focuses on keeping sex services behind closed doors in the city. Langstrasse is the main area for prostitution but is also a residential area. Reports say some people are kept awake at night because of the disturbances.
Swinger Clubs
Prostitution in the country is legal and regulated. This is why it is possible to see a range of adult entertainment venues in cities like Zürich. The profession has been legal since 1942, with the European country having a liberal approach to the industry. One notable example of a sex-friendly policy is the presence of sex boxes in the streets of Zürich.
Sex workers in Switzerland also make social security contributions and pay their taxes. The country has a mandatory sex education at the age of 10 and the age of consent is 16. The legal age for prostitutes is 18. The law changes suggest that those working below the legal age will not face penalties, but those who pay to have sex with minors will have to face three years of jail time.
Apart from paying taxes, prostitutes also register with health and city authorities and are required to get health checks. Regulations also exist like the use of condoms for oral services. Human trafficking is illegal and offenders can face up to 20 years of incarceration. Those who force a person into prostitution can face imprisonment of up 10 years.
When it comes to laws for gays, same-sex activity is legal but marriage of the same gender is not. The right to change gender is legal. They have anti-LGBT discrimination acts giving homosexuals equal rights and opportunities.
The nightlife of Zurich offers a range of clubs, pubs, bars, and music venues. This is mostly concentrated on areas like Niederdorf, and in the streets around Zurich West and Langstrasse. It is important to note that a night out in the city can be a little costly. Some bars venues only accept cash and not take credit cards.
The vibrant nightlife in the city is one the reasons people from different parts of the country come to Zurich on weekends. There is also a discreet and quiet area for those who prefer cocktail bars and pubs. This is common around Paradeplatz and in the Old Town in Niederdorf.
Some of the best nightlife venues include:
The city is considered the country’s gay capital. Gay venues in the city include cafes, bars, clubs, and saunas. The Barfüsser, which is located in Spitalgasse, is considered the oldest gay bar in the continent. It is a famous venue for gays, which offers lounge and sushi areas.
Most of the gay and lesbian scene in the capital is located in Langstrasse and Old Town quarter districts. The city gives warm welcome to the members of the third sex, so everyone can feel comfortable visiting Zurich. The city’s official website, Zuerich.com/en/visit/lgbt-zurich offers information about the nightlife and all things gay in the city. Guides and information to gay parties held in Zurich and other locations are available at sites like Boyahkasha.ch and Angels.ch.
General Attitude Towards Gays
Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne have modern views toward homosexuality and gay relationships. Rural areas, however, have traditional attitudes, with most people thinking the homosexuality is morally wrong. This is why it can be a big deal to reveal sexual orientation or preferences in remote parts of the country.
In Zurich, however, homosexuality is not a big deal. The Zurich Pride Festival (also known as Christopher Street Day) has been held every June for more than 10 years. This big event features colourful march and parties in the city. There is also the Pink Apple Film Festival that shows gays and lesbian movies from different parts of the world. There are many LGBT clubbing venues in the city, so it is possible to find gay-friendly bars to relax or dine in.
Gay venues are mostly concentrated in the Old Town and the city’s RLD, Langstrasse. Some gay-friendly establishments include Barfüsser, Huusmaa, The Dynasty Club, Platzhirsch Bar, and many more. Tiptop bar in Seilergraben 13 provides a unique gay experience, while The Cranberry Bar is an institution among the gay community and offers excellent cocktails.
Gay Prostitution in Zürich
Many small gay bars in Old Town, Zurich has a number of boys for rent. The south portion of the area as the Carousel Bar is a location where people buy and sell. In the north of said venue is The Dynasty Bar, which also attracts male prostitutes because it is near to Carousel. It is possible to find gay escorts offering male services in some bars, clubs, and sauna. Gay Escort Club has a listing of gay escorts in the city, with photos of men to choose from.
Transsexual prostitutes
There is no specific information on where to find transsexual prostitutes in Zurich. Those who offer this kind of services usually advertise on the internet. Trans-escorts.com has a listing of shemale escorts and adult entertainment advertisements. The same is also true for Ts-dating.com.