Zurich is not only famous for its charming old town and historic character, but also for being a lively, modern global city in the 21st century. It boasts a vibrant art scene, rich culture, innovative design, exciting nightlife, and exquisite gastronomy that rival some of the best in Europe. The city’s outlying neighborhoods are constantly evolving with new urban developments, drawing in young entrepreneurs and artists from all over, including the trendy Altstetten district in the western part of Zurich.

The former workshops of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) in the Altstetten district are currently being transformed into Werkstadt Zürich (“Werkstatt” translates to “Garage” and “Stadt” translates to “City”), a multi-use space that features housing, commercial spaces, art studios, workshops, pop-ups, restaurants, coffee shops and cultural venues, as well as offices for start-ups, tech companies and more. With the goal of becoming a mini Silicon Valley of sorts, this new destination is attracting young entrepreneurs and trendy new shops, many of which have already opened their doors. The project is set to be fully completed by 2025, but many companies are already calling Werkstadt Zürich home.

Companies and entrepreneurs that can be found at Werkstadt Zürich include ViCafe Espresso Roastery, Zurich Beer Factory, Greek-Mediterranean restaurant Nüni, ZURIGA espresso machine manufacturers and Soeder beauty products. ZURIGA has been developing and producing high-quality espresso machines in Zurich since 2016. A non-profit company, ZURIGA designs, develops, manufactures, imports and sells their own espresso machines, in addition to running their own stores. Soeder, a family business founded in Zurich in 2013, produces natural beauty products in a variety of scents and products, including soap, face cream, deodorant and shampoo. Their main focus is on sustainability and using only all-natural ingredients, such as wheat protein and Swiss honey.

Beyond Werkstadt, the Altstetten district is a destination in and of itself for its thrift shops and unique finds for any traveler. In the summertime, visitors can explore the nearby island, Werdinsel on the River Limmat, where locals love to take a refreshing jump into crystal clear water at the end of the day.