Bar
Kronenhalle Bar
A classic cocktail bar opened in 1965 beside the Kronenhalle restaurant, designed by Robert Haussmann with Diego Giacometti lamps and art by Miró, Picasso and Klee.
Kaufleuten
A century-old club, bar and event venue at Pelikanplatz, billed as Switzerland's oldest club, where Prince and Amy Winehouse performed and Dada held its last soirée.
At a glance
- Type
- Nightclub, event venue, restaurant and bar
- Area
- City (Kreis 1), Zurich, Switzerland
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- kaufleuten.ch
Good to know
- Club
- Festsaal
- Restaurant
- Pelikanbar
- Courtyard
- Readings and concerts
Why we recommend it
Kaufleuten describes itself as the oldest club in Switzerland, and it has been part of Zurich's nightlife for more than 100 years. The house at Pelikanplatz in the city centre combines a nightclub, a festival hall, a restaurant, a bar and a courtyard under one roof, and it is as much a cultural venue as a club. On 9 April 1919 it hosted the eighth and last official Dada soirée in Zurich, a link to the avant-garde movement that began at the Cabaret Voltaire in the Niederdorf.
The club is the heart of the house. Zürich Tourism calls it a legendary nightclub and meeting place for the scene, and nationally and internationally known DJs play there. The club area includes separate rooms named Jade and Library, and larger parties take place in the Festsaal. Check the online programme for the night you want, as the music and crowd vary from event to event.
Kaufleuten is also known for concerts and readings. Its hall of fame lists international stars who have performed live there, including Prince, Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey, Bryan Adams and Lenny Kravitz, as well as the Swiss comedian Hazel Brugger and Roger Federer, and authors such as Donna Leon, Daniel Kehlmann and David Sedaris have read on its stage. Talks, live podcast recordings and readings with international and Swiss authors are a regular part of the programme, so the venue is worth checking even if clubbing is not your thing.
For food and drink, the house has its own restaurant, the Pelikanbar, a lounge and a ramen counter, so you can eat and have a drink before an event without leaving the building. Opening hours follow the programme, so look at the website for times and ticket prices; big concerts and talks sell out, so book early. For general questions, the venue lists an email address on its website.
Kaufleuten suits clubbers, music fans and anyone interested in Zurich's cultural life. It is in the city centre at Pelikanplatz, in Kreis 1. Combine an evening here with dinner in the Old Town or a drink at one of the city's cocktail bars beforehand.
Kaufleuten FAQs
Is Kaufleuten really the oldest club in Switzerland?
Kaufleuten describes itself as Switzerland's oldest club, with more than 100 years in Zurich's nightlife.
What happens at Kaufleuten?
Club nights with known DJs, concerts, readings, talks and parties in the Festsaal.
Who has performed at Kaufleuten?
Its hall of fame includes Prince, Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran and Lenny Kravitz.
What is the Dada connection?
The eighth and last official Dada soirée in Zurich took place there on 9 April 1919.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes. The house has a restaurant, the Pelikanbar, a lounge and a ramen counter.
What are the opening hours?
They follow the event programme, so check the website for each date.
Do I need tickets?
For concerts, readings and some parties, yes. Popular events sell out, so book early.
Where is Kaufleuten?
At Pelikanplatz in the city centre (Kreis 1).