Zurich Street Parade 2012: The Best Places to Party
Expect lots of sparsely clad people in Zurich this upcoming weekend at the 21st annual Street Parade on August 11. We're talking about one of the largest techno parties in the world, attracting around one million party hungry people, coming together for a colorful celebration and showing off some seriously crazy and creative costumes. (Last year a guy came wrapped from head to toe in tin foil.)
Besides the obvious list of parties around Street Parade weekend you can find on the official website, we want to clue you in on some local insider tips.
To get in the mood on Friday we recommend starting out with some mellow vibes at the intimate venue Coco, where DJ Nader will be spinning as well as some of Zurich's finest DJs — After Grauer Phil z’Viel, Svenskj und Talib. Coco Restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Zurich, right by Paradeplatz.
Don't forget to sleep and hydrate, throw on a bikini and feather boa and head straight to Rimini Bar (pictured) on Saturday. The pool opens up at noon and will keep you dancing by the river, sipping on cocktails and seeing local acts and a few surprise guests.
Once the parade gets going around 3:15 pm you won't be far from Buerkliplatz where all the stages are located. Eat some Bratwurst while you are at it so you can tell your mother a story about traditional Swiss food.
Right after the parade Citifox invites you to Station Club, which happens to be located inside Bahnhof Enge which marks the geographical end of the Sreet Parade. International DJs such as M.A.N.D.Y, Audiofly and Amirali will be heating up the dance floors. Local DJs Rino& Dejan are spinning on the second floor. Entry is limited so purchase your tickets in advance to ensure admission.
If you don't feel like missing out on the great weather you can also opt for the Block party which will kick off at 8 pm around Bar3000. Pop into the club Zukunft next door to take in some beats by Wolf + Lamb's most popular live acts (Lonely C, Baby Prince, Slow Hands).
The festivities will continue all over the city but if you desire to dance with the local club kids in Zurich's red light district, head down the unassuming concrete stairs into underground club Gonzo. Make sure to order Gonzo's specialty Mexicano shot at the bar.
Hotel Helvetia is a great place to stay during your time in Zurich and will also host the legendary afterparty with some of Zurich’s most prestigious DJs like Dominique, Gallo, Richi Spielmann and Dani König. For possible midnight munchies simply run across the street and grab burgers and fries at Helvti Diner.
Well, if at this point you still have some energy in you, we will leave you with one last tip for a proper Sunday farewell: recently opened Hacienda where you can mellow out to Kalabrese and Jake the Rapper. Keep an eye out for the hidden floor.
Enjoy the weekend and don't do anything Société Perrier wouldn't do.
