This venue is a club, bar and lounge all in one, with a swanky Mediterranean vibe. Imagine being in ancient Greece or Rome--you would see fine statuary, columns and white marble accents all around you. Now imagine being in a New York hot spot, where the walls are painted acid purple and low banquette seating hugs each wall. Put the two together, and you've got Basilica. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the vibe is chill with ambient lounge music; as the week goes on, the music played gets more intense--from soul and disco on Wednesday and Thursday to Friday's "Cosmic Night" to the main event on Saturday nights. Basilica's "Remember the Time" party on Saturday nights is open only to those age 25 and older--the DJ spins pop favorites that only old-timers are allowed to groove to. Wind down on Sunday with a global chill party, complete with candles and incense. Open Sunday through Friday at 5 p.m.; open Saturday at 7 p.m. Strictly age 21 and over.
Basilica
Heinrichstrasse 237
Zurich 8005
Switzerland
011 (+41) 043 366 93 83
basilica.ch/index1.php
Opened in October 2008, Aubrey is Zurich's hipper-than-hip place to drink, dance and dine. The decor is ultra-sleek, a compelling hybrid of modern minimalism and eclectic luxury (think Kelly Wearstler's Hollywood Regency style). Multi-tiered chandeliers shed a golden glow over the bar and dance floor; upon closer inspection, you'll see that those chandeliers actually are miniature galaxies of disco balls, layered together in concentric circles. The furnishings include low-slung leather cubes and chairs pulled up to small espresso-colored tables. The DJs here spin a range of music, from funk and R&B to Greek Oriental and bass-thumpin' house music. Work up a thirst on the dance floor, and try one of Aubrey's Swiss beers--you are in one of the world's major hops-growing regions, after all. If you're hungry, come early and order from Aubrey's dinner menu. You'll find Mediterranean-influenced salads, hummus, pasta and sandwiches. Late-night dining consists of a range of tapas selections. Open daily from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m.; open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Aubrey
Schiffbaustrasse 10
Zurich 8005
Switzerland
011 (+41) 044 440 00 20
aubrey.ch/pages/home.php
This wild young sibling of 4AKT is all party, all the time. Whereas 4AKT began as a restaurant in a fast-evolving industrial district, 2AKT is a straight-up dance club. This club isn't for the faint of heart; its motto is "If the drink is too strong, you are too weak." Still, you don't have to imbibe to rock out to some of Europe's most progressive house DJs who spin techno, vocal house and trance until the sun comes up. Recent DJs at 2AKT include Mirco Esposito, Junior D, Rocco Rodrigo and Urs Diethelm. Theme nights include "Place2Be" and "Hell's Kitchen," where reggaeton-influenced artists take the stage. The bar is fully stocked with a selection of whiskeys, aperitifs, cognacs and about a dozen bottled beers, mostly from central Europe. Open Monday through Saturday at 7 p.m.
2AKT
Selnaustrasse 2
Zurich 8002
Switzerland
011 (+41) 044 201 65 64
2akt.ch/
