It's most famous burst of creativity came in 1916 when the Dada art movement emerged from the Cabaret Voltaire - strangely enough at exactly the same time those playful dudes Lenin and Trotsky were also in residence. Today the city is more famous for its pinstriped gnomes and art galleries, and for the way it manages to balance finance and aesthetics better than anyone but Sothebys. The elegant Bahnhofstrasse was built on the site of the city walls, which were torn down 150 years ago. The Museum of Fine Arts has a large permanent collection ranging from 15th-century religious art to the 'modern' art of Monet, Manet and Man Ray. Hostels are located on the perimeter of the city centre and there are a few budget hotels on the east bank of Limmat River.
Accommodation can be a problem during the summer months, so book ahead if possible.
Nightlife is centred on the streets around Niederdorfstrasse. This is also a red-light district. The global affairs it tries to make sense of may be murky, distressing and dangerous, but the city itself is pristine, efficient and safe. Some punters have gone as far as to complain about sterility, but then some people wouldn't recognise a good thing if it waved a dozen flags and shouted in their ear. The city enjoys a fine location, and strolls around the lake and boating excursions are hugely enjoyable.