Background

EXIL, Zürich-West's Club for Concert Nights and Late Sets

4.2 (906)

A Zürich-West nightclub and live-music venue where DJ sets, concerts, and a covered outdoor area shape the night.

EXIL is a medium-sized nightclub and music club in Zürich-West, set in a former industrial district now packed with bars, venues, and late-night foot traffic. It draws crowds for DJ sets, live bands, and party nights rather than casual drinks, with an indoor main room and a covered outdoor area for breaks between sets. Expect an urban, music-first atmosphere.

A brief summary to EXIL

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring EXIL.

  • Check the event line-up before going; the room can feel very different on a concert night versus a DJ night.
  • Arrive by tram or on foot if possible, as Zürich-West is busy at night and parking is less convenient.
  • Use the covered outdoor area for short breaks, especially if the main room gets crowded or warm.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Unlock the Best of EXIL

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Public transport

    Best option from central Zürich or the main station; expect a short ride and a brief walk in Zürich-West.

  • On foot

    Walkable from parts of the city centre if you are already in Kreis 5 or near the main station area.

  • Taxi or rideshare

    Useful after midnight or if you are travelling in a group, though evening traffic can slow the approach.

  • Car

    Possible, but less practical in this dense nightlife district where parking is limited and evening congestion is common.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

  • Restrooms
  • Drink Options
  • Seating Areas
  • Sheltered Areas
  • Trash Bins

Discover more about EXIL

What EXIL is

EXIL is a nightclub and live-music venue in Zürich-West, at Hardstrasse 245 in Kreis 5. It sits firmly in the city’s contemporary nightlife circuit rather than the sightseeing trail. The programming mixes DJ nights with concerts, so the room can feel like a club one night and a compact concert hall the next. That flexibility is the main reason people come: for a specific lineup, a late set, or a full night out built around music.

Setting and atmosphere

The venue is in an urban street setting among mixed-use blocks, bars, restaurants, and other cultural spaces near Escher-Wyss-Platz and the broader Schiffbau area. Zürich-West’s post-industrial character is part of the appeal: concrete, traffic, neon, and a steady flow of people moving between venues. Inside, the mood is energetic and tightly focused on the sound system and dance floor. A covered outdoor area gives smokers and anyone needing air a place to step out without leaving the event entirely.

How a visit unfolds

Most visits begin with an early drink nearby or a straightforward arrival by tram or on foot from central Zürich. Once inside, the experience is event-led: you either settle in for a concert, stay near the bar between sets, or move with the crowd as the night shifts into club mode. Seating is limited and secondary to standing and dancing, so this is not a lounge-style venue. The outdoor area can be useful during warmer months or when the room gets dense, but the core experience remains indoors and music-driven.

Practical expectations

EXIL suits adults looking for nightlife, concertgoers, and groups of friends. It is less appropriate for daytime visits, family outings, or anyone wanting a quiet drink. Public transport is the sensible way to arrive, since the district is well connected and parking is less convenient in the evening. The venue is usable year-round because the main space is indoors, and weather mainly affects the comfort of getting there rather than the event itself. Expect a mid-range to premium spend once entry, drinks, and any nearby pre- or post-show food are added in.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Zurich

File:Zürich Switzerland-Münsterbrücke-and-Fraumünster-01 (cropped).jpg -  Wikimedia Commons

Discover Zurich, Switzerland's cultural and financial heart, where history, innovation, and stunning natural beauty create an unforgettable experience.

Tell me more about Zurich

Select Currency