Zürich is a minor stop on the European tour circuit for big-name stars, but a burgeoning local scene gives rich pickings for live music at a spread of venues around town, headed by the Rote Fabrik. Many people make the short trip to Winterthur to see bands at the Albani.

Abart, Manessestrasse 170. Regular eclectic choice of local and foreign bands.

Casa Bar, Münstergasse 20. Zürich’s longest-running jazz venue, still featuring live music nightly.

Dynamo, Wasserwerkstrasse 21. Bills itself as a “youth culture centre” and, as well as a disco and jazz school, hosts live bands with an alternative, punkish bias.

Moods, Sihlamtstrasse 5. The city’s premier jazz club, with good restuarant attached, pulling in top-flight names.

Rohstofflager, Josefstrasse 224. Lively mix of DJs and live bands.

Rote Fabrik, Seestrasse 395 (www.rotefabrik.ch). Alternative-style arts complex, in old graffitied industrial buildings on the lakeshore some 5km southwest of town, hosting a continuous flow of bands famous and unknown from all musical genres. Bus #161 or #165 from Bürkliplatz (last bus returns after midnight).

Widder Bar, Widdergasse 6. Chic city-centre hotel bar featuring quality weekly (Wed) jazz nights.