Nightlife

Many locals head for the town's main hotel, Einstein Hotel, which has the best pub/cocktail bar in town. If you're lucky, you'll catch a set of live piano music in this dark, leathery enclave.

Another good spot on the after-dark circuit, for those who like a bustling, noisy Teutonic atmosphere, is the Weinstube zum Bäumli, Schmiedgasse 18 (tel. 071/222-11-74; www.weinstube-baeumli.ch), convenient to the Old Town, which has been in business for 5 centuries. It has the town's best wine collection, and you can order inexpensive food here, mainly regional fare such as bratwurst. It's closed Sunday and Monday.

You can also check the program at the local tourist office to find out what's scheduled at the Stadttheater, Museumstrasse 24 (tel. 071/242-05-05; www.theatersg.ch), which presents at least 200 concerts and dramatic performances during its annual season from September to June. Ticket prices depend on the presentation.

Local bands often appear at the Trischli, Brühlgasse 18 (tel. 071/226-09-00), which also sponsors the occasional karaoke or theme night. The club is open in July and August daily from 10pm to 5:30am, and from September to June daily from 9pm (closing hours vary). There's a cover charge of 10F on Friday and Saturday.