The area was built up during the 18th century was separated from Wiedikon as the Aussersihl municipality on 27 March 1787.

Historically inhabited by migrant workers, the Aussersihl district, especially its Langstrasse quarter, remains notorious for a high crime rate, prostitution and drug dealing.

A female who died in about 200 B.C found buried in a carved tree trunk during a construction project at the Kern school complex in March 2017 in Aussersihl.

Archaeologists revealed that she was approximately 40 years old when she died and likely carried out little physical labor when she was alive.

A sheepskin coat, a belt chain, a fancy wool dress, a scarf and a pendant made of glass and amber beads were also discovered with the woman.