Nightlife Zurich: not just banks and chocolate. The main city of Switzerland is also an ideal destination for those who love nightlife and love to dance. Not everyone knows that Zurich offers an incredible variety of bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes.
Nightlife Zurich
Zurich , Switzerland's largest city, is a melting pot of memorable experiences. With hundreds of museums and art galleries, fairytale castles, churches, top international fashion brands and a huge range of restaurants serving world-class cuisine, Zurich is truly a multidimensional city. It is an example of how the country has embraced modernity and technological progress while continuing to maintain its medieval roots. The quality of life in this metropolis has been voted the best on the planet and this happiness is reflected in the faces of its inhabitants.
Zurich has a reputation as an understated financial hub, but its residents really know how to have a good time. One of the most striking elements of Zurich is its nightlife as it truly is a city that never seems to sleep. There are trendy lounge bars and clubs that have been around for more than 100 years. Classy cafés transform into busy bars as the night approaches and the wine flows in generous quantities. People go out to dance until the wee hours of the morning and the music that comes from these nightclubs is so infectious that you can't help but join the party.
Indeed, the capital of Swiss nightlife boasts a large concentration of discos in a very small space , among extravagant bars, legendary clubs known throughout Europe and extraordinary concert locations. In fact, in the city there are more than 500 nightclubs, bars and meeting places that satisfy all musical tastes: you will easily find a suitable place for you to party until the morning! The trendy nightclubs of Zurich come alive in the late evening , with music ranging from House to electronic music, up to rock, reggae and Latin American rhythms.
However, you don't need to stick exclusively to the clubs: Zurich is known for its badis , swimming pools that double as bars and become popular hangouts during the summer, and are located on the lakefront. A good place to hang out is the Rimini Bar , a men-only pool by day that transforms into a live music bar by night. The public baths in Frauenbad and Männerbad are only open to women and men respectively during the day, but both are allowed in their trendy bars at night. The open-air dance nights offer everything from disco to tango.
The historic center of Zurich is obviously the best area to go out in the evening. Here is the highest concentration of bars and clubs in Switzerland, so you will really be spoiled for choice. The Niederdorf saw the birth of the Dada movement in the twentieth century and here you can find many very welcoming bars and restaurants.
Langstrasse is a very popular street in Zurich for its lively nightlife . At one time, Langstrasse was Zurich's main red light district. It's still active, but has been largely renovated in recent times and is now a lively place for an evening of partying. Along the road there are bars and discos open until late at night.
A short tram ride from the Old Town Kreis 5 , also known as Zurich West, a former industrial estate that is experiencing a renaissance as home to Zurich's hippest nightlife . Here many clubs have already opened their doors attracting more and more young revelers. It's the right place to meet local people and fully experience Zurich's nightlife.
Annual mega-party in Zurich
Don't let the alpine pastures, yodelling and cow bells fool you, the Swiss love to let loose at Zurich's festivals and events. At the annual Street Parade , a chaotic 2km loop around the lake to thumping techno music, young and old alike come out to drink, listen to music and dress in dazzling colours. The party starts mid-afternoon and continues until the next morning.
For a truly different experience, check out Caliente , one of the biggest celebrations of Latin American music and culture in Europe that takes place every summer in Zurich. Live DJs, flowing cocktails and lots of Latin music, salsa, reggae and reggaetón.
Clubs and discos in Zurich
Kaufleuten 
(Pelikanpl. 18, Zurich) Open on Tuesdays from 21.00 to 3.00, Fridays and Saturdays from 23.00 to 5.00, Sundays from 21.00 to 1.00.
Located in the city center, the Kaufleuten is a true institution of the Zurich nightlife . This legendary nightclub is located in a historic building and regularly hosts world-famous DJs and organizes extraordinary events. This trendy club features high ceilings and a huge dance floor. Frequented by young people between 18 and 22, the club applies a strict selection at the entrance: you will probably have to wait up to an hour to enter but, once inside, a night of partying unprecedented in Zurich awaits you. Every Tuesday is hip-hop night which always attracts a lot of people. Not to be missed!
Mascotte Club
(Theaterstrasse 10, Zurich) Open Monday and Thursday to Saturday from 11pm to 4am.
With more than 100 years of activity, Mascotte is one of the oldest clubs in Zurich and is a legend in the panorama of the city's nightlife. This club is still very popular today and offers party nights with music for all tastes ranging from techno to pop, up to R'n'B through hip hop, funk, punk, rock, metal, folk and concerts live by international artists. Many world artists such as Louis Armstrong and Madonna have performed and partied here.
Plaza Klub
(Badenerstrasse 109, Zurich) Open Thursday 10pm to 4am, Friday and Saturday 11pm to 4am.
Located in an old cinema, the Plaza Klub is a famous nightclub in Zurich with state-of-the-art sound systems and numerous dance floors: it's hard not to enjoy the contagious atmosphere of its parties. Every Thursday there is the student night not to be missed while, at regular intervals, the club organizes concerts with music ranging from rock to hip-hop to electronic music, as well as numerous theme parties.
Hive Club
(Geroldstrasse 5, Zurich) Open Thursdays 11pm-4am, Fridays 11pm-7am, Saturdays 11pm-9am.
Known for electronic music, Hive is home to three dance floors all with their own vibe. The main dance floor, covering 450 square meters with overwhelming lights and lasers, offers the perfect atmosphere to immerse yourself in music and have a good time. But when the lights and music get too much, you can relax in the upstairs lounge. With a remarkable sound system, this club is a must for house and techno music lovers. Definitely one of the best clubs in Zurich with electronic music .
Supermarket
(Geroldstrasse 17, Zurich) Open Friday 11pm to 6am, Saturday 11pm to 8am.
Don't get confused by the name as this place is a lively club and not a department store where you can buy everything you need. Located in a former garage in Zurich West, this club was opened in the 90s to become today a very popular underground party venue in Zurich. Techno and house music is played by talented local DJs and the crowd is young and full of energy. Drinks range from whisky, vodka, gin and rum to Jagermeister shots. This is one of the few nightclubs in Zurich that stays open until the wee hours of the morning and it's easy to see people still dancing at 6am. The dance floor is huge and is decked out in neon lights that will send you into a trance-like state. This place has a strict entry policy and access is only granted to those who are 21 years old and have ID.
Club Bellevue
(Rämistrasse 6, Zurich) Open Friday and Saturday from 11pm to 5am.
Located in Zurich's Bellevue, this club is a fantastic venue hosting superb live concerts coupled with weekday events. Excellent place to drink and dance, here you can stay up and dance the night away. The music played is generally house and techno in all their variations. Added to that is the retro disco vibe with psychedelic LED lights in the background. It has no specific dress code and is a good place to meet new people or dance the night away.
Aura
(Bleicherweg 5, Zurich) Open Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 4am.
Located in the center of Zurich, Aura is a trendy bar, club and restaurant . The first floor bar is dominated by brown tones and has a muted international elegance with leather upholstered benches and a carpet, while the main dance floor boasts an impressive 450 square meters of floor space with a 9 meter high ceiling and a 360° surrounding the dance floor. Aura is unlike any other club in Zurich. The crowd is over 21 and more stylish but it's still a club for all the revelers, with music from all genres blasting into the wee hours of the morning. Its restaurant boasts a Michelin Star.
Jade Club
(Pelikanpl., Zurich) Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11pm to 4am.
One of the trendiest and most popular nightclubs in Zurich at the moment . Jade always attracts a large crowd of young fashionistas, including many beautiful Swiss girls. The music ranges mainly from R'n'B, hip-hop, reggaeton and other club hits.
Kanzlei
(Kanzleistrasse 56, Zurich) Open Friday and Saturday from 11pm to 4am.
Kanzlei is one of Zurich's club dinosaurs. Located in a former school gymnasium, its dance floor has been a magnet for young crowds for more than two decades, and still is. Every weekend, DJs play mostly party tunes, black music like hip hop, r'n'b, dancehall and reggae to get the hip hop crowd dancing. Kanzlei is definitely one of the funnest places to party in Zurich .
Papiersaal
(Kalanderpl. 6, Zurich) Located in an old paper factory transformed into a modern shopping center on the outskirts of Zurich, the Papiersaal is an industrial-style nightclub that hosts numerous concerts ranging from folk to indie rock, as well as parties and other events. Numerous national and international stars perform on the large 180-degree stage.
Zukunft
(Dienerstrasse 33, Zurich) Open Thursdays 11pm-4am, Fridays and Saturdays 11.45pm-7am.
Zukunft is one of the smallest clubs in Zurich and is famous for its many events and evenings with electronic music. International DJs and popular bands play everything from techno, house and electro pop to jazz, indie and blues. Due to the radio background that Zukunft's owners come from, local radio stations have a big impact on music. The drinks served here are really good as the bartenders are thorough professionals. Unfortunately there are no happy hours. This nightclub is located within a basement in the Langstrasse area and is a bit difficult to find as the entrance is a narrow alleyway which is overshadowed by two buildings. The parties in Zukunft go on until the early hours of the morning and it is the ideal place to dance until late.
Hiltl
(Sihlstrasse 28, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday from 6.00 to 23.00, Friday and Saturday from 6.00 to 24.00, Sunday from 8.00 to 23.00.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Hiltl restaurant turns into a modern and luxurious club that offers the best of electronic music and hosts famous DJs at the console. Every Friday they play house, Saturday they play hip hop and Sunday it's open format. Dress to impress if you want to pass the selection at the entrance.
Komplex 457
(Hohlstrasse 457, Zurich) This is the third largest concert and party hall in Zurich, capable of seating up to 2300 spectators. Some of the city's most famous concert and party organizers bring indie rock and more to this modern club in the far west of Zurich.
Mausefalle
(Uraniastrasse 40, Zurich) Open Wednesday from 19.00 to 24.00, Thursday from 20.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 21.00 to 4.00.
An Austrian-style après-ski in the middle of Zurich. The dance floor and wooden bar evoke the atmosphere of an unpretentious alpine party, while the DJ plays all the rock hits and pop hits. Average age around 20 years.
Exil Zürich
(Hardstrasse 245, Zurich) Located in the old industrial area of Zurich West, Exil is the club dedicated to live music : from indie rock to folk, to rap and electronic music, there are national and foreign bands and DJs on stage almost every night. The bar made of piled up wooden beams and the big disco ball are the landmarks of the club. Also known for its after-show parties.
Club Hard One
(Hardstrasse 260, Zurich) Open Monday and Tuesday from 19.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 23.00 to 5.00.
Zurich nightclub that mainly offers hiphop, rap, R'n'B and reggae rhythms.
Maag Music Hall
(Hardstrasse 219, Zurich) This huge Zurich event center hosts concerts and parties on the weekends.
X-TRA
(Limmatstrasse 118, Zurich) X-Tra is one of the most popular clubs in Zurich . It is also known for concerts and hosts some of the best parties, such as the 'Rollschuh Disco' (bring your roller skates), the dark and very gothic 'More than Mode' or the 'Lollipop Party', a favorite among the city's gay community.
Moods
(Schiffbauplatz, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday 19.30 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday 19.30 to 4.00, Sunday 18.00 to 23.00.
Regarded as one of the best jazz clubs in Europe, Moods offers not only jazz music, but also funk, soul, blues, pop and electro, with a high-level program and local and international artists. The atmosphere of the place is intimate and welcoming. Every weekend there are parties that start after the concerts.
Bogen F
(Viaduktstrasse 97, Zurich) This popular concert club in Zurich hosts Swiss and international bands. Thanks to its small size and an excellent sound system, the club organizes evening concerts with a rather intimate and familiar atmosphere.
Rote Fabrik
(Seestrasse 395, Zurich) Beautifully located on the shores of Lake Zurich, Rote Fabrik is a legendary cultural center and concert club hosting international artists. Bands of the caliber of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and many others have performed here. In addition to concerts, there are also film screenings and theater performances that focus mainly on social and political issues.
Gonzo Club
(Langstrasse 135, Zurich) Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11pm to 4am.
Club with an alternative and unpretentious atmosphere, very similar to that of a social centre. Il Gonzo offers evenings to the rhythm of rock music, with parties and live concerts. To enter, get in line in front of the telephone booth!
Minirock
(Badenerstrasse 281, Zurich) Open Thursday 17.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday 20.00 to 4.00.
Good rock music in this Zurich nightclub decked out in colorful neon tubes. The bar serves not only draft beer, but also carafes of prosecco!
Stall 6
(Gessnerallee 8, Zurich) Once a stable for horses, today it is a popular bar in Zurich and a lively meeting point for the young people of the city. It is also a cultural center that offers a nice creative entertainment program ranging from concerts to comedy shows, up to evenings with international DJs and bands.
Kater
(Kanonengasse 33, Zurich) Open Friday 17.00 to 4.00, Saturday 20.00 to 5.00.
Dark and simple, Kater offers all the rock venue basics like affordable beers, shots and drinks, cramped booths, memorabilia from some local rock heroes on the walls, and of course, loud rock music. A DJ usually rocks the house on Saturdays and on Mondays metal is king.
Nelson Pub
(Beatengasse 11, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday 11.30am to 2am, Friday 11.30am to 4.30am, Saturday 2pm to 4.30am, Sunday 2pm to 2am.
This very popular weekend disco pub is mainly populated by foreigners and au pairs.
Mehrspur
(Toni-Areal, Förrlibuckstrasse 109, Zurich) Open Monday to Wednesday 4-11pm, Thursday and Friday 4-11.45pm.
Located at the Higher Institute of Art, Mehrspur is a concert venue in Zurich that transforms according to the events also into a music laboratory, a place for jam sessions, a disco and a bar where they serve excellent drinks. For all music lovers.
Dynamo
(Wasserwerkstrasse 21, Zurich) A center for youth culture that organizes concerts of metal, punk, rock, ska, reggae and gothic music, attended by music lovers of all ages.
Sender
(Kurzgasse 4, Zurich) Open Wednesday and Thursday from 18.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 5.00.
This place is a recording studio, a radio station and a nightclub all in one. Here the music program is always broadcast live on the radio while the guests let loose on the dance floor.
Zurich's bars and pubs
Olé Olé Bar
(Langstrasse 138, Zurich) Open Monday to Saturday 17.00 to 4.00, Sunday 17.00 to 2.00.
Located in the Langstrasse district, Olé Olé Bar has been one of Zurich's most popular bars for the past 50 years . Characterized by a rough style, the place is frequented by a very colorful clientele ranging from bankers to students, up to tourists.
Kasheme
(Neugasse 56, Zurich) Open Tuesday and Wednesday 17.00 to 24.00, Thursday 17.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday 17.00 to 4.00, Sunday 19.00 to 24.00.
With a perfect living room vibe, Kasheme is a bar decorated with vinyl records, musical instruments, sofas with colorful cushions and a huge lamp-like tentacle creating a really cozy ambiance. From Wednesday to Saturday you can hear not only DJs and musicians playing records, but also live entertainment, while you can let loose on the small dance floor in the basement. Before 7pm, this place also a vinyl record shop.
Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar
(Niederdorfstrasse 24, Zurich) Open Sunday to Thursday from 17.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 17.00 to 2.00.
Located in the Niederdorf district, this famous Zurich tiki bar attracts a very diverse clientele thanks to good music and its carefree atmosphere. Here you will find regular live concerts by local young bands and musicians as well as international DJs, while the beer flows freely.
Widder Bar & Kitchen
(Widdergasse 6, Zurich) Open Sunday to Wednesday from 11.30 to 1.00, Thursday to Saturday from 11.30 to 2.00.
Widder is a bar that belongs to a completely different era. The piano plays a soulful melody as you drown yourself in whiskey shots. This jazz haven has over 250 varieties of single malt up for grabs along with 500 other spirits. In addition to these staples, there are vintage cocktails crafted by talented bartender Dirk Hany, who was named 2008 Bartender of the Year. Part of the luxurious Widder Hotel in Zurich, this bar has ornate ceilings, crimson leather walls and wooden beams that date back to the 13th century. Don't miss the grand piano, as well as the mysterious gray sculptures. Every Tuesday, the Widder Bar hosts concerts featuring the biggest names in jazz. This lounge is perhaps the most elegant place in the city to grab a drink and meet locals and travellers.
Regenbogen Bar
(Rosengasse 6, Zurich) Open Monday to Wednesday 11.00 to 00.30, Thursday 11.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday 11.00 to 4.00, Sunday 14.00 to 00.30.
Located in the heart of the Old Town, Regenbogen is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. Quiet and shaded, this bar has outdoor tables where you can relax and enjoy a good beer. During the summer nights there are occasional live concerts.
Gräbli Bar
(Niederdorfstrasse 66, Zurich) Open daily.
Located in the Niederdorf area, this cult bar is an important element of the nightlife in this district. It is always full of people, even late at night. Worth a visit both for the very casual atmosphere and for their Swiss specialities, such as fondue and Zurich-style stew.
Aelpli Bar
(Ankengasse 5, Zurich) Open daily from 17.00 to 24.00.
Located in a former stable, this legendary old Zurich bar offers a genuine insight into the city's traditional bars. Furnished entirely in wood, the venue also hosts evenings with traditional folk music. Absolutely to try their specialty called "Aelpli Milch" : a house chupito prepared with alcohol and milk.
Clouds Bar & Bistro
(Maagpl. 5, Zurich) Open Monday from 9.00 to 23.00, Tuesday to Thursday from 9.00 to 24.00, Friday 9.00 to 2.00, Saturday 10.00 to 2.00, Sunday 10.00 to 23.00.
Zurich seems unfathomably tiny from the heights of this lounge bar located on the 35th floor of the Prime Tower in the Zurich West district. Enjoy the view of the city while enjoying their gin and tonics, appetizers and cocktails. Great at sunset.
Onyx Bar
(Beethovenstrasse 21, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday 16.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday 16.00 to 1.00, Sunday 18.00 to 24.00.
This award-winning upscale nightclub is famous for its whiskey bar, creative cocktails, and extensive wine selection. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer a beautiful view of the restaurant's summer terrace. The bar takes its name from the onyx stone counter which also serves as the theme for the interior lighting. Here you will find selected wines, whiskeys, vodkas, classic cocktails and quality cigars.
Jules Verne
(Uraniastrasse 9, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday from 11.30 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 11.30 to 1.00.
Located in the heart of the historic center in the tower that also houses the Urania observatory, Jules Verne offers a spectacular view over the city of Zurich as far as the lake and the Alps. Take the lift in Brasserie Lipp and, once you reach the top, you will be greeted by an enchanting circular panorama and their delicious cocktails and wines. Ideal for a romantic evening in Zurich.
Cinchona Bar
(Langstrasse 150, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday from 8.00 to 1.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 2.00, Sunday from 9.00 to 1.00.
Located inside the 25hours Hotel Langstrasse, Cinchona is a bar with a cozy and international atmosphere. The place is famous for its "highball" cocktails, simple drinks but mixed with the highest quality ingredients and served on the rocks. Particularly suitable for cocktail lovers.
Lima Bar
(Talacker 34, Zurich) Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 17.30 to 24.00, Thursday and Friday from 17.30 to 2.00, Saturday from 21.00 to 2.00.
A classy cocktail bar characterized by simple but elegant furnishings, with marble tables and velvet armchairs. Every evening there is a DJ at the console while, occasionally, party nights move onto the adjacent dance floor.
4 Tiere Bar
(Feldstrasse 61, Zurich) Open Tuesday to Thursday from 17.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 17.00 to 1.00.
This small bar in Zurich offers over 400 varieties of gin and expert bartenders prepare delicious cocktails behind the bar.
Bar am Wasser
(Stadthausquai 1, Zurich) Open Monday to Saturday from 8.00 to 24.00.
This venue is a stunning recent addition to the Zurich cocktail scene and not only for its great drinks, but also for its extravagant decor that includes glued-to-the-wall shakers from around the world, plush sofas and a huge chandelier. If you like exploring the world of cocktails, this is a good place to start or end your journey.
Fat Tony
(Langstrasse 135, Zurich) Open Monday and Tuesday from 11.00 to 1.00, Wednesday and Thursday from 11.00 to 3.00, Friday and Saturday from 11.00 to 4.30.
This 1970s Miami-inspired bar is infused with a Caribbean flavor. Between flashy guests and good music, Fat Tony is a bar during the day and a disco at night that also serves slices of pizza. The ideal place to start your party night along the Langstrasse.
Schickeria
(Neufrankengasse 4, Zurich) Open Monday to Wednesday 17.00 to 24.00, Thursday 17.00 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday 17.00 to 4.00.
A bar with an exclusive and trendy atmosphere which also boasts a pleasant terrace open both in summer and in winter, when it becomes a real open-air chalet, complete with a bonfire and straws. All drinks are served in wine glasses, whether you order a beer or a cocktail.
Oepfelchammer
(Rindermarkt 12, Zurich) Oepfelchammer is best known for its tavern on the first floor. A special challenge awaits you there: Climb over two ceiling beams and drink a free glass of wine while hanging upside down. If you do, you will be allowed to have your name carved into the wooden walls. Make sure you abide by the written house rules (ie no clapping, just knocking on tables) or the eccentric waiter Boris will be happy to fine you. Good but quite expensive Swiss food in the refectory.
Calvados
(Idaplatz 4, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday 16.00 to 24.00, Friday 16.00 to 2.00, Saturday 15.00 to 2.00, Sunday 15.00 to 24.00.
With the walls covered in historic photos of sports stars and the TVs almost always on, it quickly becomes apparent: Calvados is a sports bar . The TVs mainly show football, but also other sports like ice hockey and golf, sometimes even two different events are shown on separate screens. But with the great selection of beers, cocktails, spirits and some snacks (try their sandwiches!), Calvados is also a good option if you're not into sports, especially in the summer where the outdoor seating they are always well attended.
Atelier Bar
(Talacker 16, Zurich) Open Monday to Friday from 7.30 to 24.00, Saturday from 10.00 to 24.00.
A bold mix of an artist's studio and the fireplace room of a stately castle, Atelier is a rather relaxed bar in the center of Zurich. The theme is furniture making and as a result, every wooden chair is different. Enjoy a cocktail, one of the many wines sold by the glass and some cheese or a sandwich.
Bar Rossi
(Sihlhallenstrasse 3, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday 18.00 to 0.30, Friday 17.00 to 4.00, Saturday 20.00 to 24.00.
A small bar near the so-called Bermuda Triangle, once one of the shadiest areas of the city and not yet the corner with the best reputation. But there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of in Bar Rossi : a cozy corner sofa, a few tables and a classic bar menu. Often DJs and live bands - definitely a stop to include when bar hopping in the Langstrasse area.
BIERlab
(Grüngasse 7, Zurich) Open Thursday to Saturday from 17.00 to 24.00.
The Zurich craft brewery Bear'n'Stein has turned this cozy bar from an old neighborhood tavern into its new home. Not by selling their beer in bottles, but rather on tap in their own bar. You can see their pride and joy, a 500 liter brewing facility, behind a glass wall at the rear. Six of their specialties are available on tap, and all are named after pop songs. Although they have more than a dozen fixed types of beer, each beer can still vary slightly as the recipes are constantly being adapted.
Binz und Kunz
(Räffelstrasse 17, Zurich) Open Monday to Friday from 7.30 to 24.00, Saturday from 12.00 to 24.00, Sunday from 12.00 to 22.00.
Bringing Mediterranean summery flair to the Binz district, this open-air bar is a good alternative on summer evenings when it is teeming with people. Decked out in shipping containers and strings of colored lights, the bar serves beers and Swiss specialties such as Bratwurst and Cervelat sausages. What more could you ask for on a balmy summer night?
The Alehouse
(Universitätstrasse 23, Zurich) Open Monday to Saturday 4-12pm, Sunday 4-10pm.
With up to 21 different craft beers on tap, Alehouse is one of the best-stocked breweries in town. You're sure to find a beer that's right for you here, whether it's a hoppy IPA, a Belgian amber or perhaps a stout. There is also a good number of local beers on offer. The bartender is usually happy to give you a taste before ordering and the pub atmosphere is a favorite with students and expats, many of whom speak English. There are also classic bar fare like burgers, fish and chips, chicken, and salads.
El Lokal
(Gessnerallee 11, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday 10.00 to 24.00, Friday 10.00 to 1.00, Saturday 14.00 to 1.00, Sunday 14.00 to 24.00.
Located on the banks of the Shil River, El Lokal is a local legend. Inside, it's set up like a pirate ship, with a shark, nautical memorabilia from around the world, and an oversized skeleton hanging from the ceiling. There is always live music or live football matches. In the summer, hundreds of people sit outside on the bank of the Sihl River and enjoy their food from the barbecue.
Frau Gerolds Garten
(Geroldstrasse 23/23a, Zurich) Open Monday to Saturday from 11.00 to 24.00, Sunday from 12.00 to 22.00.
Spread over about 20,000 square meters near Hardbrücke station, Frau Gerolds Garten is a gigantic beer garden built with old shipping containers that house the two bars and the kitchen and offer a terrace where you can sip a drink and enjoy the sea view of the platforms railways and beyond. There really is also a kitchen garden, including vegetables, which are apparently used by the chefs. This is where locals meet for an unpretentious after-work beer or Sunday brunch, catching up with friends. There's even a barbecue that cooks up delicious sausages!
Nietturm
(Schiffbaustrasse 4, Zurich) Open Tuesday to Thursday 17.00 to 1.00, Friday and Saturday 17.00 to 2.00.
This elegant cocktail bar located on the top two floors of a glass tower above the Schiffbau (an old industrial hall that now houses the city's main theater stage) offers a breathtaking panoramic view over Zurich West. Head to the second floor and enjoy a good cocktail while admiring the landscape while sitting near the elegant fireplace.
Primitivo
(Kloster Fahr-Weg, Zurich) Open daily from 11.00 to 24.00.
This bar is a very popular place on warm summer evenings to have a swim in the river and then have a beer. The containers house the bar and kitchen which offers tasty burgers, grilled sausages, fries and salads. Not only a good choice in the evening, but also perfect for relaxing and reading in the afternoon.
Rimini Bar
(Badweg 10, Zurich) Located in the Männerbad, a men-only open-air swimming spot during the day, the Rimini transforms into a lively open-air bar in the evening. The illuminated trees of the nearby old botanical garden make it feel like a little oasis in the city centre. Hidden behind the former Zurich Stock Exchange, it is a meeting place for business men and women as well as the trendy inner-city crowd.
Restaurant Les Halles
(Pfingstweidstrasse 6, Zurich) Open Monday to Wednesday from 11.00 to 24.00, Thursday from 11.00 to 1.00, Friday and Saturday from 11.00 to 2.00.
A super fun relaxed indoor semi-brewery with games, pinball machines and an upbeat vibe. The crowd is young, casual, and friendly, making it easier to mingle at the communal tables while carrying well-priced pitchers of beer. There's live music too: an eclectic mix of Wave, Ska and 90s music with a bar-like vibe.
BQM
(Leonhardstrasse 34, Zurich) Open Monday to Thursday 11.45am to 11pm, Friday 11.45am to 10pm.
This popular college student hangout has cheap drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. Since this is a student bar, the hours are a bit different: it opens in the late afternoon and closes at 11pm.
Seebad Enge
(Mythenquai 9, Zurich) Open daily from 11.00 to 23.00.
Spend the morning hours swimming, paddle-boarding and yoga at this seasonal dip on Lake Zurich. At night, the beach facilities transform into a bar and revelers continue the fun.
Barfussbar
(Stadthausquai 12, Zurich) Open only in summer, Barfussbar is a pool bar located along the Limmat River. Sip an evening drink while walking barefoot by the pool.
