Guidebook for Zürich
Food Scene
Home-made chocolate & cakes in a century-old cafe, with high ceilings, Baroque style & a terrace.
34 locals recommend
Schober Cafe
4 NapfgasseHome-made chocolate & cakes in a century-old cafe, with high ceilings, Baroque style & a terrace.
Traditional Swiss Fondue close to home, in the old town and next to the Limmat river. Refurbished wooden guild house, now a grand restaurant with traditional dishes, plus heated terrace.
6 locals recommend
Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten
40 LimmatquaiTraditional Swiss Fondue close to home, in the old town and next to the Limmat river. Refurbished wooden guild house, now a grand restaurant with traditional dishes, plus heated terrace.
Healthy vegetarian food on a nice terrace. Pay by the weight of what you take in your plate.
26 locals recommend
Hiltl Dachterrasse
88 BahnhofstrasseHealthy vegetarian food on a nice terrace. Pay by the weight of what you take in your plate.
roots
15 LintheschergasseHealthy food, salads by the river.
Healthy food: salads, açaí bowls, porridge, bagels, quinoa bowls, juices, shakes with a tiny but leafy garden.
Juicery 21
93 SihlstrasseHealthy food: salads, açaí bowls, porridge, bagels, quinoa bowls, juices, shakes with a tiny but leafy garden.
Best chocolate in town, to enjoy now or buy as a souvenir or a present.
76 locals recommend
Confiserie Sprungli
21 BahnhofstrasseBest chocolate in town, to enjoy now or buy as a souvenir or a present.
Your host's favorite restaurant in town, amazingly creative and delicious - great for lunches too and cheaper then (It's a 1 Michelin Star, great value for money).
Congenial vibrant atmosphere, excellent service. Vegetarian food with great creative dishes for sharing. Daily specials (usually served in a bowl) plus an abridged dinner menu at lunchtime.
Need to make a reservation in advance, as it gets easily booked-up.
Neue Taverne
8 GlockengasseYour host's favorite restaurant in town, amazingly creative and delicious - great for lunches too and cheaper then (It's a 1 Michelin Star, great value for money).
Congenial vibrant atmosphere, excellent service. Vegetarian food with great creative dishes for sharing. Daily specials (usually served in a bowl) plus an abridged dinner menu at lunchtime.
Need to make a reservation in advance, as it gets easily booked-up.
Santa Lucia is an Italian / Pizzeria "chain" with a few restaurants in the city. Great for an easy lunch or dinner. The pizza is delicious and the atmosphere cozy close to home in the old town. Also a possibility to take away the Pizza.
35 locals recommend
Santa Lucia
345 SchaffhauserstrasseSanta Lucia is an Italian / Pizzeria "chain" with a few restaurants in the city. Great for an easy lunch or dinner. The pizza is delicious and the atmosphere cozy close to home in the old town. Also a possibility to take away the Pizza.
Intimate restaurant offering modern, creative dishes, made with seasonal produce from local markets. Reservations needed
Bauernschänke
24 RindermarktIntimate restaurant offering modern, creative dishes, made with seasonal produce from local markets. Reservations needed
Rustic Swiss dishes & draft beers in a 15th-century building, with oak beams & historic artifacts. A bit touristy but must-do as a first time in Zurich. Better to reserve a table in advance, particularly on weekends.
73 locals recommend
Zeughauskeller
28A BahnhofstrasseRustic Swiss dishes & draft beers in a 15th-century building, with oak beams & historic artifacts. A bit touristy but must-do as a first time in Zurich. Better to reserve a table in advance, particularly on weekends.
Your host's favorite place for a lunch, drink or dinner by the lake. The food has nothing mind-blowing but the location by the water is unique particularly in Spring/Summer. As most places in Zurich, highly recommended to make a reservation.
18 locals recommend
Fischer's Fritz
557 SeestrasseYour host's favorite place for a lunch, drink or dinner by the lake. The food has nothing mind-blowing but the location by the water is unique particularly in Spring/Summer. As most places in Zurich, highly recommended to make a reservation.
Upscale Italian dishes, with seafood & truffles, in an elegant space with chandeliers plus terrace.
Bindella
6 In GassenUpscale Italian dishes, with seafood & truffles, in an elegant space with chandeliers plus terrace.
Probably the most pictured restaurant in Zurich, on the most photogenic street in Switzerland. Elegant timbered restaurant serving Italian dishes with truffles & veal.
6 locals recommend
Cantinetta Antinori
25 AugustinergasseProbably the most pictured restaurant in Zurich, on the most photogenic street in Switzerland. Elegant timbered restaurant serving Italian dishes with truffles & veal.
Creative Med/European dishes with a nice terrace in summer. Otherwise a confortable wood-paneled dining room in winter.
43 locals recommend
Josef
24 GasometerstrasseCreative Med/European dishes with a nice terrace in summer. Otherwise a confortable wood-paneled dining room in winter.
Two-story Middle Eastern restaurant with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers & outdoor seating.
78 locals recommend
Bebek
171 BadenerstrasseTwo-story Middle Eastern restaurant with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers & outdoor seating.
At Bellevue, the Kronenhalle has been delighting guests since 1924 with its Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and paintings by well-known artists. The legendary Kronenhalle was initially a meeting place for musicians, actors, authors, and artists. Some of them used to pay with artwork, which is why guests today can gaze at genuine works by Chagall, Picasso, and Miró while dining. French-inspired dishes and classics like “Zürcher Geschnetzeltes” (sliced veal in gravy) are served in a stylish ambience.
47 locals recommend
Kronenhalle
4 RämistrasseAt Bellevue, the Kronenhalle has been delighting guests since 1924 with its Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and paintings by well-known artists. The legendary Kronenhalle was initially a meeting place for musicians, actors, authors, and artists. Some of them used to pay with artwork, which is why guests today can gaze at genuine works by Chagall, Picasso, and Miró while dining. French-inspired dishes and classics like “Zürcher Geschnetzeltes” (sliced veal in gravy) are served in a stylish ambience.
Kronenhalle
4 RämistrasseZürcher Geschnetzeltes and paintings by well-known artists
Best Peruvian restaurant in town and a real culinary experience. Like most nice restaurants in Zürich, a reservation well in advance is needed.
Barranco
141 SihlfeldstrasseBest Peruvian restaurant in town and a real culinary experience. Like most nice restaurants in Zürich, a reservation well in advance is needed.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cosy & casual bar where the locals go (including me:), with a nice terrace next to the Limmat river.
32 locals recommend
Grande Café & Bar
118 LimmatquaiCosy & casual bar where the locals go (including me:), with a nice terrace next to the Limmat river.
Lively tiny bar at the top of an observatory tower with panoramic spectacular views over the rooftops of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and - sometimes - as far as the Alps. 5min walk from my place. Entrance by the elevator inside the restaurant called "Brasserie Lipp".
62 locals recommend
Jules Verne Panoramabar
9 UraniastrasseLively tiny bar at the top of an observatory tower with panoramic spectacular views over the rooftops of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and - sometimes - as far as the Alps. 5min walk from my place. Entrance by the elevator inside the restaurant called "Brasserie Lipp".
At the top of the Modissa department store, creative cuisine and a great view over the rooftops of Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse, the "Champs Elysees" of Zurich. Great for Sunday brunch (make sure to reserve 24h in advance) or drinks on any other day.
18 locals recommend
Rooftop
74 BahnhofstrasseAt the top of the Modissa department store, creative cuisine and a great view over the rooftops of Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse, the "Champs Elysees" of Zurich. Great for Sunday brunch (make sure to reserve 24h in advance) or drinks on any other day.
Outside bar, In the hipster part of town, unique setting around containers.
192 locals recommend
Frau Gerolds Garten
23 GeroldstrasseOutside bar, In the hipster part of town, unique setting around containers.
Outside bar, to have a fondue in winter or go for a drink in summer, by the water (this place is used as a "badi" to go for a swim in summer:)
78 locals recommend
Rimini Bar
10 BadwegOutside bar, to have a fondue in winter or go for a drink in summer, by the water (this place is used as a "badi" to go for a swim in summer:)
Quirky bar-restaurant offering live bands, tapas & hearty fare & a waterfront terrace.
36 locals recommend
El Lokal
11 GessneralleeQuirky bar-restaurant offering live bands, tapas & hearty fare & a waterfront terrace.
CLOUDS
5 Maagpl.Bar in the Prime Tower (Zurich's tallest office building)
Great club for late night partying. Music is always different, industrial-style space with a sophisticated feel.
118 locals recommend
Hive
5 GeroldstrasseGreat club for late night partying. Music is always different, industrial-style space with a sophisticated feel.
Best cocktail bar in Zürich. Great vibe every eve even on weekdays (when the rest of Zürich can feel a bit too quiet).
50 locals recommend
Raygrodski Bar
49 SihlfeldstrasseBest cocktail bar in Zürich. Great vibe every eve even on weekdays (when the rest of Zürich can feel a bit too quiet).
Overlooking Lake Zürich: Hip lakeside eatery serving global fare including small plates, burgers & pizza, plus Sunday brunch and cocktails. The rooftop transforms into a big party on Saturday.
8 locals recommend
Samigo Amusement
59 MythenquaiOverlooking Lake Zürich: Hip lakeside eatery serving global fare including small plates, burgers & pizza, plus Sunday brunch and cocktails. The rooftop transforms into a big party on Saturday.
Kasheme feels like your living room, with live music, cocktails and a great crowd.
7 locals recommend
Kasheme
56 NeugasseKasheme feels like your living room, with live music, cocktails and a great crowd.
Contemporary dinning restaurant in Zurich specialized in classic french dishes with a modern American twist. Nice Bar in the old town.
Hôtel Bourbon
19 Obere ZäuneContemporary dinning restaurant in Zurich specialized in classic french dishes with a modern American twist. Nice Bar in the old town.
Kauz
21 AusstellungsstrasseUnderground-style venue for leading DJs playing in a compact & retro space.
The “Klaus” has brought a new kind of exclusivity to Zurich’s nightlife. Quite literally – for “Klaus” is a club for friends and friends of friends. Access is only granted to people with a special code – and even they usually have to stand in line for a long time in front of the door on Langstrasse. However, everything happens completely democratically; nobody receives special treatment, and even starlets and stars from the scene have to wait patiently.
As a result, there is probably no other club in Zurich with such a cheerful and friendly atmosphere. The friends of friends of “Klaus” are a colorful gang, covering the whole spectrum from LGBTQ to hetero, who celebrate all through the night until daybreak. And then until dusk falls. And again until daybreak. Or in other words: until it’s time to go back to work.
9 locals recommend
House of Klaus
112 LangstrasseThe “Klaus” has brought a new kind of exclusivity to Zurich’s nightlife. Quite literally – for “Klaus” is a club for friends and friends of friends. Access is only granted to people with a special code – and even they usually have to stand in line for a long time in front of the door on Langstrasse. However, everything happens completely democratically; nobody receives special treatment, and even starlets and stars from the scene have to wait patiently.
As a result, there is probably no other club in Zurich with such a cheerful and friendly atmosphere. The friends of friends of “Klaus” are a colorful gang, covering the whole spectrum from LGBTQ to hetero, who celebrate all through the night until daybreak. And then until dusk falls. And again until daybreak. Or in other words: until it’s time to go back to work.
The Widder Hotel has been lovingly created from eight adjoining, listed buildings dating from medieval times. At the heart of this “Leading Hotel of the World” is the legendary Widder Bar, which was renovated in 2017.
To the rhythms of live jazz, both hotel guests and style-conscious locals enjoy tried-and-tested cocktail classics and outstanding, frill-free cuisine. As a result, the Widder Bar is a popular place for apéros or drinks in good company.
The evening is often brought to a close by an obligatory look into the Library of Spirits, which boasts over 1,000 different bottles.
21 locals recommend
Widder Bar
6 WiddergasseThe Widder Hotel has been lovingly created from eight adjoining, listed buildings dating from medieval times. At the heart of this “Leading Hotel of the World” is the legendary Widder Bar, which was renovated in 2017.
To the rhythms of live jazz, both hotel guests and style-conscious locals enjoy tried-and-tested cocktail classics and outstanding, frill-free cuisine. As a result, the Widder Bar is a popular place for apéros or drinks in good company.
The evening is often brought to a close by an obligatory look into the Library of Spirits, which boasts over 1,000 different bottles.
Fancy bar that turns into a party most Thursday / Friday and Saturday nights.
14 locals recommend
Old Fashion Bar
15 FraumünsterstrasseFancy bar that turns into a party most Thursday / Friday and Saturday nights.
Old Crow
4 SchwanengasseGreat cocktails in the Old Town
Sightseeing
Zurich's Famous Landmark. One of the four major churches in the city (the others being the Fraumünster, Predigerkirche and St. Peterskirche). Construction of the present structure commenced around 1100 and it was inaugurated around 1220.
156 locals recommend
Grossmunster
7 GrossmünsterplatzZurich's Famous Landmark. One of the four major churches in the city (the others being the Fraumünster, Predigerkirche and St. Peterskirche). Construction of the present structure commenced around 1100 and it was inaugurated around 1220.
Church in the Old Town With Windows by Chagall and Giacometti. Built on the remains of a former abbey for aristocratic women which was founded in 853 by Louis the German.
62 locals recommend
Fraumünster
Church in the Old Town With Windows by Chagall and Giacometti. Built on the remains of a former abbey for aristocratic women which was founded in 853 by Louis the German.
For luxury shopping and nice buildings, the "Champs Elysees" of Zurich.
306 locals recommend
Bahnhofstrasse
BahnhofstrasseFor luxury shopping and nice buildings, the "Champs Elysees" of Zurich.
Set in a stately building dating from 1899, this posh hotel offers views of the Alps and Lake Zurich. The Dolder Grand offers a 13 ft² spa and 2 award-winning restaurants and café. Also available and great for kids is an Ice Ring in winter, next to the hotel, for Ice-skating in a beautiful location.
14 locals recommend
The Dolder Grand
65 KurhausstrasseSet in a stately building dating from 1899, this posh hotel offers views of the Alps and Lake Zurich. The Dolder Grand offers a 13 ft² spa and 2 award-winning restaurants and café. Also available and great for kids is an Ice Ring in winter, next to the hotel, for Ice-skating in a beautiful location.
Best view of the Limmat river & the old town, all the way to the Lake and the Alps, from the top of this public park.
137 locals recommend
Lindenhof
13 HöfnerstrasseBest view of the Limmat river & the old town, all the way to the Lake and the Alps, from the top of this public park.
One of Zürich's fanciest hotel with a unique view on the lake. Bauer Bar at Baur au Lac is a local favorite despite $$$$
Baur au Lac
1 TalstrasseOne of Zürich's fanciest hotel with a unique view on the lake. Bauer Bar at Baur au Lac is a local favorite despite $$$$
One of Zürich's fanciest hotel with a great view and rooftop bar by the lake.
9 locals recommend
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich
45 UtoquaiOne of Zürich's fanciest hotel with a great view and rooftop bar by the lake.
Design bar by the river next to the cool Letten area, excellent for an afternoon drink in Spring or Summer.
NUDE
127A WasserwerkstrasseDesign bar by the river next to the cool Letten area, excellent for an afternoon drink in Spring or Summer.
Arts & Culture
Switzerland’s Largest Art Museum with the most important collection of Classical Modernism, coupled with attractive temporary exhibitions and major European artworks.
204 locals recommend
Kunsthaus Zürich
1 Heimpl.Switzerland’s Largest Art Museum with the most important collection of Classical Modernism, coupled with attractive temporary exhibitions and major European artworks.
Located behind the Main Train Station and houses the largest collection documenting the cultural history of Switzerland.
134 locals recommend
Swiss National Museum
2 MuseumstrasseLocated behind the Main Train Station and houses the largest collection documenting the cultural history of Switzerland.
This well-known jazz club features an international selection of live musicians.
44 locals recommend
Moods
This well-known jazz club features an international selection of live musicians.
Rote Fabrik is a former factory in the Wollishofen neighbourhood of Zürich, Switzerland. It is now used as a music venue and cultural centre. It is so named because the buildings are made of red brick, but also because left-wing parties were part of the campaign to turn the location into a cultural centre.
64 locals recommend
Rote Fabrik
395 SeestrasseRote Fabrik is a former factory in the Wollishofen neighbourhood of Zürich, Switzerland. It is now used as a music venue and cultural centre. It is so named because the buildings are made of red brick, but also because left-wing parties were part of the campaign to turn the location into a cultural centre.
Parks & Nature
The Botanical Garden shows off its best side in spring but the tropical greenhouses are also worth a visit in bad weather.
41 locals recommend
Botanical Garden
107 ZollikerstrasseThe Botanical Garden shows off its best side in spring but the tropical greenhouses are also worth a visit in bad weather.
Climb or go by train to the top of Mount Uetliberg to enjoy a great view of Zurich and the lake.
For hiking to the Uetliberg summit (about 1 hour):
1) The varied Denzlerweg leads from Albisguetli (end of tram line 13) in a rather straight line to the summit.
2) Also from Albisguetli there’s a lantern path a little further west on the ridge
3) From Triemli (end of tram line 14), the Hohensteinweg leads over a shoulder of the mountain which is a very popular sledding spot in winter.
4) From Uitikon-Waldegg (car park) a forest road leads to the peak. This path has the smallest slope.
379 locals recommend
Uetliberg
Climb or go by train to the top of Mount Uetliberg to enjoy a great view of Zurich and the lake.
For hiking to the Uetliberg summit (about 1 hour):
1) The varied Denzlerweg leads from Albisguetli (end of tram line 13) in a rather straight line to the summit.
2) Also from Albisguetli there’s a lantern path a little further west on the ridge
3) From Triemli (end of tram line 14), the Hohensteinweg leads over a shoulder of the mountain which is a very popular sledding spot in winter.
4) From Uitikon-Waldegg (car park) a forest road leads to the peak. This path has the smallest slope.
Entertainment & Activities
Boat tour on the lake - from Burkliplatz Ferry Terminal. Always nice to discover the surroundings from the water!
65 locals recommend
Bürkliplatz Zürich
Boat tour on the lake - from Burkliplatz Ferry Terminal. Always nice to discover the surroundings from the water!
Unique Rooftop Spa in a former brewery with a great view of Zurich, decent and accessible prices. Very nice for couples. Thermal baths, a bistro & a rooftop pool with views.
61 locals recommend
Zurich Thermal Baths & Spa
150 BrandschenkestrasseUnique Rooftop Spa in a former brewery with a great view of Zurich, decent and accessible prices. Very nice for couples. Thermal baths, a bistro & a rooftop pool with views.
The view on Zürich from Waid is simply breathtaking. The best times to take the most beautiful souvenir photos are at sunrise and sunset. More info here: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/attractions/waid-vantage-point
Aussichtspunkt Waid
Obere WaidstrasseThe view on Zürich from Waid is simply breathtaking. The best times to take the most beautiful souvenir photos are at sunrise and sunset. More info here: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/attractions/waid-vantage-point
Most beautiful hike your host has done in his 5 years in Switzerland. No major technical difficulties as long as the fitness of participants is ok - and with good enough shoes. 2h30 from Zurich, possible on a day trip.
Brienzergrat
Most beautiful hike your host has done in his 5 years in Switzerland. No major technical difficulties as long as the fitness of participants is ok - and with good enough shoes. 2h30 from Zurich, possible on a day trip.
Moods
Great for Jazz night (check their website)
"The Wine library" is a must visit amidst 33'000 books and under chandeliers made of beer bottles. Selected Swiss wines or a refreshing Hürlimann beer as well as lounge dishes.
6 locals recommend
B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa
152 Brandschenkestrasse"The Wine library" is a must visit amidst 33'000 books and under chandeliers made of beer bottles. Selected Swiss wines or a refreshing Hürlimann beer as well as lounge dishes.
One of the cool "Badi" of Zurich in late Spring and Summer, join the locals to take a bath in the clean water of Zürich's lake & river, lay in the sun and BYOB.
7 locals recommend
Letten
One of the cool "Badi" of Zurich in late Spring and Summer, join the locals to take a bath in the clean water of Zürich's lake & river, lay in the sun and BYOB.
One of the cool "Badi" of Zurich in late Spring and Summer, join the locals to take a bath in the clean water of Zürich's lake & river, lay in the sun and BYOB.
92 locals recommend
Enge Swimming Area Bar
9 MythenquaiOne of the cool "Badi" of Zurich in late Spring and Summer, join the locals to take a bath in the clean water of Zürich's lake & river, lay in the sun and BYOB.
One of the cool "Badi" of Zurich in late Spring and Summer, join the locals to take a bath in the clean water of Zürich's lake & river, lay in the sun and BYOB.
25 locals recommend
Seebad Utoquai
50 UtoquaiOne of the cool "Badi" of Zurich in late Spring and Summer, join the locals to take a bath in the clean water of Zürich's lake & river, lay in the sun and BYOB.
Essentials
Large grocery store situated 5min walk from home, open from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday.
8 locals recommend
Coop Supermarkt Zürich Bahnhofbrücke
1 BahnhofbrückeLarge grocery store situated 5min walk from home, open from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday.
1 minute walk from home, open 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday. Note: Migros do not sell alcohol.
188 locals recommend
Migros Supermarkt
152 Limmatstrasse1 minute walk from home, open 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday. Note: Migros do not sell alcohol.
To buy any groceries or essentials on a Sunday, when most shops are closed in Switzerland, the one shops still open on Sunday are situated in the basement of Zurich Main Train Station ("HB" = Hauptbahnof)
130 locals recommend
Zurich Main Station
BahnhofplatzTo buy any groceries or essentials on a Sunday, when most shops are closed in Switzerland, the one shops still open on Sunday are situated in the basement of Zurich Main Train Station ("HB" = Hauptbahnof)