The Best Bars in Zurich
The Bar am Wasser in Zurich has been one of the best in the city since it opened. Host Dirk Hany offers an innovative concept with cocktail menus that are served in different courses, similar to a fine dining restaurant. Of course you can also drop by for an aperitif or digestif.
The Kronenhalle bar is a Zurich institution: cocktails that have set the standard for decades are mixed under paintings by Miró and Klee. The iconic lights were designed by Diego Giacometti especially for this location. Here, art, history and bar culture come together quite naturally.
The Old Crow Bar is a place of pilgrimage for spirits lovers - over 1600 bottles fill the shelves, from rare whisk(e)y to forgotten liqueurs. The bartenders mix classics with precision and their own creations with finesse. Tucked away in the alleyways of the old town, the small bar is a treasure trove of liquid jewels.
The IGNIV Bar in the restaurant of the same name shows just how exciting the craft of cocktails can be. The menu features cutting-edge creations alongside perfectly executed classics. As befits an IGNIV, there are also drinks to share. The spectacular Champagne selection is also highly recommended.
Under high ceilings and among avant-garde art, the Canvas Bar at The Dolder Grand hotel serves both classics and original creations such as the "Dolder Negroni". High-calibre snacks complement the extensive menu. Live piano music accompanies you during the day, while a DJ provides the right atmosphere in the evening.
The Widder Bar is one of the city's top addresses. Over 1000 spirits fill the shelves, including a legendary selection of whisk(e)y. The cocktails range from precise classics to sophisticated original creations. There is also live music and wonderful snacks - a bar that is more than worthy of a five-star hotel.
The Tales Bar tells stories in a glass. The high shelves are stacked with spirits from all over the world, with the bartenders mixing classics and their own ideas, often with unusual ingredients. Despite the high standard of bartending, the bar is very cosy and the favourite address of many Zurich restaurateurs.
A visit to the Hotel La Réserve Eden au Lac is not only worthwhile for sleeping and eating; it is also a great place to drink. There is a fantastic selection of contemporary and classic cocktails, spirits and wine. You can also enjoy delicious bar snacks and often musical entertainment from live DJs.
In the Dr Zhivago Bar, home-made spirits and other selected ingredients are transformed into creative cocktail creations. The ambience is modern and inviting with comfortable leather armchairs and a leafy terrace. Thanks to the attentive service staff and the good atmosphere, you quickly feel at home here.
The Marvelous Bar in the fictional Hotel Rivington & Sons feels like a 1930s New York speakeasy - with a solid wooden bar, dark panelling, brass accents, white curtains and nostalgic tiles. In addition to classic cocktails, there are seasonal specialities as well as beer and coffee.
If you love rum you'll love Bar 63 in Zurich's Kreis 4 district. Over 70 varieties await you here, pure or as creative cocktails such as the in-house Punch 63. The menu changes regularly and offers seasonal inspiring drinks alongside the classics. Non-rum fans will also find alternatives or non-alcoholic drinks.
In the heart of the Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle glamour meets the art of mixing at the Iris Bar. The blue agate bar shimmers spectacularly while the bar team mixes creative cocktails with homemade ingredients. A stylish spot for jetsetters, locals. and anyone looking for that special drink.
Late Bloomers brings a breath of fresh air to the Langstrasse neighbourhood. The Greek operators regularly win prizes and focus on mastiha, mahlepi and baklava notes in their cocktails and add their signature flavour to classics. Funk, soul and hip-hop are also played - a bar with character that stands out from the mainstream.
Manuel's is a bar, shop and cigar lounge all in one. The focus is on rum, from classics to rarities, which are served in cocktails or straight. The humidor offers a wide selection of cigars to match. Dimmed lighting, wood tones and international guests create an atmosphere with character.
The opening of this bar in Niederdorf made big waves. Bar manager Marco Colelli has been known in the city for a long time, having previously worked at the popular Bar Lupo. Here he mixes creative and classic cocktails at a reasonable price - at least for Zurich. Small but delicious dishes are also served.
Raygrodski has been a fixture on the Zurich scene for years. It is known for its own creative creations with homemade infusions and syrups, but also for skilfully mixed classics. The ambience is unpretentious and the atmosphere lively - a bar that takes bar culture seriously without ever appearing stiff.
At the George Bar & Grill, high above the rooftops of Zurich, classic service culture meets graceful moments of pleasure. Signature cocktails such as Raspberry Ginger Collins or Garden & Tonic shine alongside exquisite wines and a fantastic Champagne list. From the terrace, you can enjoy a view over the whole city.
Above the clouds, cocktail enjoyment must be limitless: on the 25th floor of the Prime Tower, the Clouds Bar offers panoramic views over Zurich, the Limmat and the Alps. Seasonal cocktails, some with the bar's own gin, and fine bar snacks complement the elegant ambience. Perfect for sunset moments over the city.
The Jules Verne Panoramabar is probably Zurich's most elegant observation tower: cocktails with a view over the city, where the lights twinkle like the sky above the observatory in the same tower. This is where bankers, night owls and lovers come together - and quickly realise that the drinks here can easily keep up with the view.
The Exer Bar is a great place to drink, thanks to the experienced bar team, who not only mix excellent cocktails, but also have an equally good knack for selecting beer and wine. But it's also a great place for a meal - the fried chicken and fried cauliflower are particularly legendary.