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The 10 Best Bars In Zürich's City Centre, Switzerland

Zurich
Zurich | © Roman Boed/Flickr

The heart of Zürich is home to a bustling bar scene where visitors can enjoy tasty cocktails and quality spirits while watching the sun go down over the charming Swiss capital. Whether you are looking for an elegant setting or bohemian vibes, Zürich has it all. We have explored the city centre and comprised a list of the best bars to while away the late night hours.

Niederdorf, Zurich

Andorra Bar

Bar, Pub Grub, European

Located in the heart of Zürich’s bustling Niederdorf quarter, this classy bar offers a wide range of foreign beers, over 120 different cocktails, and quality wines from Italy to California. The cordial atmosphere attracts a mixed crowd from students to professional. With its comfortable interior and jazz music in the background, the laid-back, yet elegant vibes create the ideal setting for a relaxed evening. Additionally the stylish Andorra Bar hosts regular jazz concerts as well as screening selected sport events. On warmer days, visitors can take a seat in the outdoor area and watch the busy crowds pass them by.

Café Odeon

Cafe, Diner, Bar, Restaurant, European, Pub Grub

While serving as a café and restaurant during the day, Odeon turns into a vibrant bar by night. The legendary venue is considered a landmark in the Swiss capital where history has been made: from James Joyce to Albert Einstein, numerous important people have passed through its doors. Glamorous chandeliers and mirrored walls give the bohemian bar a very particular flair. As soon as the sun sets the historic Odeon is the favoured meeting place for singles and a thriving gay scene. With its central location on the Bellevue and its nostalgic ambiance, it is truly one of the most noteworthy bars in Zürich and continues to be the place where it all goes on.
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Rimini Bar

As soon as the temperatures rise, the stylish outdoor bar opens its doors down by the Sihl River. During the day the Rimini Bar serves as a men only outdoor pool which dates back as far as 1864. As soon as the sun sets everyone is welcome to stroll along the wooden deck and enjoy one of the many summery cocktails or nibbles which range from barbecues to sandwiches and pizza. Expect to find the mixed crowd sprawled out on oriental cushions on the floor or leaning back in one of the comfy canvas chairs. The scenic lights of the nearby Botanical Garden further contribute to the Rimini Bar’s magical atmosphere, turning it into a true oasis in the bustling streets of Zürich.

Painting of Zurich |©Pedro Szekely/Flickr

Widder Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Swedish

Located in a medieval building in the heart of Zürich, lies the renowned Widder Hotel & Bar. Not only does the elegant bar offer one of the best whiskey selections in the country but also hosts some of the world’s most talented jazz artists, attracting fans from near and far. Jazz legends such as Art Blakey and Stan Getz have been guests as the Widder Bar. With its tasteful interior dominated by red leather chairs and the impressive bar with its wooden shelves laden with quality spirits, Widder is one of the most sophisticated bars in the city, as well as one of the most noteworthy institutions in Zürich. Widder Hotel | © Adrian Michael/WikiCommons

Kronenhalle

Bar, Restaurant, Swiss

Swiss cheese
© Sonja Pieper/Flickr
Kronenhalle is a legendary bar, located in the restaurant of the same name. Upon entering the bar, visitors feel as if they have travelled back in time to a more sophisticated era. Paintings by Picasso, Chagall and Mirò line the walls next to the elegant mahogany bar. The bar is rumoured to possess more than 300 cocktail recipes and the skillful bartenders have demonstrated their talents in several world championships. A visit to the classy Kronenhalle bar is an event to be remembered and you will just love the charming staff and atmosphere.

Barfly'z

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails, Pub Grub, Swiss

This stylish bar fills with smart professionals and Zürich’s trendy crowd looking to catch one of Barfly’z‘ tasty cocktails. With more than 200 different options on offer, including an extensive list of vodkas, rums whiskeys and tequilas, this place hardly leaves any wishes unfulfilled. During the day the bar serves a decent lunch menu as well as earthy coffees. With its unpretentious and simple setting Barfly’z has a relaxing flair while retaining a sense of casual elegance.

Olé Olé Bar

Bar, Pub Grub, Swiss

One of the best places to start or end the night, the notorious Olé Olé Bar is a popular meeting place in Zürich’s night-life scene. This place has a truly eclectic interior and atmosphere. Situated on the famous Langstrasse, the bar attracts a mixed crowd from bankers to students. There’s nothing specifically recognisable about this place but its the combination of cheerful bartenders, quality entertainment and tasty drinks that make it memorable and the reason why it continues to see a cheerful stream of visitors.

Jules Verne Panorama Bar

Bar, Brasserie, Restaurant, European

Overlooking the rooftops of Zürich, the elegant Jules Verne Panorama Bar charms its visitors with its classy setting and high-quality drinks. Enter through the Brasserie Lipp, the splendid French restaurant on the lower level, and soar up to the scenic bar via the small elevator. Jules Verne serves numerous top-class cocktails and spirits. Try and catch a seat by the window and enjoy Zürich’s signature drink the Aperol Spritz while marveling at the magnificent scenery of the city’s skyline.
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Kaufleuten

Bar, Restaurant, European

Kaufleuten
© Andreas Ramseier/WikiCommons
This trendy venue features a restaurant, a club, as well as the famous Pelikan bar. Kaufleuten is widely considered one of the most high-class locations in Europe and is arguably the place to be in Zürich. National and international stars have passed through its door and its parties have gained a reputation far beyond Swiss borders. The classy bar serves incredibly tasty cocktails and nibbles. The lounge is situated in the backyard where visitors can unwind and relax after a hectic day while enjoying a quality beverage. Kaufleuten’s sophisticated atmosphere and its sleek crowd continue to uphold its reputation as one of the trendiest bars in the city. And if you decide to step it up a notch, then why not move on to the vibrant club area.

Stall 6

Bar, Nightclub, European, Swiss

True to its name, Stall 6 formerly served as a horse stable until it was turned into one of Zürich’s coolest venues with DJs and bands from all over the world providing quality entertainment. Next to electronic vibes expect to hear anything from Hip Hop to Soul and Funk. The stylish bar is a popular spot with Zürich’s young and fashionable seeking to indulge in a few after work drinks. Whether you are looking to dance until you drop or just to enjoy an evening with friends while drinking cool beer in one of the cosy armchairs, Stall 6 caters to every mood. The creative management continues to win over the crowds with its innovative concepts and unpretentious approach to a fun night out on the town.
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About the author

Lena was born in rural Germany and showed a passion for philosophy and linguistics from an early age. Her journeys would lead her from being a trainee in a Greek diving centre to an English teacher in Thailand, to finally becoming a student of politics and languages at Royal Holloway. In recent years Lena has focused on developing her personal and academic skills through her very own Ted Talk and internships in journalism and TV presenting. Lena's multiple talents and curious personality have led her to seek out ever new challenges and travels, not setting herself any limits.

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