Welcome Summer 2026! Discover some activities you can do in Zurich City!

Summer is here. Here are my favourite spots for food, drinks, and entertainment.

Barfussbar at night – Women Badi during the day

Barfussbar at night – Women Badi during the day

Badi-Beizli Vibes: Zurich’s river and lake baths are hotspots for relaxed dining. Pizza at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen or a beer at the Barfussbar (open to everyone in the evenings). The Barfussbar hosts live concerts on Wednesdays (donations), DJ sets on Thursdays (free entry), and dance sessions on Sundays (approx. 16 CHF).

Boating on the lake

No boat license? You can rent pedalos or small motorboats here. Pedalos from 30 CHF/hour, motorboats from 70 CHF. You can rent here. Prices start from 30 CHF for 1 hour for the pedal and 70 CHF for the motorboat.

Terrace Hopping: Zurich’s rooftop bars and garden terraces invite you to unwind. Enjoy an aperitivo with a view of the lake or the city’s rooftops. The recently opened Savoy Terrace at the Mandarin Oriental Zurich by Paradeplatz, for example, sounds like a chic spot for golden hour cocktails! Other fantastic options include The Nest at Hotel Storchen for Limmat river views, or The Penthouse for a truly glamorous experience with skyline views and Japanese-inspired cuisine.

Pick nick at one of my favourite parks!
When it comes to parks in town with plenty of shadows there is a great option. It must not always be the crowded Letten River or China Wiese at the lake, right?

Botanical Garden close to the lake, is a hidden gem. Need a break from the BBQ and volley madness? This is your spot! Grab a book, watch the adorable frogs and ducks, and let your imagination run wild.

Josefswiese close to Viadukt is a park for family and pick-nick lovers! The park is big and the large trees give the perfect shade! What I love here is the large water fountain! Kiosk & restaurants are just close by.

Werdinsel Go for a fun day with a plastic boat on the river! The best point to start is Werdinsel, it has a bit of a wild atmosphere out here. For families: enjoy the large paddling area with a waterfall for small children! For your BBQ use the pre-installed grill!

Get your pick nic box ready!

Call your friends, prepare your music playlist, and pack some homemade fresh little bites for example:

• Mediterranean pasta salad with feta, olives, dried tomatoes, pine nuts and capers
• Fennel salad with apple stripes & grapefruits
• Tzatziki and some fresh pita
• Cuscus Salad with, corn, cucumber, mango, basil & mint leafs
• Watermelon & Feta Salad
• Prosciutto Crudo in slices with honey melon

To add a suggestion from my community: Good music, beer, Iced Coffee and Watermelon!

My favourite two spots to swim or relax or dance with good sound

Seebad Enge for a swim and chill. Sunday’s it’s the place to hang out with some chilled live music for a sunset session.

Dolder Wellenbad: The newly renovated, iconic pool. A must-visit for summer vibes above the city.

Open Air Cinemas in town you should not miss!

• Bloom Openair Kino: Europaallee, August 14 – 23, 2026.

• Filmfluss: Unterer Letten, July 8 – 26, 2026.

• Allianz Cinema: Zurichhorn, July 16 – August 16, 2026. Book tickets early.

• Cine Club Nord: Oerlikon, August 14 – 15, 2026.

Theatre & Festivals

• Zürcher Theater Spektakel: August 13 – 30, 2026. Dance and performances from all over Europe.

• Zürich Openair: August 21 – 22 & 28 – 29, 2026. International lineup of electro, rock, and pop.

In the mood for some Zurich Food spots to discover? Check my food guide!