Welcome Summer 2025! Discover some activities you can do in Zurich City!
We waited long! Finally, we have you! Summer 2019 welcome to Zurich and the world. I am excited to share with you my favourite spots where to go for food, drinks and entertainment!
Barfussbar at night – Women Badi during the day
Badi-Beizli Vibes: Zurich’s river and lake baths (Badis) aren’t just for swimming; they’re also genuine hotspots for relaxed dining and drinking. Whether it’s a fresh pizza at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen, a cold beer at the famous Barfussbar (at Frauenbad Stadthausquai, open to everyone in the evenings!)
The Badi is open as of 8 pm on Wednesday (Live Concerts, entrance donation), Thursdays for a live DJ Set (entrance for free) or Sundays for dance (Entrance fee ca. 16 CHF).
Spent am afternoon on the lake riding a pedalo boat!
You don’t have a boat licence? No worries, you can enjoy a tour on the lake either with a pedalo or a small motorboat 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.
Open Air Cinemas in town you should not miss!
Bloom Openair Kino is close to the main station. It’s from August 15 – 24. August 2o25 and takes place at Europaallee.
www.filmfluss.ch located an Unterer Letten offering a true special sunset vibe at the river! It’s from July 9 until July 27, 2025.
Allianz Cinema If you are into a scenic view overlooking the Zurich lake and good food this is your spot. It’s from July 17 to August 17, 2024. The tickets are sold out very quickly, therefore, check the program and book your spot now!
Cine Club Nord For all those who love an open-air cinema in a green park! It’s located in Oerlikon 4 minutes from the train station and on August 15. and 16, 2025.
Let’s end our summer days with glory with the Theaterspektakel and the Zurich open-air festival! These two events closing summer in Zurich are extraordinary and a must-do! Get lost at Theater Spektakel enjoying dance performances of artists that come from all over Europe! It’s from August 14 to August 31, 2025. Get more here.
Zürich Openair (August 22 – 23 & 29 – 30, 2025): Two weekends packed with international top acts from electro, rock, and pop. The lineup for 2025 is already looking fantastic with names like Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Tiësto, Halsey, The Prodigy, and many more! With its own airport proximity, it’s easily accessible and offers a fantastic festival vibe.
In the mood for some Zurich Food spots to discover? Check my food guide!