S'amuser et sortir Switzerland

Timetable

The evenings start with happy hours, which are generally more widely organized in summer and winter during the tourist season. Generally speaking, happy hours start around 5-6pm.

In Switzerland, we "dine" or rather "soup" early. You can be served as early as 6:30 p.m. without being shocked. More generally, evening service is at 7 or 9 pm.

Budget & Tips

For cultural events, tickets can often be purchased directly from theatres and venues. It is best to book in advance.

To be booked

When it comes to restaurants, it's always advisable to make reservations in luxury or popular establishments, such as lakeside or ski resort restaurants.

If you're going to a nightclub, it's best to reserve a table if there are lots of you.

For your cultural outings: theater, shows, concerts, field hockey matches, it's best to reserve your tickets in advance directly on the organizing websites or through sales channels such as Fnac or ticketcorner.

Night transport

Trains also run at night between major routes with SBB, www.sbb.ch/fr/

In all Swiss cities where culture and nightlife are concentrated, public transport offers night-time services:

in Geneva: TPG with night owls www.tpg.ch/fr/service-nocturne;

in Bern: www.moonliner.ch/fr;

zurich: www.zvv.ch/zvv

lugano: www.tplsa.ch/en/

What's very local

After a hard day's work, and especially on Friday evenings, it's quite common for colleagues to get together for a drink in trendy places and bars. In summer, the terraces are packed from 5pm onwards.

In the evening, as in the daytime, even on a lakeside that may look like a seaside, it's a good idea to dress appropriately.

Swimwear is reserved for beach outings, not for shopping sprees or outings, even in summer.

Smokers

Vaping is still possible in public places, as no regulations have yet been passed. However, smoking (cigarettes and cigars) is prohibited in enclosed public places.

Cigarette sales are also prohibited for minors.

Tourist traps

As a general rule, just like anywhere else, don't buy tickets for shows other than via the well-known booking channels.