The best bars and cafés Zurich

What a view! When you visit the Jules Verne Panoramabar, choose a day when the sky couldn't be bluer and happily climb into one of the comfortable armchairs. This bar, named after the famous French adventure novelist, is located at the top of the Urania Observatory. As you sip a cocktail, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Zurich and, above all, the lake and the Alps in the background. At nightfall in winter, the city is illuminated in all its glory. A must-see!

Such a tiny bar with such a warm atmosphere, it's like magic! Behind this French name hides a magnificent old-fashioned wooded room where the many mirrors still give an impression of space. Here you will be served a glass of wine for a "French aperitif" of course. The Philosopher is one of the most original bars in Zurich and is definitely worth a visit. Good to know: this bar is attached to the restaurant Mère Catherine. A very nice and friendly address dedicated to French cuisine.

You can dive into the heart of the Dadaist movement with a drink at the Cabaret Voltaire. Art lovers, students and curious tourists appreciate this unique bar. A Dada library is available to introduce you to the offbeat and original thinking of the movement. The room is of course decorated with Dadaist art objects. This multi-purpose place opens up all your minds. A restaurant and bar, a library, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, guided tours and themed evenings await you...

Do you like alternative? You will be pleasantly served at the El Lokal bar with its phosphorescent skeleton that watches over the zinc and the heterogeneous and bushy decoration that covers the walls. There is always something to discover in this bar and the view on the Sihl river alone is worth a visit on the terrace. Some evenings it's really crowded, the price of a well-deserved success for the beautiful team that runs this magical place. On the spot, you will find the restaurant with tapas in the evening and menus at lunchtime.

Switzerland is world-renowned for the unrivalled quality of its chocolates, a reputation that owes much to the Sprüngli confectionery in Zürich, founded in 1836. Even today, Sprüngli specialties such as Luxemburgerlis (macaroons), truffles, chocolate bars and other sweets are made according to traditional recipes. Their hot chocolate is also delicious. It's also one of Zurich's favorite places for breakfast, Sunday brunch or lunch.

Since 1997, the bQm has been part of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, where you'll find probably the cheapest cocktails in town. It's in a relaxed atmosphere with a superb view over the city that students gather, but not only. The bar welcomes everyone and offers free cultural events twice a week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays: concerts, DJ evenings, quizzes, an open stage... On the à la carte menu, you'll find a nice list of affordable drinks as well as snacks (sandwiches, focaccias, pretzels...).

The Kino Xenix Bar is a wonderful independent cinema where you can discover films from all over the world and retrospectives. The program is extremely varied, and the films are almost always subtitled in French or English. The venue also boasts a cosy bar, nestled in a former kindergarten: a popular playground for Zurich's youth. An atypical bar where you'll feel right at home, especially in summer with its large terrace and the possibility of playing pétanque or ping-pong. Mixed and varied clientele, good spirit.

One of the most famous cafés in Zurich, the Odéon was Lenin's lair during his stay in the city but also des. There is still an unavoidable place on the sidewalk that cannot be noticed when you leave Bellevue to reach the old town by the Limmatquai. Always full and lively, the hotel features a beautiful Art Nouveau decoration that plunges you with delight in the 1920 s. If you have a small or a big hunger, it is also possible to restore it.

It's hard not to fall under the spell of this café on Schöneggplatz. We love this "little garden" which, contrary to its name, is much bigger than you think. Nestled in the heart of Zurich's 4th district, just a stone's throw from the warm evenings of Langstrasse, this peaceful and green little corner seems to have come out of a dream! The menu features freshly prepared dishes based on market arrivals. Local residents also flock here for a drink while devouring plates to share.

The Kon-Tiki in the Niederdorf district gained a cult following in the 1970s thanks to its Hawaiian ambience, Maori prints and cocktails served in mask-shaped glasses. Threatened with closure, it was taken over in 2016 by customers who appreciated the cosmopolitan feel of the place and made a few improvements. The bar is now open during the day. You can grab a snack, buy and consume CBD, attend a jam night or stand up. It's a bar for adventurers and those who want to become adventurers.

Just a stone's throw from Paradeplatz, this is one of Zurich's favourite coffee bars. After sneaking through a charming passageway, we come across this place that looks like a delicatessen: beautiful floor tiles, wooden tables, candles on the floor for a cosy effect. Coffee is celebrated here and the baristas are having a great time. On the kitchen side, we enjoy sweet and salty breakfasts, Sunday brunch (with champagne) is very gourmet! The icing on the cake is that the restaurant and coffee bar opens onto an adorable courtyard with a romantic fountain.