GAY ZURICH
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in ZURICH ?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
WHAT TO SEE in ZURICH?
10 THINGS TO SEE in ZURICH
Historic Center of Zurich
One of the best things to do in Zurich is to get lost in its beautiful old town (Altstadt), which is divided into 4 districts. The most beautiful and interesting area is certainly the one along the Limmat river and near the Town Hall where the most fascinating alleys and squares are concentrated with medieval houses with colorful facades.
Grossmünster and Fraumünster Churches
Located along the Limmat River, the Grossmünster Church is one of the most iconic buildings in Zurich. Romanesque in style and known as the Great Cathedral, this church is of enormous historical significance as it was the site where Switzerland's Zwingli Protestant Reformation began in 1519. Easily recognizable by its twin bell towers, inside are fabulous stained glass windows, the Romanesque crypt and a cloister with magnificent Romanesque capitals. You cannot miss Grossmünster and climb the 187 steps to the top of one of the two towers, to enjoy the view of the city and the river. In addition to this church, another symbol of the city is the Fraumünster Church, on the other bank of the river and with a bell tower with a pointed roof.
Lindenhof
This district (located between the Limmat River and Bahnhofstrasse) is the oldest part of the city and perhaps the most beautiful. The city was born on this hill more than 2000 years ago and today it has become one of the most famous viewpoints to watch the sunset (if you decide to go at sunset, climb well in advance to grab the best spot). Among the cobbled alleyways of this medieval quarter you will find artisan shops, cafes, historic buildings and even Roman ruins.
Bahnhofstrasse
Known as Via della Stazione, it is the most famous street to see in Zurich and one of the most luxurious and exclusive shopping streets in the world. Almost a kilometer and a half of shops and boutiques of major brands such as Tiffany & Co, Cartier or Louis Vuitton, as well as art galleries, cafés, restaurants and above all chocolatiers (after all, we are in Switzerland) such as the fantastic Läderach Chocolatier Suisse. Another of the most beautiful streets in the old town is Limmatquai, which stretches along the Limago river and the medieval Augustinergasse alley with its colorful facades and small wooden windows.
Zurich West
The area around Langstrasse in western Zurich, once an industrial district, is today the trendiest and most fashionable district of the city. Factories and warehouses have been converted into art galleries, clubs, restaurants and hotels. One can find unique homewares, fashion boutiques and alternative cafés.
Zurich Lake
It extends southeast of the city and is surrounded by several hills, certainly another of the must-see sights in Zurich. This huge lake, more than 40 kilometers long and with an elongated shape, is perfect for relaxing walks, summer swims or picnics. Another of the best things to do on the lake is a boat excursion to see the city from the water with its villas, beaches and Rapperswil, known as the city of roses for its gardens with over 15,000 rose bushes .
Peterskirche Church
Definitely one of the symbols of Zurich. The beautiful clock on its tower has the largest face in Europe. Until 1911, the bell tower was used as a fire guard post.
Zurich Opera
A magnificent and huge neoclassical building dating from 1891, another must-see in Zurich as well as the city's cultural landmark. The greatest opera and ballet artists have performed in this concert hall for 1100 spectators.
Zurich National Museum & Kunstahaus
The National Museum is located in a French-style building resembling a medieval castle. A recommended stop if you want to get an overview of the history and culture of Switzerland, from prehistory to the present day. Another museum to visit in Zurich is the Kunsthaus: one of the most important art collections in Europe, with works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Munch and Monet among many others.
Zurich Botanical Garden
About half an hour's walk from the center of Zurich, this spectacular University Botanical Garden is another wonder to visit. Admission is free and you can find three dome-shaped greenhouses containing trees, plants and flowers from all over the world.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Classic & Alternative Zurich - Google Maps
(Aprendo le Mappe con Google, potrete facilmente seguire il nostro percorso)
10 BEST EXCURSIONS from ZURICH
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Lucerne & Engelberg
Mount Titlis
Jungfraujoch
Interlaken e Grindelwald
Stein am Rhein & Rhein Falls
Berna & Fribourg
Bodensee
Eastern Swiss Alps & Liechtenstein
Mount Pilatus
Strasbourg
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in ZURICH?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in ZURICH
Opera Hotel Zürich **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Discover more ...
WHERE TO EAT in ZURICH?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in ZURICH Quality / Price
€€€ - Kindli ® Tested by World Mappers
€€€ - Kronenhalle
€€ - Kaiser's Reblaube
€€ - Neumarkt
€€ - Frau Gerolds Garten (Zurich West) ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Swiss Chuchi Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Raclette Stube
€€ - Rechberg
€€ - Zeughauskeller
€€ - Markthalle (Zurich West)
GAY NIGHTLIFE in ZURICH
10 BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in ZURICH
Cranberry (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Infinity Bar & Lounge (Gay Bar)
PlatZHirsch Bar (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Predigerhof Bistro Bar (Gay Bar)
Coffe Bar Odeon (Gay Bar)
Barometer Bar (Gay Bar)
Heaven Zurich (Gay Club)
BOYAHKASHA @ Plaza Klub (Gay Club)
Alte Kaserne (Gay Club)
Männerzone (Gay Cruise Club)
TRAVEL TIPS about ZURICH by World Mappers
Zurich is known for being one of the most sought-after destinations for techno music lovers and the Street Parade, which takes place every year in the second half of August, is by far the most awaited event by lovers of this genre. For two days, Zurich is transformed into an open-air DJ set where the most famous artists of the house and techno scene worldwide perform. The funniest thing is that large floats (the "Love Mobiles") parade through the streets on which hundreds of people dance electronic music at full volume.
From the spectacular viewpoint on the Üetliberg mountain, 870 meters above sea level, you will find one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Zurich, the lake and the Alps (weather permitting). To reach this place you can take tram number 13 to Albisguiti and then walk for about 45 minutes in the middle of nature or, as an alternative to the tram, the train (about 20 minutes).
As an alternative to this marvelous Belvedere, we also recommend the Hill where the University of Zurich is located, easily reachable with the old Polybahn funicular which leaves from via Limmattquai.
"SECRET ZURICH"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Zurich
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Zurich" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 8 Things and Places to See in Secret Zurich:
Frau Gerold's Garten - Located in the industrial zone of Kreis 5, this area includes an urban garden, a restaurant, container bars, live music and some shops and boutiques. Wooden tables and lights hanging everywhere make this place one of the funniest and coolest places in Zurich.
Urbansurf - Are you a surf lover? Zurich doesn't lack this either, with an area dedicated to urban surfing (very cool) right in the alternative district of Zurich West.
Giacometti Murals - Enter the Police Station. Yes, it seems strange but you will see that you will be enchanted by the frescoes by Augusto Giacometti on the vaults of the hall.
Rote Fabrik - A converted factory that hosts music and cultural events, from theater festivals to dance raves, it all happens at this nightclub.
Cabaret Voltaire - During the First World War this cabaret became an important meeting place for artists and cultural figures of the time. This is the right place for those who want to relive those times and taste excellent cocktails.
Raygrodski Bar - A beautiful cocktail bar with a minimalist aesthetic. A great place to sip cocktails on stylish sofas.
Jules Verne Panoramabar - One of the most beautiful bars in Zurich and one of the best panoramic views over the city. The perfect place to sip an aperitif while admiring Zurich illuminated.
MFO Park - Nature meets industrial architecture. A place created from the ruins of an old factory the vine plants wrap around the metal bars in this one of a kind park in Zurich.
There are various areas in Zurich open to the creativity of Street Art artists. If you walk around Rote Fabrik and along the lake, you will be able to see a great many works by both novice and more experienced artists. Another great area for legal street art can be found along the Limmat near Oberer Letten.
In Zurich you will also find some very famous Gay Beaches. Among others, Badi Tiefenbrunnen, a gay beach equipped with lido and restaurant, and Werdinsel Beach, on a small island in the Limmat river.
GAY FRIENDLY TOURS
Do you want to discover the city more deeply through Zurich's Best Gay Tours? We recommend the following local operators:
Gaily Tour - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT + community throughout Europe. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination. Info & Booking: info@GailyTour.com
Zurich • Classic Tour
Be ready for a special LGBT Friendly walking tour discovering the highlights of the Swiss city like Paradeplatz, which is one of the most expensive places in the world, observing the Fraumünster, more than just a church, the Thermengasse which marked the origins of Zurich city, St. Peter’s church and the Lindenhof, where you will enjoy a beautiful view point of the city. Afterwards reach the Grossmünster where you tour will end. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Lindenhof View Point
Zurich • Gay Tour & West City's Secrets
You cannot have an idea of Zurich without seeing the special area of West Zurich. Enjoy your LGBT Friendly walking tour which includes the visit to the Prime tower, the tallest building in Switzerland, where you will have a glass of wine while admiring the view upon the city. Then continue to Schiffbau, a former factory turned into a trendy theater. Proceed afterwards to the Technopark, home of startups in Zurich. See Toni-Areal, an old dairy factory and now home to the campus of Zurich’s artistic school, the Freitag tower, the highest building made out of containers), the Viadukt and the Josefwiese, a small green park in the city. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (2 hours) * 1 Glass Wine in Prime Tower (also Non Alcoholic Drink available)
Zurich by Night • Gay Tour
Enjoy an enlightened Zurich and an amazing walking tour through London's gay & lesbian bars and clubs to live on your skin the magic atmosphere and LGBT scene of the city. Enjoy your included drink (also alcohol free drink available) and own the night ! Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for Night Tour (2 hours) * Drink in Gay Bar (1 Drink)
What to See near Zurich ?
MAP'CITY • FREIBURG IM BREISGAU
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