Visit Zurich: Summer City Guide
A Lakeside Paradise — My first visit to Zurich surprised me in the best way
Despite its reputation for being expensive and elitist, I was delighted to discover that Zurich is a charming, impressively tidy, and sophisticated city where nature and daily life blend seamlessly. In the summer, Zurich offers a relaxed vibe where the local community gathers around the water every chance they get. But yeah, it’s definitely expensive too. A box of plump, juicy strawberries cost us nearly €10. Ouch.
My partner and I visited for a long weekend in August, crashing with a friend who had recently swapped Amsterdam's canals for Zurich's lake views. He kept telling us about Zurich's legendary lake life, and honestly, he wasn't exaggerating — Lake Zurich is the star of the show, an oasis in the heart of the city, and we were not disappointed.
Summer in Zurich: Slow days, Green Parks and Lake Swims
I never thought I'd say this, but Zurich is the place to be for summer. The city is so relaxed, we enjoyed quiet mornings making brunch at home, long walks through the old town, and refreshing spontaneous dips in the river and lake. With a compact old town, it’s easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. We spent our days wandering the old town, wandering the lakeside park filled with locals kicking footballs, reading books, and enjoying picnics under shady trees. Crystal-clear glacier water pours out of public drinking fountains on every street, and it was the best-tasting water I've ever had! Paired with crisp mountain air and a thriving lake life, it's easy to fall in love with this city.
We lucked out visiting during a heatwave, as the city sizzled under a blazing sun, locals cooled off in the water and there seemed to be an ever-endless flow of Aperol spritzes. I can’t complain! I also shot lots of film on this trip (see my photo journal here) scored a vintage 35mm Canon FD lens for my Canon AE-1 at a local shop. Zurich was a great base for day trips to Grindelwald and sunrise hikes up the Uetliberg mountain for a scenic view of the city.
If you’re looking for a relaxing but cultural weekend in Europe, Zurich might surprise you, too.
Check out my recommendations for visiting Zurich, Switzerland, during the summer season.
Where to Eat & Drink in Zurich
Franzos Coffee Shop This charming French-inspired cafe is a great stop for a quick coffee and bite. Perfect for a low-key breakfast before heading out to explore.
Bar am Wasser A chic, stylish cocktail bar right by the water—ideal for a pre-dinner drink or golden hour moment.
Bauschänzli This riverside beer garden has dreamy sunset views, we visited on a warm evening and loved the laidback vibe.
Metropol is an elegant cafe, champagne bar, and event space housed in a stunning historic building. They serve Japanese fusion food and sometimes host live music.
The Bab whops up fresh salads and flavorful kebabs, perfect for takeaway picnics by the lake or river.
Haus Hiltl Self proclaimed as the world’s first vegetarian restaurant, Haus Hiltl has a huge buffet of delicious dishes, mocktails, and a sit-down dining area if you’re in the mood to treat yourself. We enjoyed the buffet a few times.
Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse We ducked in here to hide from a quick summer rainstorm. Their carrot cake and homemade lemonade were a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Café Henrici A cozy brunch spot in the old town with outdoor dining. We loved the hibiscus iced tea, flammkuchen, and apfelstrudel.
Rimini Bar This urban badi turns into a bar in the evenings for a hip, casual spot for an aperitif near the water.
Frau Gerolds Garten Hop on the tram to find this funky outdoor eatery that’s located further out from the old town. The beer garden is crafted from colorful recycled containers, we had BBQ and sat outside surrounded by flowers and fairy lights. In colder months, their terrace is heated.
Gelateria di Berna next door to Frau Geralds, this spot serves dangerously good gelato made with organic local ingredients. The flavors are creative and unexpected—lavender fior di latte, citrus basil, and candied chestnut were standouts, yum!
Where to Shop in Zurich
Circle Sustainable Shop for eco-conscious gifts, clothes, and local goods.
Maiuki Concept Store is a beautifully curated, socially responsible home goods, accessories, and fashion for all genders.
Mary Jane Vintage Boutique a cute and colorful spot to hunt for vintage treasures. Instagram
Kochphoto Store We stumbled upon a little shop with telescopes and lenses. I spotted a 35mm Canon FD lens here to pair with my Canon AE-1. Check out my Film Photo Journal.
Culture & History in Zurich
Old Botanical Garden Tucked into the city center, this peaceful garden has ancient trees and a small medieval herb garden. Climb to the top for a quiet view over the rooftops.
Wochenmarkt Bürkliplatz is a twice-weekly outdoor market selling fresh produce, cheeses, regional products, and flowers that’s great for grabbing picnic snacks.
Frauenbad Stadthausquai We visited this iconic women-only bathhouse during a heatwave, and it was understandably packed. Despite the crowds, sunbathing on the floating deck with toes in the water and views of the old town was a truly relaxing experience.
Lindenhof Hill A peaceful park and one of Zurich’s oldest historic sites. Once a Roman fortress, the hill is now a green retreat with panoramic views and ancient ruins. The surrounding neighborhood, with its winding alleys and medieval charm, feels like stepping back in time.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s major art museum with a wide-ranging collection from old masters to modern Swiss artists, save this for a rainy day.
Bidhalle Gallery a contemporary photography gallery that has a sister location in Amsterdam.
Grossmünster & Fraumünster
These iconic churches define Zurich’s skyline. Climb Grossmünster’s tower for incredible views; Fraumünster features stained glass windows by Chagall.
Museum Highlights - save these for a rainy day or winter visit to Zurich
Swiss National Museum
Museum of Art and Design
Zurich Zoo (great for families)
Outdoor Summer Activities in Zurich
The scorching heat gave us every reason to visit Zurich's iconic badis (swimming bathhouses). These waterfront wooden clubhouses line the edges of Lake Zurich and are essentially freshwater swimming pools. How cool!
For a small fee, you can swim, sunbathe, and people-watch and some like Utoquai, turn into concert and party spots after sunset. Badis are a big part of Zurich’s local culture dating back to the 19th century.
We opted for the Frauenbad Stadthausquai, a women-only bathhouse built in 1888. was packed in the late afternoon—women of all ages were swimming, chatting, lounging in the sun, and sipping cool drinks. It felt like stepping into a secret club as women dipped in and out of the pristine lake water. Old wooden doors separated the swimming pool from the river, with views of the old town in the distance, and crisp blue and white towels fluttering on the line, adding to the cinematic feel. FYI, Barfussbar has a great cafe, offers massages and it’s also women-only during the day.
Zurich's lake life is not just beautiful, it's a way of life in summer and there are dozens of ways to enjoy the water.
Ferry Rides & Boat Tours Hop on a regular ferry or book a special cruise for sunset, brunch, or dinner. It’s a great way to see the city and the surrounding villages from the water.
Water Sports Rent paddleboards, kayaks, or pedal boats. Sailing and windsurfing are also popular.
Lakeside Promenade & Parks Perfect for jogging, cycling, or a lazy stroll. Bring a picnic, or use the public BBQ spots and just chill.
