Your guide to the best Zürich gay bars, LGBT venues and events

Amidst the ethereal beauty of the Swiss Alps, Zurich awaits with its historical charm, breathtaking natural wonders, and a banking system that does not quit.

Begin your journey in the heart of Zurich's old town, Altstadt, where history plays hide and seek among the medieval houses, narrow lanes, and towering church steeples. Here, the Grossmünster, an iconic twin-towered church, stands as a sentinel of the city's past religious ties. Its Romanesque architecture beckons the curious, while the panoramic views from its towers offer a visual sonnet of the city's skyline, stitched seamlessly with the azure of the lake and the beautiful hues of the surrounding hills.

Close by, the Kunsthaus Zurich awaits, treasures of art that beat with the pulse of centuries. From the ethereal strokes of Dadaism to the bold contours of modern art, this gallery is a carnival of creativity that celebrates diversity in every form, much like the city itself.

For those who wear their appetite for adventure as boldly as their heart on their sleeve, Zurich's west end, once an industrial wasteland, now thrives as a vibrant hub of innovation and creativity. The Freitag Tower, crafted ingeniously from recycled shipping containers, stands as a symbol of Zurich's sustainable ethos. Meanwhile, the halls of Im Viadukt, with its eclectic mix of boutiques, studios, and eateries, buzz with the energy of local artisans and chefs, offering a taste of Zurich's gastronomic genius and entrepreneurial spirit. The Uetliberg Mountain, Zurich's very own 'home mountain,' offers trails that meander through lush forests, leading you to vistas that frame the city, the lake, and the Alps in one breathtaking tableau, reminding you of nature's unparalleled artistry.

Zürich is also called the City of Gnomes (from a nickname for bankers), but don’t sell the place short—Switzerland’s financial capital hosts Street Parade, Europe’s biggest outdoor techno party and a celebration of tolerance and diversity, in August. Zürich’s chic nightclubs favor techno and house tunes, and they’re popping year-round. Altstadt (Old Town/District 1), Aussersihl (District 4), and Züri-West (Zürich West/District 5) are lined with LGBTQ+ nightlife, plus some of the best gay bars in Zurich.

Cross the Limmat River to Aussersihl and Langstrasse (Long Street), which has a red-light district reputation (wink wink!), but is now one of Zürich’s most multicultural neighborhoods. And that’s saying something because one-third of Zürich’s residents aren’t Swiss citizens! Züri-West, just north of Aussersihl, is an up-and-coming neighborhood with nightclub interiors reflecting its industrial history. Zürich gay bars close quite early, so those who want to keep hanging out will usually linger in cafés, and those who want to make a night of it proceed to the clubs.

Get wet and wild in Zürich! The city’s waterfront streets have as many saunas, spas, and public baths as Istanbul. Zürich’s gay saunas are, in Swiss fashion, clean and welcoming, so flaunt your tattoos, freeze the aging process, and find your crowd. The badis (public baths) are most popular with gay men of all ages, but there’s no monopoly on waterside fun in Zürich! Ladies’ nights abound at saunas and spas, and one women’s-only public bath has been open since the late nineteenth century.

Tap into naturism and go skinny-dipping in Zürichsee (Lake Zürich), and sunbathe at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen or Mythenquai. Stroll or bike along the Seepromenade (lake promenade) at Mythenquai, or grab a lido beach-side bite and a drink at Seebad Enge. Zürichsee is pretty as a picture in the wintertime: its waters seldom freeze, attracting swans and ducks for birders and keeping affluent boaters afloat.

Winters bring skiers to the Swiss Alps bordering Zürich, so look forward to community ski trips and après-ski mixers—you’ll stay toasty warm, with or without Swiss cheese fondue! If you’re traveling in November and December, marvel at Bahnhofstrasse’s glitzy Christmas lights and open-air Christmas markets. Expect to stay warm by burning money—Bahnhofstrasse, Altstadt’s primo luxury shopping street, is as expensive as it is exclusive. Of course, Zürich keeps a busy social calendar twelve months a year. Sechseläutenplatz (Sechseläuten square) takes its name from Zürich’s traditional holiday Sechseläuten, in which residents torch the Böögg, an explosives-laden snowman, to welcome spring. When springtime rolls around, so do the movie credits at the Pink Apple film festival and Warmer Mai culture festival. Return to Sechseläutenplatz in June for Zürich Pride Festival. No matter the season, history, LGBTQ+ good times and (Dadaist post-) modernity mingle in Zürich.