Surely, skiing in the alps, enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery and lakes, and grabbing one of those whimsical train rides can be fun during the day. But once the sun goes down and Switzerland’s after-dark alter ego takes over, it is time to have fun and blow off some steam.
Switzerland sets the benchmark for crackerjack nightlife. Whether that means DJ-driven dance clubs, cocktail lounges, comedy venues, and beautiful restaurants with modern and vibrant décors, the country’s after-dark excitement is endless.
While the nightlife in Zurich is always overflowing with vibes of open-air views, make sure also to check out Bern, Basel, and Geneva so that you don’t miss out on anything from Swiss “nightlife.”
So, to help you find out how to start the night off right, we’ve compiled a general list of creative spots in major cities of Switzerland to keep you moving until the sun comes up. Indeed, with numerous nightlife spots and venues to visit, this is only a mere fraction of what’s out there.
Nightlife in Zurich
Among all other major cities in Switzerland, Zurich is hands down the most renowned city to deliver festive entertainment with an exciting and eclectic range of nightclubs, quiet bars, family-friendly restaurants, live entertainment venues, and other nightlife options worthy of spending the night away.
Once commuting home and the stresses of 9 to 5 come to an end, the city breathes new life into the nighttime—it glows on its boulevards, whispers on the town hall bridge, grunts in its bars, and hollers in its clubs. When it comes to the clubs and bars, here are some fantastic places that are worth your time.
To not miss out on anything in Zurich, the list featured below is a mix of wild and quiet spots to heat up any type of Zurich night.
Hive
As one of Zurich’s most famous clubs, Hive is best known for electronic music and has three unique rooms with different DJs for you to choose from. Promoters of the club spare no expense to attract the hottest crowd and book the best DJs to give the night-owlers a night to remember.
Supermarket
House and techno music create the buzz at this artsy club. It attracts a mix of weird, easy, loner, and urban party goers. Enter the magic door of Supermarket, and you will come across people whose vibe and passion just wouldn’t exist without the cover of darkness.
For people who prefer something more low-key, there are also great wine and cocktail bars around the old town and across the lake and river. Check out these bars if you are looking for a more relaxed and care-free time with bartenders who just have a knack to make your night kick off right.
Jules Verne Panoramabar
With a dramatic panorama against the darkening sky, this bar serves hand-crafted cocktails and a wide selection of beers and wines to indulge every picky drinker. It is a bit tedious to take the elevator up to the 11th floor, but it adds to the experience. Also, the prices are higher than elsewhere in the city, but with all that comfort and a sense of romance, it’s definitely worth it. Oh, and did I mention the view?
Old Crow
This is possibly one of the best bars in all of Europe. Its menu offers a vast selection of interesting cocktails, whiskeys, and bourbon, all available by the glass. If you happen to go to the bar when the owner, Markus is there, you will experience a mix of cocktails whose exact ingredients make you think they have been delivered straight from the chemistry lab.
Nightlife in Bern
Bern might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about having a crazy night out. However, do not be confused by historic cobblestone streets and underground cellars in the Old Town because Bern is also home to many active bars and pubs that electrify the capital city’s streets.
Whether you choose to enjoy the view from the rooftop bars, have fun bowling-beer nights, watch movies or go dancing until the sun rises, you’ll surely find what you are after. Check out these amazing places to have a blast in the capital city of Switzerland.
Sky Terrace
Set at the top of Schweizerhof hotel, the Sky Terrace has a top-notch terrace with an absolutely magical view over Bern. The food and drinks are great! If you happen to be there during Christmas, you will be fascinated by the winter view of one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.
KITAG CINEMAS Cinedome
The multiplex cinema offers movies in the best quality picture and sound and has a nice seating lineup. They show all Hollywood blockbusters in English, dubbed in German and French. The prices of movies, food and drinks are the same as in any other cinema in Switzerland. In addition to the cinemas, the Cinedome has bowling lanes to enjoy with your friends and an integrated sports bar for all those sports fans that like to watch sports broadcasts on big screen TVs.
There is also a game zone where you can play billiards, darts, table football, and other fun games. In other words, if you are looking to spend the night with first-class entertainment, Cinedome is definitely worth the visit.
Nightlife in Geneva
Geneva is relatively a small city, rather uptight place, and people are mostly engaged in their work, avoiding the nightlife. But this doesn’t mean that you cannot have fun. There are places that will easily encourage you to get off your couch. Here are some of them:
Boulevard Du Vin
This is a wonderful place for a glass of both international and Swiss wine. They also offer free snacks and refills for every next drink that you order. The prices are reasonably low, and the place is relaxing to have fun and hang out with friends.
Bottle Brothers
If you’re looking for a friendly and cozy place, have unique cocktails, tasty burgers, cheap beers, and wine, then you’re definitely in for a treat at Bottle Brothers. The terrace is big and comfy enough to have a nice summertime night. The staff is helpful and friendly. If by any chance you don’t know what to order, just trust the waiter.
Baroque Club
Considering the noise restrictions and costly rents, clubs in Geneva are limited. Baroque Club might be the best place to spend the night. The entry is free, the music is awesome, the interior is cool and trendy, and the staff is attentive. Prices are high, but if you’re going out with friends to have fun, you won’t care.
When it comes to nightlife, Swiss people are resilient. In whichever city of Switzerland you are located, you will always find fun and creative spots to spend the night away. From nightclubs in Zurich, beautiful sceneries in Bern to quiet and friendly bars in Geneva, Switzerland’s nightlife is highly diverse.
