18 Best Nightlife in Zürich, Switzerland

This local landmark draws a well-dressed, upwardly mobile crowd. It's a popular performance space for established artists, such as Pink Martini and Angelique Kidjo, looking for an intimate venue. The Rolling Stones once showed up unannounced for an impromptu concert.

The bar at the Kronenhalle, designed by Trix und Robert Haussmann, draws crowds of well-heeled locals and internationals for its creative, prizewinning cocktails.

Le Raymond is a modernist café and bar overlooking the city’s moat, the Schanzengraben. Despite its proximity to the ritzy Paradeplatz neighborhood, the bar remains surprisingly casual. Its vaulted ceiling, elongated bar, and cozy wooden alcoves give travelers a little privacy to sip their Hugos and espressos in peace (ditto for the outdoor terrace overlooking the water). There’s also a limited food menu of pies, salads, and soups.

Located along the city’s former 17th-century moat and ramparts, this bar is a male-only bath during the day and then transforms into a hip bar each evening, when all are welcome. Chill out on cushions and enjoy grilled specialties and cool nightly cocktails.

A welcoming bar that tips a wink to Spain's most famous film director, Almodobar is an oasis for the young hipster crowd, set in a quiet neighborhood.

Established in 1956, Barfüsser claims to be one of the oldest gay bars in Europe. It has comfortable lounge chairs and space to mix and mingle. There's also excellent sushi.

Hipsters lounge here in an Italianate setting of red velvet and marble statues.

In the Hotel Central, the Central 1 bar is a popular neo–art deco café by day and a piano bar by night.

This popular gay bar stocks a broad selection of rums and mixes up fine cocktails in an industrial-chic spot.

Not just for intellectuals, I.Q. has a fully stocked whiskey bar.

This is a beautifully paneled Irish pub where the wood is as dark as the Guinness.

This wine bar boasts a wraparound view of downtown.

Blasting everything from funk and soul to house and techno, Mascotte is popular with all ages.

Sit in the covered arcade at Metropol and select something from the extensive drinks list, which includes absinthe, elaborate cocktails, and a wide variety of whiskeys.

This spot hosts international and local jazz acts in the hip Zürich West district. The atmosphere is relaxed and easygoing.

Serving a young, arty crowd until 4 am, Odéon is a cultural icon: a place where Mata Hari danced, Lenin and Trotsky plotted the revolution, and James Joyce scrounged drinks.

This lively, old-fashioned piano bar hosts jazz greats from around the world.

This Asian-style lounge bar appeals to the young and well-heeled. It offers a nice garden in the summer and comfortable areas inside. Food is also available.