11 Jul 14X HIDDEN GEMS IN ZÜRICH
Forget the clichés of Zürich being all about finance. During this four-day trip, you will discover a different side of the city. From creative corners to quiet riversides and mountaintop dinners, here’s a list of all the hidden gems in Zürich you can explore and experience.
How to get to Zürich?
Easy. By train is the best way forward. Coming from the Netherlands, you need to navigate through Germany first, but once you cross the border, things go smoothly. Train rides in Switzerland are so well organized, you’ll be amazed. Book your international train tickets here.
Best hidden restaurants & hangouts in Zürich
Like most cities, Zürich is also full of hidden gems, and local spots. Find out where the locals eat!
Fischers Fritz: Lakeside Surf, Swim & Dine Spot
Located right on Lake Zürich, this spot is part beach bar, part restaurant, and surf school. For example, you can SUP, swim, eat fresh fish from the grill, or just relax on a lounger. It felt like Ibiza with Swiss order. I ended the trip floating in the lake as the sun went down. Pure magic. fischers-fritz.ch
Rimini Bar: Riverside Local Hangout
Tucked away behind trees along the Sihl river, Rimini is a hidden gem oasis mostly frequented by locals. During the day it’s a men-only swimming Badi, but in the evening it transforms into a chilled-out bar. Surrounded by greenery, you forget you’re in the middle of a city. rimini-bar
ViCafe Rösterei @ Werkstadt Zürich: Creative Coffee Spot
Located in a former tram depot turned creative hub. The place had a Brooklyn-industrial vibe, and the coffee was delicious. Great energy, great people, a refreshing break from the polished city center.
Nüni: Cozy Terrace Lunch
A relaxed lunch spot with greek inspired food. The homemade iced tea and grilled chicken are delicious. The staff were lovely and the food was fresh and tasteful: a small terrace gem tucked away in the city.
Da Pone: Italian Pizza Above the River
This restaurant felt like a true hidden gem. We walked up a hidden staircase and arrived at a terrace high above the river. Friendly staff, authentic Neapolitan pizza, and again a great view while having dinner. Have a swim in the river after lunch or dinner. The after dinner dip has a different meaning here. dapone.ch
Parea: Greek Restaurant
A tiny Greek spot with a super friendly owner who served us a custom selection of delicious dishes. Honestly, some of the best Greek food I’ve had in years. It brought me straight back to my last trip to Greece. It felt personal, warm and authentic. A hidden culinary spot. parea.com.au
Uetliberg & Uto Kulm: Mountaintop Views & Dinner
Not truly a hidden gem in Zürich, but definitely a must visit: The highest point of Zürich. We hiked the last part (yes, stairs included), and the view was worth every step. Dinner at Uto Kulm was amazing, and the sunset up there was magical. This spot shows how nature and city melt together in Zürich.
Rosso Arancio: Gelato Spot
Perfect on a hot evening. We stopped here for gelato after dinner, and it was exactly what I needed after this hot day. Creamy, flavorful and local. Located on Stauffacherstrasse 37.
Hidden spots and experiences in Zürich
Some are more hidden than others. Our tip? Talk to the locals and find the best spots!
Frauenbadi Stadthausquai: Women-Only Swimming Spot
This fenced-off river Badi is women only during the day. Private, peaceful and beautifully designed. You’re not allowed to take photos, but trust me the vibe is empowering, freeing, and safe. A place to truly relax without feeling watched.
Urban Beekeeping: Bees Everything
This was such a surprise. We started in a small honey shop where we learned all about bees and even made our own balm using beeswax, then went up to a rooftop to see the bees in action. I even held a honeycomb and saw a baby bee being born. A hands-on, heartwarming experience in the middle of the city.
Löwenbräukunst: Modern Art Complex in a Former Brewery
An old brewery packed with creativity: museums, galleries, an art escape room and more. It didn’t feel like a traditional museum. It was raw and it felt alive, if you know what I mean. Definitely worth a few hours if you love art and urban transformation. lowenbraukunst.ch
Flussbad Au-Höngg: Free Riverside Swimming
By all means one of Zürich’s many wild swim spots. This one has lockers though, a water playground, clean toilets, and a bar – all for free to enjoy. You jump into the river at the top, float down, climb out, and do it all again. It’s local life at its best. Located along Werdinsel 2.
Weinweg Höngg: Vineyard Walk
Just outside the city center, this walking trail winds through vineyards with amazing views over the Limmat River. Our guide shared stories about Zürich’s winemaking past. It felt like being far from the city, though we were still technically in it. We ended the walk with some drinks and bites beside the vineyard with a stunning view.
Letten River Baths: Oberer & Unterer Letten
Public river pools without chlorine, slides or noise. Locals sunbathe, read, and jump into the river to float downstream. There are also open-air film nights here. The atmosphere is social but relaxed. A truly local experience.
These hidden gems will truly shape your Zürich experience. It’s a city that truly comes alive once you leave the tourist trail. Whether you’re into wild swimming, rooftop bees, or terrace pizza, there’s so much more to Switzerland’s’ Zürich than watches chocolate and cheese.
More Switzerland? Check all our tips below!
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