Gay Local Tips in Zurich

A Zurich to treasure

Stefan is an amazing host from Zurich, who has been opening his doors to the gay community for quite some time now. Aside from meeting beautiful humans, Stefan appreciates helping them to perhaps discover the less touristic spots of this unconventional gay city. The widely diverse gay community is ready to let you experience your pride, the Zurich way.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Zurich is a really tolerant and open city. It attracts gays from southern Germany, northern Italy, Austria, and all of Switzerland. As a result you have a great mix of visitors with different backgrounds and languages. This makes the relatively small gay scene here really interesting and widely diverse.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

Most people know the Street Parade in Zurich or the Gay Pride. But I would also recommend the gay and lesbian film festival, Pink Apple. Other events such as the Caliente Latino Festival are not officially labeled as gay, but still attract many gay men.

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

Start with a brunch at the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world called Hiltl. Then go to the lake and take a boat tour. Your ticket for public transport is also valid on boats. Enjoy a spectacular view over Zurich from the city mountain called Uetliberg. When you’re tired, maybe you can enjoy the gay sauna Moustache - it looks and feels like a luxurious Bath House.

At night meet locals at gay bar, Männerzone. If you have time, I recommend a visit of the new University of Arts or the cultural center Kosmos, it's an amazing place filled with cinemas, bookshops, bars and restaurants. And of course you should not miss some typical Swiss food, you could maybe try Aargauerhof restaurant.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

Hussmaa is a popular gay-friendly restaurant in Zurich, and is perfect for lunch. For dinner I would recommend Bebek, it has an Asian touch and a spectacular interior. Bebek is housed in a building that is also home to the famous Zurich trams and the city trains. You can look at them while eating Asian food.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Definitely Hiltl restaurant, since it’s the oldest and first vegetarian restaurant in the world. It’s a bit pricey but worth every penny.

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

My favorite bar is Männerzone. Another famous one is Les Garcons, which was recently closed for renovation, but will reopen soon and very likely under a new name. Both bars are on the same street, so it’s easy to navigate between them.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

I am not a party animal, but I recommend the small but nice gay club Heaven, located in Zurich’s picturesque old town. On Wednesdays, Heldenbar is a really popular venue with music that ranges from pop to electronic.

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

If you are into cruising clubs, you should try Rage, which hosts some of the biggest parties of this kind in Europe.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

It’s not a real secret, but you will have one of the best views over the city if you climb all the stairs up the tower of the Grossmünster Cathedral. It will be exhausting, but absolutely worth it once you get to the top!

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill-out?

Werdinsel is a nice island in the Limmat River, which many gay people visit in summer. I recently discovered Pfingstweidpark. It’s not big, but it has a very cool vibe over summer.

Where can we get the best view of Zurich?

Beside Uetliberg and Grossmünster Cathedral tower, I would recommend the view from the ETH university. You will have a breathtaking view from the lake to the big buildings of Zurich’s business district.●

Thinking of visiting Zurich? Check out our Gay Accommodations for this great gay city!

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