Add a City to Your Summer
Urban lifestyle meets water, nature, and culture: Zurich comes alive in summer with a unique lightness between lake, river, and vibrant neighborhoods. Days by the water, open-air events, and al fresco dining define the season. A city where relaxed holiday moments and diverse experiences blend seamlessly.
Add Water Activities to Your Summer
Summer in Zurich is all about water. Whether it’s Lake Zurich, the Limmat river, or one of the many open-air swimming baths, opportunities to cool off on hot days are never far away. The city’s rivers and the shores of Lake Zurich are particularly popular among locals and guests on summery days. As well as relaxed hours in the sun, the most popular Zurich summer activities include the famous Limmat Swim event, boat trips, and various watersports.
Tip: Summer in Zurich with kids? The website kinderregion.ch offers information on activities for the whole family in and around Zurich.
Add Outdoor Activities to Your Summer
When the temperatures rise in Zurich, life moves outdoors. Parks, squares, and waterfronts become venues for culture, music, and film. A range of Zurich summer events take place under the stars – from open-air cinemas to big festivals.
The best way to explore Zurich in the summer is by bike.
Add Food and Drinks to Your Summer
Summer in Zurich also reveals the city’s relaxed side when it comes to food: urban dining with a vacation feel by the water. Restaurants with views of the lake, roof terraces, and summer bars invite guests to enjoy balmy evenings outdoors. In the afternoon, ice cream is the perfect way to cool down, while an Apéro buffet with views of Lake Zurich is high on everyone’s agenda for the evening.
Add Event Highlights to Your Summer
The city’s events calendar is particularly jam-packed in the summer. Visitors can look forward to a number of big summer events in Zurich.
Add Shopping to Your Summer
The summer months are a wonderful time to discover Zurich’s neighborhoods while strolling through the city. Every district has its own distinctive atmosphere, from little boutiques with locally made products to iconic Zurich brands like Freitag or international labels. Zurich’s creativity reveals itself all over the city, from the alleyways of the Old Town to design shops and concept stores.
Add Art and Culture to Your Summer
Museums, galleries, and theaters provide a welcome place to cool down on hot days or an alternative itinerary on the odd rainy day. Zurich’s arts venues host exhibitions, concerts, and performances – often supplemented by open-air events.
Add Day Trips to Your Summer
The lakefront, historic sites, and countless hiking routes await in the region around the city. Excursions around Lake Zurich or to the nearby Alps are particularly popular. Many destinations can be easily reached by train – making Zurich the perfect starting point for day trips.
Practical Planning
Helpful tips and offers to make any stay in Zurich even more relaxing.
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