Summer in Zurich: Make the Most of This “Water City” in the Summer!
From riverside dips to rooftop drinking and lakeside festivals, this is how you can soak up Zurich's best during the colorful summer months.
With its clean rivers, scenery, and vibrant cultural program, Zurich is a stimulating summer destination. The city perks up in the warmer season, attracting residents and tourists alike to its many outdoor activities — from lounging on lake front "Badis" (bathing areas) to sipping cocktails at outdoor bars.
If you are visiting from June to August, this is your guide to witnessing Zurich in all its summertime splendor — with insider facts, local lore, and best-kept tips to show you the city the way locals live it.
1. Cool Off Like a Local at Zurich's Outdoor Pools
What to expect
Summer heat in Zurich reaches the high 20s and low 30s (°C), and the natives head straight for the water. Zurich's legendary "Badis" — open-air swimming baths along the Limmat River and Lake Zurich — are an institution in Zurich. The pools are not just pools to swim in, but a social scene, especially in the evenings.
Where to go:
- Seebad Enge has lake views and a peaceful ambiance, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
- Flussbad Oberer Letten, a river bath with diving towers and volleyball courts, is ideal for the adventurous.
- Frauenbad Stadthausquai, which is strictly for women during the day, becomes a chic bar in the evenings, where you can have cocktails with a view.
As summer continues, these outdoor baths tend to turn into trendy, city bars. It's a great way to cool off while getting a glimpse of the city's summer atmosphere.
More information: Outdoor Pools in Zurich
2. Go on a Guided Tour to Uncover Zurich's Secret Lifeline: Water
Why it's important:
Few visitors realise how important water is to the personality of Zurich. From historic aqueducts to modern fountains, for centuries, Zurich has been built around water.
Top tip:
Join the "Zurich: City of Water" guided tour that explores the role of water's history, facilities, and ecologic significance within Zurich's history.
You’ll learn about:
- The drinking water system in the city
- The role of water in sustainable urban planning
- The 1,200+ public fountains and their symbolism
This fascinating tour highlights how water has shaped the city and remains central to daily life.
Tour details: Zurich – City of Water Tour
3. Visit a Summer Festival: Music, Art & Open-Air Vibes
Did you know?
Filled with art, music, and performance festivals, Zurich's summer schedule is chock-full and many of them free and outdoor!
Time your trip around:
- The early previews of the Zurich Film Festival (August)
- The Caliente! Latin Music Festival in July, Europe's largest of its type
- Zurich Pride, a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusivity
- Openair Wipkingen, an easy-going neighbourhood music festival
It's festival season in Zurich during the summer months! From modern art to electronic dance music along the water, Zurich's culture is really alive during these times.
Find your event: Summer Festivals in Zurich
4. Experience a Night on the Lake — Zurich-Style Glamping
Need something different?
Give Fischers Fritz a try, a boutique campground on the shores of Lake Zurich, featuring everything from conventional tents to retro-chic Airstream caravans.
What you’ll love:
- Direct access to the lake
- Barbecue spots and picnic areas
- Easy transport to the city centre
It's a relaxed way to see the natural beauty of Zurich without sacrificing location or comfort. Not the camping-type? Reserve one of the chic silver Airstreams for a more glamorous experience. It's the best of both worlds: outdoor adventure and convenience.
Booking details: Fischers Fritz Camping & Airstreams
5. Go on a Lake Cruise and Explore Rapperswil, the “Town of Roses”
Why it is important:
The Lake Zurich Navigation Company operates summer cruises from the city to Rapperswil — a charming lakeside town with rose gardens, lovely old town, and lakeside castle.
Your tip:
- Embark from Bürkliplatz
- Admire panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Zurich
- Discover Rapperswil's rose garden, which boasts more than 15,000 plants of 600 varieties
The cruise lasts approximately two hours in one direction and is a relaxing means of enjoying Zurich's lakefront scenery.
6. Eat Al Fresco: The Top Rooftop and Garden Restaurants
Why it's ideal in summer:
Zurich's cuisine really comes alive in the summer months. The balmy evenings are just right for long-drawn dinners in garden restaurants, rooftop restaurants, or lakeside cafes.
Some suggestions to sample:
- Frau Gerolds Garten: An inner-city garden area with seasonal menus and outdoor seating, ideal for a relaxed night out.
- Clouds: A restaurant and bar on the roof of Prime Tower for views over the city — ideal for enjoying cocktails as the sun goes down.
- Pumpstation: A beer garden by the lake ideal for relaxed dining, ideal for soaking up Zurich's relaxed atmosphere.
Be sure to reserve a table well ahead of time, particularly on weekends, because these trendy spots fill up quickly.
7. Experience Zurich Late into the Night
What to do:
While daylight presses into the night, Zurich shines with a golden light. It's an ideal time to:
- Walk the promenade of Lake Zurich
- Take sunset observations from Lindenhof Hill
- Observe street artists performing in Bellevue and Old Town neighborhoods
Bonus tip:
Get an ice cream at Gelati Tellhof or Rosso Arancio, two city favorites. Zurich locals often cap off their summer afternoons like this, enjoying a cool dessert while they watch the city's energetic pace unwind around them.
Planning Tips for a Zurich Summer Vacation
- Bring a swimsuit: Swimwear in the lake or river is a requirement — the water is ideal for hot-weather cooling off.
- Use a Zurich Card: Enjoy free public transport and discounts on major attractions.
- Stay central: Rent accommodation close to the lake or Old Town so its a short walk to all the hotspots of the summer.
- Slow travel: Bike or take an e-bike tour to venture into the out-of-the-way areas of the city.
Bottom Line
Summer in Zurich is not about rushing from a tourist spot to the next, but about becoming one with the city's easygoing, alfresco pace and soaking up all the local color. Whether gliding down the river, dancing at a street festival, or sipping at a lakeside bar as the sun sets, you'll finally understand why Zurich is called Switzerland's "Water City."
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