If you are a local like me, you’ve waited a long, cold and dark 9 months for summer to finally shine through. Once it’s arrived, you want to take full advantage of some nicer weather, but wondering what to do? Well, here is your guide to summer in Zurich and 10 fun things to do in the sunshine! + Most of these are FREE!
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Summer is Zurich is full of nature, sights to see & some fun events! | Photo by Maryna Yanul Unsplash
Table of Contents
- Summer in Zurich
- Zurich Summer Weather
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Summer in Zurich
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- 1. Visit Lake Zurich
- 2. Relax at a Badi (aka a Public Bath)
- 3. Take a Hike on Uetliberg Mountain
- 4. Experience the Zurich Street Parade
- 5. Shop on Bahnhofstrasse
- 6. Check out a Farmer’s Market
- 7. Have a Drink Outside
- 8. Zurich Openair Concert & Festival
- 9. Visit the Zurich Botanical Garden
- 10. Zurich Open-Air Cinema
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- *Bonus* Fun Things to Do in Switzerland This Summer!
- Summary of Fun Things to Do in Summer in Zurich
Summer in Zurich
Right now, it’s the first sunny day in Zurich that we’ve had in what feels like forever. Winter and spring tend to blend together here, with rain and cloudy skies lasting through May. But June finally brings the promise of good weather we’ve all been waiting for. In this post, I’ll share 10 fun things to do in Zurich during the summer. These are simple activities my husband and I enjoy, nothing fancy, just perfect for a laid-back summer day. If you are looking for more events: check out this site! However, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, or are new to the area, this guide will help you make the most of your time here. Plus, most of these activities are free!
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Zurich Summer Weather
Zurich in the summer is a delight, with warm, sunny days and mild, pleasant evenings. From June to August, you can expect daytime temperatures to range between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
Here’s what to expect:
- June: Early summer kicks off with temperatures around 20°C (68°F). It’s comfortably warm, with occasional showers.
- July: This is typically the warmest month, with temperatures often reaching up to 25°C (77°F). It’s perfect weather for swimming in Lake Zurich or enjoying a leisurely boat ride.
- August: Late summer continues to be warm, though it can be a bit more humid. Evenings start to cool down slightly, providing a refreshing end to the day.
10 Fun Things to Do in Summer in Zurich
1. Visit Lake Zurich
Kick off your summer with a visit to Lake Zurich, known as Zürichsee. Whether you’re up for a swim, a paddleboarding session, or just lounging by the shore, this lake is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful views. There are lots of public beaches: check out a list of spots here! I highly recommend taking a boat tour of the lake. You can bring drinks on board and see both sides of the lake – the ‘Gold Coast’ and the ‘Silver Coast’. You could purchase the guided tour below (that covers a few additional things in the city), or you can simply head down to Bürkliplatz, buy a ticket, and enjoy!
2. Relax at a Badi (aka a Public Bath)
Zurich’s public baths, known as Badis, are a must-visit in the summer. They are essentially just public swimming areas, but with a twist. They are more like social hubs with amenities like sunbathing areas, restaurants, and even bars. A few popular Badis to check out include:
- Seebad Enge: Ideal for both swimming and sunbathing, with stunning lake views.
- Frauenbadi Stadthausquai: A women-only bath located right in the city center, perfect for a peaceful retreat. This is also one where you can naked. It turns into the ‘Barfussbar’ with live music and often weekend events in the summer!
- Flussbad Unterer Letten: They have a family pool, as well as grassy areas, lunch items, and you can jump into the reverend swim in a large (fast) stretch! This is the area my husband and I go to anytime the weather is hot and there is no entry fee!
Most warm days you’ll find us at Flussbad Unterer Letten! Peep our Outside Lands koozies reminding us of our old home in California!
3. Take a Hike on Uetliberg Mountain
For breathtaking views of Zurich and the surrounding area, head to Uetliberg Mountain. The hike is relatively easy and the summit offers panoramic vistas that are absolutely worth the effort. At the top you can sit in the sun, have a drink and a sausage, and relax! The hike begins at the Zurich-Triemli bus stop and from there, it’s a 3.76 km trek (or 2.34 miles) to Uetliberg Uto-Kulm.
Even if it is foggy the day you head up to Uetliberg (many times it is) it is still worth the view and atmosphere | Photo by Patrick Federi Unsplash
4. Experience the Zurich Street Parade
The Zurich Street Parade is the world’s largest techno parade, drawing hundreds of thousands of music lovers to the city every August. This year it takes places on August 10th! The streets of Zurich transform into a massive dance floor, filled with the sounds of electronic music from dozens of “Love Mobiles” featuring top DJs. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by extravagant costumes, body paint, and colorful decorations.
The Street Parade stands as a celebration of love, peace, freedom, generosity, and tolerance.
5. Shop on Bahnhofstrasse
Check out one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, Bahnhofstrasse. From high-end boutiques to all of the famous Swiss chocolate shops, this street has it all. Even if you’re just window shopping, the lively atmosphere is fun on a nice and sunny day.
6. Check out a Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, the heart of the city comes alive with the vibrant farmer’s market. It’s the perfect place to experience local culture, fresh produce, and delicious Swiss treats. Plus, it’s one of those rare times when everyone seems friendly and happy to be out and about. The Gemüsebrücke Markt near the town hall is an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning! They are open 7:30am-12:30pm. Check out the full list here!
My two favorite markets are Oerlikon Farmers Market and Gemüsebrücke Markt.
7. Have a Drink Outside
Summer in Zurich means outdoor dining and drinking. Find a cozy spot at a café or a trendy bar, and enjoy your drink while people-watching or soaking in the city’s ambiance. Zurich has tons of spots that are perfect on a Sunday day, and while there might not be a ton to do in the city, at least there are a few spots perfect for an Apéro or our personal favorite, a good beer.
A few of my favorites are: Rio Bar | El Lokal | Bierwerk Züri | The International Beer Bar | Gamper Bar
You might also like: 10 Awesome Summer Bars in Zurich
8. Zurich Openair Concert & Festival
Every August, Zurich hosts the Zürich Openair concert and festival. Spanning two weekends, this event features an impressive lineup of international and local artists. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy live music, experience a local festival, and summer vibe.
9. Visit the Zurich Botanical Garden
The Zurich Botanical Garden is a hidden gem in the city, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle (it’s honestly quite cool!). There are a few things to see there:
Tropical Greenhouses: Step into a lush, humid environment filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers.
Alpine Garden: Explore the flora native to the Swiss Alps, perfectly arranged to mimic their natural habitat.
Medicinal Plant Garden: Learn about the healing properties of different plants and herbs, used for centuries in traditional medicine.
10. Zurich Open-Air Cinema
The Zurich Open-Air Cinema is one of the highlights of summer in the city. For a month every summer, from July 18th to August 18th this year, Allianz sets up an incredible outdoor cinema experience that you won’t want to miss. Tickets go on sale June 28th at 12pm and you can buy them here! *They sell out INCREDIBLY fast, and I actually have never been able to go because the movies I’ve wanted to see have sold out, so maybe this year!
You might also like: Packing For Summer in Europe + 4 Simple and Cute Outfit Ideas
*Bonus* Fun Things to Do in Switzerland This Summer!
Go Hiking
Switzerland is renowned for its hiking trails. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are trails with stunning views waiting for you and summer is the perfect time. One of my favorite hikes, I think ever, is hiking Oeschinensee in Kandersteg, Bernese Oberland. We completed this hike, and let me tell you, it was HARD. So be prepared, but it was 100% worth it. We stayed two days in Adelboden and it was an absolute dream of a hiking weekend. We hiked the first weekend of September (not technically summer, but it’s some of the best weather!) Let me know if you want more tips about this in the comments!
Spend a Day (or two) in Lugano
Lugano offers a taste of the Mediterranean with its warm climate, palm trees, and beautiful lake. It’s a great spot for a relaxing getaway that is just 2 hours and 45 min away from Zurich right on the border of Italy. They have a super cute town, lake views, and AMAZING gelato. It’s perfect taste of Italy while still being in Switzerland.
Visit Pontresina and St. Moritz
These picturesque towns in the Engadin valley are perfect for a summer visit. You can enjoy the fresh mountain air, scenic hikes, and luxurious amenities. We personally love to stay at The Hotel Walther in Pontresina. It’s a luxury hotel that is a bit pricey, but it is absolutely worth it. From there it’s just a 10 min car ride to Saint Moritz where you can eat, drink, and shop like a celebrity.
Spend a Day at Lake Constance (known as Bodensee)
Lake Constance is in Konstanz, Germany and is about an hour car ride away from Zurich. It’s a super cute lake town with great shops, restaurants, and you can relax in the park or take a boat ride! We’ve gone here the last 3 Saturdays because it’s such a nice break from Zurich.
Summary of Fun Things to Do in Summer in Zurich
- Visit Lake Zurich
- Relax at a Badi (Public Bath)
- Take a Hike on Uetliberg Mountain
- Experience the Zurich Street Parade
- Shop on Bahnhofstrasse
- Check out a farmer’s market
- Have a Drink Outside
- Zurich Openair Concert & Festival
- Zurich Botanical Garden
*Bonus*
- Go Hiking
- Spend a Day (or two) in Lugano
- Visit Pontresina and St. Moritz
- Spend a Day at Lake Constance
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