The Best Way to Enjoy Summer in Zurich

The best way to enjoy summer in Zurich is to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. June, July and August are excellent months to visit Zurich, Switzerland, a city located in the heart of Europe at the foot of the Swiss Alps. When the weather heats up, this city is transformed into an urban water park with plenty of swimming areas and open-air baths. Visitors can take a dip in Lake Zurich with an Alpine backdrop or swim in the River Limmat through the heart of Old Town. Check out where to swim, where to stay, what to eat, and what to pack.

The Best Way to Enjoy the Summer in Zurich

Photo by Ricardo Perret © Zürich Tourism

Where should I swim in Zurich?

Check out Flussbad Unterer Letten, a popular swimming spot located in the Wipkingen neighborhood. Originally built in 1909 by architects Fissler and Friedrich, this spot is the oldest riverside bathing facility in the city of Zürich. After jumping into the water, swimmers let themselves be carried downstream by the current. It is good fun to watch the swimmers float along with the water until they end up back on land. Then, they walk back upstream and do it all over again.

After sundown, many of the city’s bathing areas along the river and lake transform into open-air bars, offering cocktails, snacks and entertainment. Cultural events and outdoor film screenings attract large crowds throughout the summer. Local residents and visitors mingle together to enjoy the warm weather and fresh air.

Photo by Caroline Minjolle, © Zürich Tourism

Where should I stay in Zurich?

A summer guide for things to do in Zurich would not be complete if hotels were not mentioned. The Dolder Grand, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotels, should be on everyone’s hotel bucket list. The property has 175 luxurious rooms and suites, exquisite cuisine, a lavish spa and notable art collection. Its elevated location provides guests with stunning views of Zürich, the lake and the Alps.

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand, Photo by Zeljko Gataric

Make time to visit the Dolder Grand Spa. The Aqua Zone houses a large swimming pool with views of its natural surroundings, a reclining area with outdoor whirlpools, sanarium, steam bath and a snow paradise for cooling off. Guests experience relaxation Japanese-style in the wonderfully warm pebbles of the sunaburo. Two separate areas, the ladies’ and gentlemen’s spa, each offer a sauna, steam bath, kotatsu foot bath, aroma pool, steam pot, cold-water basin and solarium.

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand, photo by Heinz Unger

Baur au Lac also offers a world-class hotel experience in Zürich. This property has been delivering first-class service and accommodations for more than 170 years. Located on the banks of the Schanzengraben canal, this hotel is centrally located near the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district. Guests can enjoy a private park on the lake shore, which is ideal for a summer getaway.

Courtesy of Baur au Lac, photo by David Biedert

Where should I eat in Zurich?

The Restaurant in the Dolder Grand has an impeccable reputation. Headed by executive chef Heiko Nieder, it boasts 19 GaultMillau points and two Michelin stars. The Restaurant serves fresh and innovative gourmet cuisine. The menu reflects Nieder’s enjoyment of experimentation with dishes like Breton lobster with strawberries, beetroot, tarragon and mustard.

Don’t miss the Baur au Lac’s Restaurant Pavilion, a beautiful dining space with a rotunda designed by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The head chef, Laurent Eperon, and his team were recently honored with a second Michelin star. This restaurant was also recently recognized for its wine service. Marc Almert, head sommelier, was named Best Sommelier in the World at a ceremony in Antwerp held by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. This is contemporary fine dining at its best with a fresh take on classic haute cuisine like wild turbot with lemon eucalyptus, smoked sturgeon, caviar and mussels.

Courtesy of Baur au Lac, photo by David Biedert

For a taste of traditional Swiss cuisine, head out for a night-on-the-town. Zurich’s food scene is buzzing with over 2,000 restaurants ranging from food markets to traditional guild houses. Check out Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten and Kronenhalle for local specialties, such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a local dish made with veal, white wine and cream, and rösti, flat cakes of pan-fried grated potatoes. Other classic dishes include fondue and raclette.

What should I pack for Zurich?

It is important to be prepared when planning a trip to Zurich, especially if it is a summer weekend away with water activities on the itinerary. In addition to the summer essentials, such as swimwear, sunglasses and sun hat, it is a good idea to pack a few water-friendly items that will come in handy while enjoying the outdoors. Check out these must-have summer travel items.

Kindle Paperwhite – Waterproof , 6″ High-Resolution Display, 8GB
Price: £119.99

Summer Guide for Things To Do in Zurich
A waterproof reader, like the Kindle Paperwhite, is perfect for lounging around at the lake or spa. With over 5 million titles available for download, there are plenty of books to choose from while on vacation. Now with Audible, this item pairs with Bluetooth headphones or speakers, so sunbathers can enjoy a hands-free literary experience.

Speedo Unisex-Adult Goggles
Price: £12.65 – £39.26Swim goggles, like Speedo’s Futura Biofuse Flexiseal, are a must have for a swim in Lake Zürich. With super-soft flexible seals, these goggles are super comfort and dry on the inside. The gel-like skin ensures stability on the face, and the wide vision lenses are designed to enhance peripheral vision.

ipow Waterproof Pouch Bag Case
Price: £8.45

A waterproof pouch, like the one from ipow, is the smartest thing anyone can pack when planning a water or beach-related vacation. Keep your personal items safe and secure while floating along River Limmat. This bag is also great for the spa’s steam room and sauna. With three zip-lock seals, phones and credit cards stay dry and protected.