The best bars in Switzerland
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The waterfront bar in Zurich has been considered one of the city's best since its opening. Host Dirk Hany offers an innovative concept with cocktail menus served in several courses, similar to a fine-dining restaurant. Of course, you can also drop by for an aperitif or digestif.
The Kronenhalle bar is a Zurich institution: beneath paintings by Miró and Klee, cocktails are mixed that have set the standard for decades. The iconic lamps were designed by Diego Giacometti specifically for this space. Here, art, history, and bar culture blend seamlessly.
The Old Crow Bar is a pilgrimage site for spirits lovers. Over 1600 bottles fill its shelves, from rare whiskies to forgotten liqueurs. The bartenders mix classics with precision and their own creations with finesse. Hidden away in the alleys of the old town, this small bar is a treasure trove of liquid gems.
For relaxing hours by the Rhine, the bar at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel is the perfect place. Under the direction of Head Bartender Thomas Huhn, sophisticated cocktails, classic drinks, and afternoon tea are created here. Delicious snacks from the renowned hotel kitchen are also served, sometimes accompanied by live piano music.
The IGNIV Bar, located within the restaurant of the same name, showcases the exciting art of cocktail making. The menu features cutting-edge original creations alongside perfectly executed classics. As is typical for IGNIV, sharing options are also available. The spectacular champagne selection is also highly recommended.
Beneath high ceilings and surrounded by avant-garde art, the Canvas Bar at The Dolder Grand Hotel offers classic cocktails and original creations such as the "Dolder Negroni." High-quality snacks complement the extensive menu. Live piano music accompanies the ambiance during the day, while a DJ provides the perfect atmosphere in the evening.
The Widder Bar is one of the city's premier establishments. Over 1,000 spirits fill its shelves, including a legendary selection of whiskies. The cocktails range from precise classics to sophisticated original creations. Live music and wonderful snacks complete the experience – a bar more than worthy of a five-star hotel.
This bar is a hub of creativity. Guests of the adjoining restaurant begin their culinary journey with one of the exciting cocktails, but you can also drop by for an aperitif. There's a lot of experimentation going on, and the drinks are designed to surprise guests without overwhelming them.
The American Bar at Château Gütsch, perched high above Lucerne, evokes a bygone era. This legendary meeting place for connoisseurs offers a menu featuring classic cocktails alongside exciting original creations. The fine selection of whiskeys and rums is also a welcome distraction from the breathtaking view.
The award-winning bartenders, led by managing director Ivan Urech, attentively serve guests with exquisite creations. Here, guests can enjoy drinks in a pleasantly dimly lit ambiance, surrounded by elegant furnishings, and choose from a vast selection of spirits or non-alcoholic cocktails.
A confident classic in Basel for years. In the impressive setting of a former machine factory, Werk 8 offers 700 square meters of restaurant, bar, and event space. The warm and welcoming hosts treat guests to excellent cocktails, outstanding wines, and soul food with a personal touch.
This cozy bar in St. Gallen is decorated in an English club style. The selection includes over one hundred whiskies, cocktails – both classic and signature drinks – many fine wines, premium spirits, and much more. The ambiance is sophisticated, and the service is exceptionally attentive and friendly.
Renowned mixologist Christophe Pinto designs the drinks at MO Bar, drawing inspiration from the Silk Road. The result is a selection of exciting cocktails and mocktails that blend exotic and European influences. Meanwhile, the interior combines timeless elegance with modern chic.
Tales Bar tells stories in a glass. Spirits from all over the world are stacked on the high shelves, which the bartenders use to mix classics and their own creations, often with unusual ingredients. Despite the high level of bartending, the bar is very cozy and a favorite spot for many Zurich restaurateurs.
The Bar & Living Room at The Chedi Andermatt embodies alpine elegance. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails with Far Eastern influences by the fireplace or on leather sofas, accompanied by fine spirits and light snacks. On weekends, you might even find yourself dancing to the DJ's beats.
The Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge at the Bürgenstock Resort boasts panoramic windows overlooking Lake Lucerne. Signature cocktails and rare spirits are served alongside champagne and fine cigars. Elegant interiors and subtle piano music create moments of luxury that leave a lasting impression.
Herz Bar on Clarastrasse is one of Basel's most exciting spots for cocktail artistry. Its award-winning drinks reflect the changing seasons: fig leaves in summer, pears in autumn, and chestnuts in winter. Many of the spirits come from the neighboring city distillery.
This stylish cocktail bar is always worth a visit. Select spirits and other ingredients are mixed into perfectly balanced drinks. The menu is arranged by taste to make it easier for guests to choose. There are categories such as "Citrus & Salt" and "Light & Refreshing".
Hidden behind a kitchen cupboard in Chez Piaf is the Bambou Speakeasy Bar – a cocktail paradise for the adventurous. Retro decor, spinning records, and a mix of classics and surprising original creations with a rare touch of cognac or armagnac make the night a little adventure.
The Hotel La Réserve Eden au Lac is not only worth a visit for sleeping and eating; it's also an excellent place to drink. There's a fantastic selection of contemporary and classic cocktails, spirits, and wines. You can also enjoy delicious bar snacks and often live music from DJs.
