Sip above the city at these 9 must-visit rooftop bars in Zurich
Zurich isn’t just about lakes and mountains; it also raises the bar, literally. From sleek lounges perched above the Bahnhofstrasse to garden-style terraces with great views, the scenery pairs perfectly with every sip.
You’ll find everything from upscale grills with panoramic skyline views to hidden gems where locals unwind. It’s like being inside a museum with all the breathtaking scenery.
And whether you’re in the mood for crafted cocktails at sunset or a weekend brunch under the open sky, these rooftop spots deliver both flavour and atmosphere.
So, get ready to elevate your experience, one drink at a time, at the best rooftop bars in Zurich.
1. Modissa Rooftop Bar
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Website: https://www.ooo-zh.ch/
Location: Bahnhofstrasse 74, 8001
Contact: +41 44 400 05 55
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣₣
Sitting above the Modissa fashion store, this rooftop bar blends city views with an impressive menu. I visited on a late summer afternoon, and I saw that their food selection leans into Mediterranean flavours.
They offer everything from fresh salads to flavoured meats. The burrata with cherry tomatoes and basil oil is a bestseller, bursting with flavour once you dig in. When paired with the cucumber spritz, it makes for a perfect light lunch.
Many people would agree that the portions here are generous. The food’s plating is carefully done to match the bar’s atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
- When you visit, make sure you choose a window seat. The soft glow of the sunset over the Bahnhofstrasse has an unbeatable golden hour view.
- Don’t miss their yuzu margarita. It’s refreshing and pairs well with their crispy shrimp tacos.
2. The Penthouse
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Website: https://www.thepenthouse.co/zurich/events
Location: Döltschiweg 234, 8055
Contact: +41 78 410 55 83
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Pricing: ₣₣₣
The Penthouse Zurich is perched above the FIVE Zurich Hotel and is a common nightlife destination for both locals and tourists. The place boasts panoramic views of the city’s skyline and surrounding hills paired with an energetic vibe.
The menu is tailored to Japanese fine dining, with standout dishes such as Wagyu beef sliders or miso-glazed black cod. Cocktails here are beautifully crafted and presented with dramatic flair – expect smoke, garnish, and a hint of fire.
This is a great spot for celebratory dinners or upscale drinks before hitting the dance floor. The interior is filled with velvet seating and dramatic city views from every corner.
On a seasonal note: during summer, the terrace is the main attraction. However, during cooler months, the indoor space offers just as much excitement, thanks to full-length windows and a fireplace-adjacent lounge.
Pro Tip:
- For a great pre-party vibe, book the “Golden Hour” Aperitif, available from Thursday to Sunday (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
- Stay in at the golden hour, transitioning into “sunset sessions” led by a female DJ on weekends.
3. La Muña
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Website: https://www.lareserve-zurich.com/restaurants/la-muna-rooftop/
Location: Utoquai 45, 8008
Contact: +41 44 266 25 25
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: ₣₣₣
La Muña sits on the rooftop of the stunning La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich, making it seem like a secret alpine hideaway more than a bar. I had the pleasure of dining here months ago, and everything about the place was incredible.
What makes La Muña stand out is its Peruvian-Japanese fusion menu, served in a space that resembles a refined mountain lodge. Their Nikkei-style cuisine is served in small portions, meant for sharing.
The drinks include cocktails like Japanese whiskies, pisco-based creations, and herbal infusions. Many recommend the Yuzu pisco sour, which has also become a personal favourite of mine.
You can also request their list of wines, which includes European bottles and some bold South American options.
Pro Tip:
Start your La Muña dinner with a yuzu pisco sour, paired with the passion fruit tiradito, for a balance of sweet and citrusy flavours.
4. Roof Garden
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Website: https://www.roofgarden.ch/de/
Location: Schweizergasse 11, 8001
Contact: +41 445 21 77 77
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Monday to Saturday
Pricing: ₣₣
I stopped by the Roof Garden on a sunny Saturday afternoon and was surprised by its peaceful atmosphere, considering it’s on top of the Globus department store.
The menu focuses on French-Mediterranean light bites. There are goat cheese tartines and fresh tartare that pair well with wine. I had a crisp white wine and a citrusy ceviche plate, both of which were delicious.
The Roof Garden’s laid-back and sophisticated vibe sets it apart from competitors. Unlike party-style rooftops, it leans toward a more refined environment mixed with relaxation.
I also noticed that it’s popular with the after-work crowd, especially during summer. Seasonal events, such as wine tastings, also occur from time to time.
Pro Tip:
Stop by on a Wednesday evening after 5:00 PM for a midweek wind-down. The staff often set up an impromptu acoustic session on the terrace.
5. Hiltl Dachterrasse
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Website: https://hiltl.ch/en/locations/overview/dachterrasse/
Location: Bahnhofstrasse 88, 8001
Contact: +41 44 888 88 00
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
Hiltl Dachterrasse is a popular vegetarian rooftop spot on the Bahnhofstrasse. The sunlit terrace is popular among locals due to its creative, meat-free dishes and casual café feel. Health-conscious food enthusiasts will surely appreciate this establishment.
They also boast an extensive buffet, which offers a wide range of options – from spicy Indian curries to cold Thai noodles and vegan desserts. There’s a made-to-order bar with juices, cocktails, and classic espresso drinks.
The seating is open and airy, with plant-filled dividers that enhance the garden-like charm of the space. In summer, it’s the perfect place for brunch or evening drinks. In winter, the rooftop remains open with heated lamps and fleece blankets.
Pro Tip:
Head up on Thursdays around 6:00 PM for their signature “Terrace Tuesdays & Thursdays”, where they offer a rotating lineup of seasonal juices and mocktail tastings. These are paired with free tapas samplers!
6. George Bar & Grill
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Website: https://www.george-grill.ch/
Location: Sihlstrasse 50, 8001
Contact: +41 44 444 50 60
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: ₣₣₣
George Bar & Grill is positioned above Zurich’s busy Sihlstrasse, blending a loft style with modern Swiss elegance. Whether you’re indoors or on the terrace, the space offers impressive views of the city.
Their menu features upscale dishes. These include grilled seabass, truffle fries, and beautifully plated seasonal main courses. Their cocktails are classics but mixed with a modern twist. Plus, they offer sophisticated brunches upon request.
The bar’s mood is a blend of both Art Deco flair and cosy vibes, featuring leather armchairs, dark wood finishes, and soft lighting. This is the perfect setting for unwinding after a long day or settling in for a slow evening.
In the summer, the terrace offers the perfect setting for evening drinks as the city lights come on. During colder months, the indoor lounge fills the place with jazz tunes, which is perfect for a relaxed evening.
Pro Tip:
Make a 6:00 PM reservation for a terrace-side table and don’t miss their “Midnight Manhattan” cocktail. It’s a smoked bourbon classic that consistently receives praise from both locals and tourists.
7. The Nest
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Website: https://storchen.ch/en/restaurants/the-nest/
Location: Weinpl. 2, 8001
Contact: +41 44 227 27 27
Hours:
- April to October (weather permitting): 12:00 NN – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣₣
I visited The Nest at Hotel Storchen, and it instantly became one of my favourites. I was able to grab a corner seat overlooking the Grossmunster Towers. The vibe here is effortlessly elegant and wasn’t too overly crowded.
As for the food and drinks, the burrata with heirloom tomatoes was a hit, along with the Nest spritz – a light, citrusy, and slightly floral-tasting drink. Their seasonal menu is mostly Mediterranean.
The portions were modest but rich in flavour. If you’re more into wine, their selection has both Swiss and Italian choices.
However, they operate on a no-reservation policy, so arrive early. I arrived just after 3:00 PM and was able to grab a nice seat. By 5:00 PM, the place was packed.
Pro Tip:
- Try other drinks, such as the summer spritz, and pair them with the beef carpaccio.
- If you feel a bit cold, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for a blanket. They’re known to bring them out as the night falls in.
8. Baltho Kueche & Bar
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Website: https://www.balthokuechebar.ch/
Location: Marktgasse Hotel, Marktgasse 17, 8001
Contact: +41 44 266 10 10
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣₣
Baltho Kueche & Bar has a sophisticated and cosmopolitan vibe. The elevated views over the cobbled streets give it a rooftop feel, especially from its outdoor terrace during warmer months.
The bar side is equally impressive. The cocktail menu features house specialities like the “Baltho Negroni”. It’s made with locally distilled gin, and you can add seasonal infusions if you want. The bartenders are also offering suggestions for food combinations.
Plus, the menu combines seasonal Swiss ingredients with a global twist. During my visit, I had the grilled octopus with saffron potatoes. It’s perfectly tender and beautifully plated.
Pro Tip:
Visit the place on a Thursday evening around 7:00 PM, when they often debut their seasonal cocktail creations. The bartenders rotate through intriguing flavours such as rosemary-infused gin or elderberry spritzes.
9. Clouds
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Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/bars-lounges/clouds-bar-bistro
Address: Maagpl. 5, 8005
Contact: +41 44 404 30 00
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Pricing: ₣₣₣
Perched on the 35th floor of Zurich’s tallest building, Clouds in Prime Tower boasts fine dining in the sky.
Their food is of modern European cuisine, with Swiss influences on the flavour and seasonal ingredients. Standouts include the beef fillet with truffle jus, sea bass on saffron risotto, and a vegetarian-friendly pumpkin ravioli.
Their tasting menus are paired with wine selections that complement each course served. For brunch, you can expect artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, and mimosas to be served.
Cocktail lovers will enjoy the “Clouds Bar”, located next door to the restaurant. Here, you can try the Skyline Sour, a crowd favourite. It’s a twist on a whiskey sour with lavender syrup.
Pro Tip:
Make a reservation for 7:30 PM to catch the skyline just before and after sunset.