Discover why every Zurich trip needs a stop at Prime Tower
As someone who’s lived in Zurich for years, I still find myself looking up at Prime Tower whenever I pass by. It stands out from all the old buildings around it, and I appreciate how it adds a modern twist to the city.
Every now and then, when I’m craving a different view or just want a really good coffee break, I head up the tower. There’s something special about seeing the rooftops you walk by every day, only from way above.
That’s why I think it’s worth sharing what makes this place special for both locals and visitors. Trust me, I’ve been up there far more times than I care to admit.
Where is Prime Tower?
[TO DESIGNER: Go to Google Maps and type in Prime Tower + Zurich and screencap the results]
Prime Tower is in Zurich’s west district, known as Zürich West. It’s located near Hardplatz, just a short walk from the Hardbrücke train station. The tower is situated at the corner of Hardstrasse and Pfingstweidstrasse, in an area that was once industrial but is now home to modern offices, restaurants, and hotels.
What is the main landmark in Prime Tower?
The main landmark inside Prime Tower is the Clouds restaurant and bar. It’s located on the top floors of the building, and it’s pretty well known for its amazing views over Zurich.
How to get to Prime Tower
By Foot: Prime Tower is in Zurich-West, pretty close to Hardplatz and Hardbrücke station. If you’re already in the area, just head towards Hardstrasse and follow the signs. It’s hard to miss since it’s the tallest building around.
By Tram: You can take tram line 4 or line 6 and get off at the “Schiffbau” or “Technopark” stop. From there, it’s just a short walk down Hardstrasse to Prime Tower’s main entrance.
By Train: Take any S-Bahn or train heading to Hardbrücke station, which is one of Zurich’s major transport hubs. After getting off, you’ll see Prime Tower as soon as you exit the station. It’s only a couple of minutes away on foot.
By Car: Set your GPS to Hardstrasse 201, 8005 Zurich. There’s an indoor parking garage with its entrance at Pfingstweidstrasse 60, right next to Prime Tower, so you can park easily and walk over.
By Bike: Zurich is super bike-friendly. You’ll find bike racks right outside the main entrance on Hardstrasse, plus more along Pfingstweidstrasse if you need them. Just lock up and head in.
What to Do and See in Prime Tower
Sip creative cocktails high above Zurich at Clouds Bar
Media credit: cloudszurich
Website: https://clouds.ch/
Address: Maagpl. 5, 8005 Zürich
Contact: +41 44 404 30 00
Hours:
- Monday – 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
If you fancy a night out that’s something special, heading up to Prime Tower’s rooftop bar is always a win in my book. The views are unreal—you get to see Zurich glittering below, the lake stretching out, and if you’re lucky, the Alps looking epic on the horizon.
The cocktails here are brilliant. If you’re into something fresh, try the “Zurich Mule” with local gin and ginger beer, or go for the “Clouds Negroni” if you like a classic with a twist.
They also whip up the “Elderflower Fizz”, which is light and perfect for summer evenings. Pair these with their homemade truffle fries or crispy calamari. Trust me, they hit the spot and are great for sharing.
Discover four different outlets at the top of iconic Prime Tower
Media credit: juliebridgee
Website: https://www.primetower.ch/en/
Address: Hardstrasse 201, 8005
Contact: +41 44 277 67 68
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: Free
Right at the top of Zurich’s Prime Tower, you’ll find four unique spots to explore: Clouds Restaurant, Clouds Bistro, Clouds Bar, and Clouds Privé.
Each has its own distinct vibe, so you’re free to enjoy a fancy meal, relax over a coffee, sip creative cocktails, or host a private event—all in one place with unbeatable city views.
Clouds Restaurant serves Swiss and international dishes, carefully prepared. It’s ideal for celebrations or simply a special night out. For a more laid-back experience, Clouds Bistro offers fresh snacks, pastries, and an excellent coffee selection in a cosy setting.
Clouds Bar is the spot for signature drinks like the Zurich Mule or Elderflower Fizz, and the views at sunset are hard to beat. Those seeking exclusivity will appreciate Clouds Privé, perfect for private gatherings and memorable occasions.
Climb Grossmünster’s twin towers
Media credit: visitzurich
Website: https://grossmuenster.ch/
Address: Grossmünsterplatz 1, 8001
Contact: +41 44 250 66 51
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
Just a short hop from Prime Tower, the Grossmünster’s twin towers are waiting to be climbed. The experience is every bit as rewarding as you’d hope.
These iconic Romanesque towers are one of Zurich’s most recognisable landmarks, and climbing to the top lets you see the city from a whole new angle. The winding stone staircase, though a bit of a workout, only adds to the adventure.
As you zigzag your way up, expect some quirky surprises—narrow passages, small windows offering sneak peeks over the rooftops, and occasional glimpses of the lake sparkling below.
Once you reach the viewing platform, it’s all about the panorama: the old town’s tiled rooftops, the River Limmat flowing into Lake Zurich, and the distant snow-capped Alps on a clear day. It’s a proper 360° treat, perfect for photos or simply soaking in the view.
Where to Eat and Drink near Prime Tower
Hiltl Dachterrasse
Media credit: hiltl
Website: https://hiltl.ch/standorte/
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 88, 8001
Contact: +41 44 888 88 00
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
Hiltl Dachterrasse is easily one of my favourite spots in Zurich for vegetarian food. Sitting up on the rooftop with great views of the city and a lively atmosphere always puts me in a good mood.
The buffet is brilliant, with a wide selection of colourful salads, tasty curries like the creamy coconut Thai, and classics such as lentil stew. You should definitely try Hiltl’s famous Tatar, a spicy vegetarian version of steak tartare. It’s so good, I always go back for more.
The drinks are just as nice. I really enjoy their fresh juices, homemade iced teas, and especially the ginger lemonade for a refreshing treat. Their cocktails are perfect for relaxing as the sun sets.
If you’re dropping by for a casual lunch or dinner, don’t miss the crispy falafel, paneer tikka, or the aromatic coconut and vegetable stir-fry.
Kantine
Media credit: restaurantkantine
Website: https://mymenuweb.com/int/restaurants/
Address: Neue Hard 10, 8005
Contact: +41 78 203 03 06
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣₣
Kantine instantly feels like home with its casual vibe, wooden tables, cool art touches, and friendly locals. There’s always something happening, from live music to weekend brunch crowds, so it’s never dull.
Their menu always features some favourites, such as the juicy Kantine Burger. It comes with either a beef or a veggie patty, tasty falafel wraps, and their crispy schnitzel.
If you’re looking for something lighter, their falafel wrap is bursting with flavour and comes with a tangy tahini sauce. The schnitzel here is seriously crispy and served with golden fries.
For lunch, check out the daily special—sometimes it’s a fragrant curry, other times a hearty lentil stew or a colourful poke bowl. During brunch, you’ll spot pancakes topped with berries, avocado toast with poached eggs, and homemade granola with yoghurt.
Gerold Chuchi
Media credit: geroldchuchi
Website: http://www.geroldchuchi.ch/
Address: Geroldstrasse 5, 8005
Contact: +41 79 282 55 85
Hours:
- Monday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣
If you’re after hearty Swiss food in a spot that feels both hip and welcoming, Restaurant Zürich Gerold Chuchi really hits the mark.
The star of the show here is definitely the fondue. You’ll spot bubbling pots of traditional Swiss cheese fondue on almost every table, served with chunks of crusty bread and potatoes.
If you’re hungry for more, the Zurich-style veal with creamy mushroom sauce and buttery rösti is a must-try. There are also vegetarian options, such as herb-spiked spaetzle and crisp garden salads, so everyone will find something tasty.
For drinks, house wines and local beers are popular picks, but there’s also homemade iced tea and a fun cocktail list if you’re up for something different.
Where to Shop near Prime Tower
Einkaufszentrum Letzipark
Media credit: letzipark
Website: https://www.letzipark.ch/
Address: Baslerstrasse 50, 8048
Contact: +41 44 497 52 52
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣₣
Einkaufszentrum Letzipark is the go-to place for shopping in Zurich. It’s a favourite among locals and visitors because you can find almost everything you need inside.
You’ll find popular stores like H&M and Zara selling the latest clothes, MediaMarkt for cool gadgets and phones, and Migros for fresh groceries. There’s even Läderach if you want to treat yourself to some Swiss chocolate!
If you get hungry, you can grab tasty pastries at Migros or fresh sushi at Yooji’s. Beauty lovers can browse Douglas or The Body Shop for new finds. There’s always something special happening, from sales and pop-up shops to free samples.
Freitag Flagship Store
Media credit: freitagflagship
Website: https://freitag.ch/
Address: Geroldstrasse 17, 8005
Contact: +41 43 366 95 20
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣
If you want to shop somewhere truly cool in Zurich, you have to stop by the Freitag Flagship Store. I love how the building is constructed from old shipping containers. It has a fun, industrial vibe that immediately makes it stand out.
Freitag is famous for their bags, backpacks, and wallets made from recycled truck tarps, so every piece is a little different and has its own cool story.
Walking in, you’re met with rows of colourful messenger bags, roomy totes, and all sorts of handy accessories. My personal favourite is their rugged backpacks because they can handle anything, rain or shine.
Where to Stay near Prime Tower
EMA House
Media credit: emahousezurich
Website: https://ema-house.ch/
Address: Wasserwerkstrasse 12, 8006
Contact: +41 44 368 36 68
Pricing: ₣₣
EMA House is honestly my top pick whenever friends ask where to stay in Zürich.
The rooms are quiet, clean, and bright. Plus, having your own kitchen is convenient if you want to prepare a simple meal or just have some snacks on hand. There’s fast Wi-Fi everywhere, and you get a comfortable spot to work or just unwind after a day out.
It’s in a peaceful area, but you’re not far from the action—the main train station, the river, and plenty of cafés and shops are close enough to walk to. The neighbourhood itself is calm, which helps if you need to rest, but it’s still very central.
Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel
Media credit: renzrhtower
Website: https://www.marriott.com/
Address: Turbinenstrasse 20, 8005
Contact: +41 44 630 30 30
Pricing: ₣₣
Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel is right in Zurich West, so you’re pretty close to heaps of bars and restaurants. The rooms give you plenty of space to spread out, and the beds are properly comfy.
One thing I like is how quiet it feels once you’re inside—soundproofing really does its job, despite all the city action outside. There’s a gym and sauna up on a high floor, so you get proper views of Zurich while you work out or relax.
Downstairs, the breakfast buffet always offers a wide selection of options for those who prefer a quick and easy morning meal. The hotel’s restaurant is a decent option if you don’t feel like heading out again after a long day.