nightclub

Let loose at 8 of the most iconic nightclubs in Zurich

Zurich’s nightlife takes on a whole other persona that you should experience for yourself. Behind the city’s picture-perfect and busy streets lies a nightlife scene that’s full of variety. 

You’ve got basements pulsing with techno, velvet lounges pouring quality champagne, or rooftops with lake views. 

Whether you’re in the mood to dance all night or just chill with a drink, check out these Zurich nightclubs that keep the city buzzing long after dark. 

1. Aura

Media credit: flowrd.zurich

Website: https://www.aura-zurich.ch/  

Location: Bleicherweg 5, 8002

Contact: +41 44 448 11 44

Hours: Saturday: 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM

Pricing: ₣₣₣

I love how Aura combines fine dining with high-energy clubbing across three floors. The mezzanine offers great views of the dance floor, and a 360° visual display makes the entire experience captivating for everyone.

The menu offers selections from their restaurant, such as ribeye, sushi platters, and seabass that most patrons rave about. It’s a full-on gourmet setup before the dancing begins. I tried the sushi platter, and it was delicious.

I recommend tasting their elevated classics, like espresso martinis, elderflower spritzes, and bespoke gin blends. Also, their riverside cocktail menu is worth trying. Get the hibiscus gin sour or their signature Zurich Mule with homemade ginger syrup.

Overall, Aura offers a premium table experience. They also have VIP booths that include complimentary snacks and attentive service. It felt more like a 5-star restaurant than a nightclub.

Pro Tip:

  • Arrive early (before 10:00 PM) on Saturdays to snag a seat in the smoke-free lounge upstairs.
  • Double-check drink prices and stick to buying bottled water. Some guests reported having a free glass of water at first, then being charged CHF 7 for the second glass.

2. Kaufleuten Klub

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Website: https://www.kaufleuten.ch/ 

Location: Pelikanplatz, 8001

Contact: +41 44 225 33 00

Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM

Pricing: ₣₣₣

Kaufleuten is both a historic landmark and a powerhouse at night. Thanks to its lavish chandeliers, neo-baroque interiors, and spacious dance floors, it can easily turn from a dinner date to an all-night dance marathon.

Their lineup usually goes for electronic and house music, but themed events also bring in a variety of moods. It can range from hip-hop, Afrobeat, and even live bands. They’re also popular for hosting large-scale international DJ nights.

The club’s food choices are from the next-door restaurants and bar lounge. Frequent guests choose the grilled sea bream, risotto with saffron, or Wagyu beef burgers. This setup is ideal if you want to dine and go straight to the club afterwards.

Cocktails are made and lean toward botanical twists on classics. I highly suggest you try the rosemary gin fizz or the pomegranate cosmopolitan. House classics are also available for those wanting to try the best sellers before other mixes.

Pro Tip:

  • Strictly follow the dress code. Refrain from wearing sneakers or casual streetwear to avoid being turned away. Opt for a smart casual vibe instead.
  • Always check the club’s schedules to avoid walking into a different theme or programme for the night.

3. Hive

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Website: https://www.hiveclub.ch/ 

Location: Geroldstrasse 5, 8005 

Contact: +41 44 271 12 10

Hours: Thursday: 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM | Friday to Saturday: 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM 

Pricing: ₣₣₣

Hive is set inside a repurposed industrial building and frequently plays minimal techno and deep electronica music. Crowds here enjoy pulsing beats until morning, by the way. 

As for the food, they don’t have any restaurants. However, Hive offers guests a rotating selection of food trucks and pop-up vendors in the open-air garden. This is a popular setup, especially during the summer.

Drinks are also one of the highlights that many come back for. The bartenders serve good gin and tonics, Aperol spritzes, and seasonal craft cocktails. Their house specials change depending on the DJ lineup, so expect herbal infusions and citrus sours too.

Service at the Hive is also high-quality. The bar staff ensures VIP experiences for everyone, even during peak hours. 

Pro Tip:

  • If you’re still a student, visit “DiHive” on Thursdays. The club lowers the age limit and makes prices affordable and student-friendly.
  • During the summer, you can choose to hang out in the Hive Garden for a more chill vibe. Food trucks arrive before 1:00 AM.

4. Plaza Klub

Media credit: plazetobe

Website: https://plazaclub.ch/ 

Location: Badenerstrasse 109, 8004

Contact: +41 44 542 90 90

Hours: Friday to Saturday: 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM

Pricing: ₣₣₣

Once you’re inside Plaza Klub, it feels like you’re in a nostalgic movie—there are neon signs everywhere, plush booths, and mirrored ceilings. Music includes 90s R&B and reggaeton, depending on the theme.

The place doesn’t have a restaurant, though, but themed nights with different performers offer food, including popcorn stations and mini cupcake giveaways. They also sometimes have partnerships with neighbouring bistros for a dinner and drink combo.

If you just want to drink and dance the night away, you can choose from their cocktails. They have fruity daiquiris, bubblegum martinis, and passionfruit mojitos.

Just take note that the crowds fill up the club during their “Fiesta Latina” and “90s Flashback” themed parties. 

Pro Tip:

Avoid leaving the club early in the night just to return later, as they only have a one-way entry. Consider this when leaving valuables or friends inside.

5. Mascotte 

Media credit: mascotte_zurich

Website: https://mascotte.ch/ 

Location: Theaterstrasse 10, 8001

Contact: +41 44 260 15 80

Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM

Pricing: ₣₣ to ₣₣₣

Mascotte is where you can expect to find Zurich’s heritage combined with live music and nightlife. It’s housed in the historic Corso building near the lake, where they regularly host comedy nights and club events with a variety of genres.

The first thing I tried was their Mascotte Mule. It’s an in-house classic and a popular drink among partygoers. It had vodka, ginger beer, and blackberries. Negroni was also a hit among my friends. 

The Bellevue neighbourhood has lots of pre-party dinner options. You can have fondue at Loe Dezaley, seafood at Kronenhalle, or sausages at Sternen Grill. All these are within a few minutes’ walk from the club.

There are days when DJ nights hype up the dance floor, but live music nights switch up the mood and offer a more chill and intimate vibe.

Pro Tip:

  • Mascotte requires guests to leave items in a locker or cloakroom that operates on virtual tokens only. Ensure that you have enough credit for this.
  • Go on a Monday (known as “Cool Mondays”) if you want to see up-and-coming local bands. Plus, entry is free.

6. Supermarket Club

Media credit: supermarketclub

Website: https://supermarket.ch/ 

Location: Geroldstrasse 17, 8005 

Contact: +41 44 440 20 05

Hours: Friday to Saturday: 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Pricing: ₣₣₣

Supermarket is the place for you if you’re a fan of underground house and techno. Because it’s a club that’s located in a converted garage, don’t expect to see VIP booths or lavish interiors.

I was just a bit disappointed to know that there’s no kitchen, and outside food isn’t allowed. Guests usually eat beforehand because there’s no reentry once you’re inside. For others, Rosso or La Taueria are go-to late-night spots for pre-club meals.

As you would expect, the drinks match the club’s vibe—simple but classic. They offer vodka Red Bulls, gin and tonics, whisky colas, and the occasional espresso martinis. I had the whisky cola and it was perfect for the night.

Supermarket Club also features colour-changing strobe lights, haze effects, and a laser web light that syncs with the DJ’s music. It transforms the space into a hypnotic and mesmerising environment for raving.

Pro Tip:

Saturdays at the Supermarket Club are popular for their extended hours, often going until 8:00 AM. Make sure you dress for comfort and bring extra cash in case you need additional drinks.

7. Zukunft 

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Website: https://www.zukunft.cl/ 

Location: Dienerstrasse 33, 8004

Contact: +41 44 241 22 44

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 PM- 6:00 AM

Pricing: ₣₣₣

Zukunft is one of the places I would normally visit with friends. The club has two dance floors that are lit with warm, immersive lights. It’s accompanied by a sound system that makes the entire space feel like it’s vibrating.

They share a space with Bar3000. It’s a stylish cocktail bar that’s filled with experts who can make any drink request. 

I always ask for the best sellers like their “Dark & Stormy” cocktail. It’s made from dark rum combined with spicy ginger beer served over ice and squeezed with fresh lime. 

Sometimes, the bartender passes out salted snacks when the vibe and music are slow and relaxed. Anything more filling isn’t readily available, so it’s best to grab a bite beforehand.

Pro Tip:

  • If you’re at Bar3000 before heading to the club, ask for off-menu specials like mezcal negronis or citrus-forward cocktails to start the night.
  • Zukunft has low ceilings and can have a packed dance floor. It can be too hot, so opt for clothing that’s lighter to wear or don’t layer.

8. Icon 

Media credit: icon_zurich

Website: https://www.iconclub.ch/ 

Location: Sihlstrasse 31, 8001

Contact: +41 44 448 11 33

Hours: Friday to Saturday: 11:00 PM – 5:00 AM

Pricing: ₣₣₣

Icon is a bar that’s hidden under the Modissa fashion house on the Bahnhofstrasse. It features glitter walls with gold accents, and everything is mirrored.

Their cocktail menu is something guests look forward to due to its presentation and premium ingredients. They have cucumber basil martinis, lavender margaritas, and passionfruit caipirinhas, all served in sleek glassware.

However, they don’t have a kitchen, but VIP booths have charcuterie boards, truffle crisps, or chocolate-covered strawberries from different suppliers. These small snacks are good for keeping you full throughout the night without feeling heavy while dancing.

The music ranges from pop and Latin reggaeton to pulsing EDM. 

Pro Tip:

  • If you’re not in the mood for what the VIP booths offer, you can grab a bite at nearby spots like HATO, Cantinetta Antinori, or White Elephant. Eat beforehand because they also don’t allow reentry.
  • While waiting, consider dropping by the Modissa fashion house or exploring nearby shopping spots.
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