Wild swimming, free theatre and clubbing: Why Zurich is the place to be in Pride Month and beyond

LGBTQ+ city breaks in Europe tend to revolve around major queer culture hubs - Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and so on. 

On a recent weekend in Zurich, however, I discovered an understated yet thriving queer scene that deserves far more attention.

Here’s why you should add Switzerland’s biggest city to your LGBTQ+ travel list - in Pride Month and beyond.

Celebrating 30 years of Pride in Zurich this year, the city’s queer scene is undoubtedly younger than some others in Europe - but that results in a welcoming, community-driven energy that makes you feel instantly at home. 

Walking around Zurich’s Pride Festival at Landiwiese last week, there were countless stands dedicated to wellness and charities, from free STI tests to information and resources for young LGBTQ+ families.

Pride Month might only be one weekend of the year but this ethos of community-driven work remains all year round. For anyone wanting a taste of this during their visit, the ‘Design For All?’ exhibit at Zurich’s Museum for Design is centred entirely around questioning how we can design things like buildings and furniture for everyone based on inclusive design principles - or if that’s even possible at all.

LGBTQ+-friendly bars can be found throughout the city but the majority are in the queer hub: the Niederdorf quarter. Start your night with the ever-friendly staff at Cranberry Bar, then work your way along the Limmat River and pick any fairy light-studded bar that takes your fancy.

The welcoming queer community in Zurich means that no further recommendations are really necessary. The best nights are spent walking where the night takes you. 

If you’re looking for dancing more than drinks, locals recommend following the music you like most, rather than any