Welcome to the Meet the Locals series on Lost in Switzerland. In this first episode, I’m speaking with Tobi, my best friend from university. Tobi was born and raised in the greater Zurich area. His love for the city used to drive me a little crazy, but over time, I started to see what he sees in it.
These days, when I want the inside scoop on Zurich, he’s the person I turn to.
Getting to Know Tobi:
Seraina: Thanks for joining the series, Tobi. Let’s start with a bit about you. What do you do, and what have you been up to?
Tobi: Thanks for having me. I’m excited to talk about my city. I love Zurich and spend a lot of time wandering around it. Most of my friends live or work here. I recently started working as an urban planner in Lucerne. It’s a beautiful city, though more touristy than I’d prefer.
Seraina: You also spent two years in Germany for your master’s. What did you miss most about Switzerland?
Tobi: Definitely the mountains, the clean rivers and lakes and of course, you.
Why Visit Zurich?
Seraina: What makes Zurich worth visiting?
Tobi: Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, and it has a lot to offer. If you’re into culture or nightlife, you’ll find something here. The bar and club scene caters to every taste from upscale venues to underground events and even occasional parties in occupied buildings.
A good example is Langstrasse, where you’ll find several free-entry clubs like Bagatelle. Since public drinking is legal here, people often grab drinks from convenience stores and turn the whole street into a party zone during summer.
But Zurich isn’t just about nightlife. The old train station at Letten is now a cultural space hosting free art and music events, workshops, and social projects. There’s also a public café where you can relax.
Note: Their website is in German, but you can check the “News” and “Aktuell” sections to see photos and updates.
Check Also: Activate Your Swiss Travel Pass – Instructions
Architecture and City Development:
Tobi: If you’re into architecture or city planning, visit the city model at the Department of City Planning (Lindenhofstrasse 19). It’s free and shows all current and planned buildings in Zurich.
I also recommend visiting Zurich-West (near Hardbrücke station) and Zurich-Nord (around Oerlikon). These areas were formerly industrial zones but have become lively urban districts.
Zurich Main Station is also worth exploring it’s surrounded by new shops, cafés and restaurants.
Must-See Areas in Zurich:
Seraina: What are your top neighborhood recommendations?
Tobi: Besides the classics Lake Zurich, the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse and the Polyterrasse I recommend:
- The multicultural area around Langstrasse
- Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6 – all trendy and interesting
- The Oerlikon area, Zurich’s secondary city center
- Glattpark, with excellent bars and restaurants (especially Kulturbar on Boulevard Lilienthal)
- Richti and Zwicky in Wallisellen – both recently developed areas with modern appeal
Best Places to Relax:
Seraina: Where do you go to relax on a lazy afternoon?
Tobi: In summer, Letten and the lakefront parks are great spots. Try Bäckeranlage, Josefwiese, Pfingstweidpark or Platzspitz.
For city views, the Prime Tower has a bar on the top floor. Technically, you need to buy a drink to access it, but if you just take a quick look, it’s usually fine.
The Waid is another scenic viewpoint, and the Polyterrasse near the university is great for hanging out. Just below it is BQM, a student bar with affordable prices.
Going Out in Zurich:
Seraina: Where do you like to party?
Tobi: My go-to bar in the Old Town is Edi’s Weinstübli. They serve affordable wine before 10 pm. Sometimes I buy a bottle and sit by the River Limmat near the Town Hall.
Other favorites include:
- Cabaret Voltaire (DaDaBar) in the Old Town
- Wohnzimmerbar near Zürich-Wiedikon station (a former tram depot)
- Marsbar on Neufrankengasse
- Gerold area
- Amboss Rampe on Zollstrasse
For football and international beers, try Kaiser Franz on Rolandstrasse. Fans of Spanish football should visit Toro Bar on Schöneggstrasse.
My favorite club for electronic music and still relatively unknown is Sender.
Langstrasse also offers dozens of clubs and bars. Some are free to enter, like Bagatelle and Memphis Bar. Many others are out there, but either too expensive or I haven’t gotten around to visiting them yet.
Budget Eats in Zurich:
Seraina: Any affordable restaurants you’d recommend?
Tobi: Zurich restaurants are expensive, even for locals. Still, the Italian chain Molino offers a 20% student discount.
Note (from Seraina): Expect to spend 20–30 CHF even at “affordable” places. For slightly cheaper options, Spiga offers pizza from 15 CHF, and includes free water and focaccia. Vapiano is another decent Italian option—self-service, which Tobi hates, but I like it.
Some places like D-Vino also have happy hour deals, and continue to offer reasonable prices even afterward.
Halal Food in Zurich:
Zurich is a vibrant, multicultural city with a growing demand for diverse cuisines, including halal options. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler looking for halal-friendly dining, you’ll find several places across the city serving delicious halal food.
Where to Find Halal Food in Zurich
Restaurants and Takeaways
- New Point – A popular chain offering Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes such as kebabs, grilled meats, and salads. Many branches are located around the city, making it a convenient option.
- Restaurant Ach’i – Known for halal Chinese cuisine, including delicious stir-fries and noodles. A great choice if you’re craving Asian flavors.
- Maison Blunt – A stylish Moroccan restaurant with a charming interior, serving tagines, couscous, and other North African dishes. Halal options are available ask the staff for details.
- Khana Khazana – An Indian restaurant serving a variety of halal curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes. Check with staff to confirm halal meat availability.
- Le Cedre – Famous for Lebanese cuisine, offering mezze, grilled meats, and fresh salads. Many items on the menu are halal, though it’s best to confirm when ordering.
Halal Butchers and Grocery Stores:
- Asia Markt Zurich – Sells a variety of halal meats and groceries.
- Bismillah Halal Meat & Food – A well-stocked shop offering halal meat cuts and specialty ingredients.
- Al Madina Supermarkt – Popular among locals for halal groceries and fresh produce.
Tips for Finding Halal Food:
- Ask Before Ordering: Always confirm with the restaurant whether the meat is halal, as some places offer both halal and non-halal options.
- Check Online Reviews: Platforms like Google Maps, HappyCow, or TripAdvisor often have updated reviews and halal tags.
- Use Apps: Apps like HalalTrip or Zabihah can help you locate halal eateries in Zurich.
Budget Tips for Travelers:
Seraina: What money-saving advice do you have for visitors?
Tobi: Shop for groceries just before closing time especially on Saturdays. Items that expire that day are often heavily discounted.
And when it comes to alcohol, go to Coop or Denner instead of bars. Since drinking in public is legal here, you can enjoy a drink by the lake or river for a fraction of the price you’d pay in a club.
Seraina: I love going grocery shopping before closing. As long as it has an orange sticker, I’m happy. Any last thoughts?
Tobi: Don’t let the high prices scare you away from visiting Switzerland. Come anyway. It’s worth it.
Seraina: I couldn’t agree more. Thank you so much, Tobi, for sharing your insights. I know readers will appreciate your local knowledge. And thanks for being part of the first Meet the Locals episode.
Summary: Tobi’s Top Tips for Zurich
- Visit Langstrasse for nightlife (some clubs are free)
- Explore the cultural area at Letten and the urban planning model at Lindenhofstrasse 19
- Use supermarkets for discounted groceries and alcohol
- Relax at Letten, Polyterrasse, and Waid for free views
- Consider affordable food options like Spiga, Vapiano, or happy hour specials
- Don’t be afraid to drink outdoors it’s legal and saves money
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Tobias from Zurich?
Tobias is a local resident of Zurich who shares authentic travel tips, hidden gems, and insider knowledge to help visitors experience Switzerland like a local.
Are Tobias’s tips suitable for first-time visitors to Switzerland?
Absolutely! Tobias’s insights are perfect for both first-time visitors and returning travelers who want to discover new and less touristy places.
What kind of travel tips does Tobias provide?
Tobias shares tips on local attractions, restaurants, scenic spots, cultural experiences, public transport, and off-the-beaten-path destinations throughout Switzerland.
