The best bars and cafés Switzerland

Timetable

Plan your outings well: restaurants close before midnight, and only night bars close around 2am. Smoothie bars, cafés and fast-food outlets are open non-stop during the day. Tearooms and chocolate shops are rarely open on Sundays or before 10am. Take your gourmet breaks during the week. At weekends, it's a good opportunity to try the brunch menus offered by leading restaurants and hotels.

Budget & Tips

Drinks are more expensive in Switzerland than anywhere else in Europe. That's why some establishments offer happy hours . Bars and restaurants in the student districts offer interesting packages. Tips are included in the price, but if you're satisfied with the service, they'll be much appreciated. It is not customary to leave tips in stores, tourist spots, spas..

Age restrictions

The sale of wine, beer and cider is permitted to young people under 16. But it is forbidden by law to consume strong alcohol such as spirits and aperitifs for those under 18. Access to bars is open to all. For historical reasons, some supermarkets like Migros do not sell alcohol.

Some restaurants, such as the Taverne de Madeleine in Geneva, do not serve alcohol.

What's very local

The Swiss are party people, and some cantons are more lively than others. In ski resort villages, it's customary to share a platter of dried meat and cheese at aperitif time. In general, Friday evenings and Saturdays are preferred for outings and aperitifs. In summer, the terraces and parks are crowded with people who want to share a good time over a local wine.

Kids

Children are welcome except in night-time establishments. If you're traveling with children, here are sites that list activities and restaurants with a special welcome for them:

www.week-end-famille.ch

www.loisirs.ch/

www.lesparents.ch/sorties

Smokers

On May¹, 2010, the Federal Law on Protection against Passive Smoking came into force in Switzerland. Smoking is now prohibited in enclosed spaces accessible to the public, such as schools, museums, administrative buildings, hospitals, shopping centers..