Zurich

LGBT Travel Guide

Why you should go to Zurich!

Zurich provides one of the highest standards of living in the world in a perfectly tidy and picturesque setting on the banks of the Limmat River and Lake Zurich.

A center of commerce since the 12th century, the banking and financial center is wealthy and efficient but has developed a hipper edge, particularly in its "äußere Kreise" (outer rings), where warehouses and factories have been converted into hip clubs and cultural centers. And beyond, within easy reach, are the Alps.

At its center, cafés and bars, museums, galleries and luxury boutiques line fancy streets, and the pedestrian old town of cobblestone alleys and medieval churches continues to exude its well-preserved charms.

Despite its neatness and traditionalism, the Swiss capital has long been a hot bed of out-of-the-box thinking. As the birthplace of Dadaism in the early 20th century, it attracted a countercultural set of writers and artists who set up shop in the old town's cafés, bars and guild houses before moving on to Paris and Berlin.

The world's first gay and lesbian organization was formed here in the 1940s, as documented in the award-winning Der Kreis (The Circle) film, and by 1942, same-sex relationships were decriminalized. In 2009, the city elected lesbian mayor Corine Mauch.

LGBTQ life centers around the Niederdorf quarter, but the scene extends to a colorful selection of late-night hangouts throughout the 12 districts and a fine selection of specialized club nights from established LGBTQ party labels. And, each year the city comes together in June to celebrate Zurich Pride and the Pink Apple Film Festival.

been there

wishlist