Gay Zurich: 10 reasons to discover the city in 2016

Apr. 17 2016

by misterb&b

It's the largest city in Switzerland. On the banks of the Limmat and the Zurich Lake, Zurich is a tolerant, liberal, and open-minded city. It has become one of the most gay-friendly European capitals in a few decades. A gateway to the Swiss Alps, easily reachable by train or plane, Zurich is the gayest Swiss city with a large cultural offer and an intense nightlife. Here are ten good reasons to put Zurich on your list of gay destinations to discover in 2016.

A perfect city break

A 4-hour ride by train from Paris with the high-speed train TGV Lyria, gay Zurich is an ideal destination for a city break. The historic city center and all major attractions, such as Grossmünster, are easily reachable by foot. Nature lovers will walk to the Uetliberg – Zurich's highest peak, or a boat ride on the lake. Add to that the numerous museums or art galleries. In Zurich, you can visit an exhibition in the morning, swim outdoors in the afternoon and drink a glass on a terrace next to the water at night!

Gay life in Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland's gay capital, with the most significant number of gay places, gay bars, clubs, and parties, most of which are located in Niederdorf, considered Zurich's gay neighborhood. Among the popular places are the Predigerhof Bistro Bar, Petra's Tip Top Bar, les Garçons, the Cranberry Bar, the Dynasty Club, the Heaven Club Magnus Bar or even Barfüsser, Europe's oldest gay bar, now a trendy sushi & lounge bar. Angels promote some of Zurich's most prominent gay parties. 

The Pink Apple festival

The Pink Apple Festival, Zurich's Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, takes place this year from April 27 to May 5, 2016, in various cinemas and places in Zurich and Frauenfeld. Launched in 2000, it has become the largest film festival in Switzerland, with over 8,000 visitors. The selected films include world premieres and allow great meet-ups with artists and selected guests.

The White Party Weekend

The White Party Weekend is back in 2016! Angels, the most prominent gay party promoter in Zurich, promises an unforgettable weekend, April 29 to May 1, 2016. The parties will take place at Club X-TRA, at the Alte Kaserne, and Cranberry Bar for the opening party. The main party, the White Party Crystal, will be held on April 30 at Club X-TRA. Expect superstar DJs, a lot of dancing, and neverending glitter for this XXL gay party featuring DJs Micky Friedmann, Ben Manson, Ricardo Ruhga, Nucci & Rocca, and Mister Mola. And if you still want more, go to the Alte Kaserne for the After Party on May 1.

Zurich Pride Festival

Zurich hosts the Zurich Pride Festival for two days, June 10 and 11. The yearly gay pride is the city's main LGBT celebration, with over 30,000 participants! Since the city was host to Europride in 2009, the event has become a must, with opening and closing parties, a festival, shows, and concerts in addition to the main parade. It's a straight-friendly festival!

Züri Fäscht

Züri Fäscht means "the party of Zurich." It takes place every three years. From July 1 to 3, 2016, more than two million people will attend this huge outdoor celebration with fun fair and spectacular fireworks.

Flash Party

Among Zurich's major gay events is the Flash Party 5th edition, held at Club X-TRA, on August 13, 2016, from 10 p.m. The party takes place on the same weekend as the Zurich Street Parade, the gigantic house and techno festival that brings together more than a million visitors in August to Zurich!

The Black Party Weekend

The last significant event of the year in gay Zurich, the Black Party Weekend, echoes the White Party Weekend in April! Get ready for a fantastic weekend from 4 to November 6, 2016. 

Manifesta
Sharon Lockhart, Lunch Break Installation, "Duane Hanson: Sculptures of Life," December 14, 2002 - February 23, 2003, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 2003 © Sharon Lockhart and Manifesta 11

This was one of the most important cultural events in Zurich in 2016. Manifesta, the European Biennial of Contemporary Art, now in its 11th edition, will have two themes this year: trade and labor. They will be highlighted throughout the city from June 9 to September 18, 2016, for 100 days. Twenty years after the first edition in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, the Biennial attracts a growing number of more curious visitors.

History of art

With Dada 100, Zurich celebrates 100 years of the Dada movement that emerged in 1916. The event is held from February 5 to July 8, 2016, with numerous events, including a significant Francis Picabia retrospective, June 3 to September 25, 2016, at the Kunsthaus Zurich.

The Bürkliterrasse offers a view over Lake Zurich and up to the Alps if the weather allows it. In 1952, the terrace was decorated with a statue of Zeus turned into an eagle and his lover, Ganymede. Can this be more gay-friendly?

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

To plan your next trip to LGBT-friendly Zurich, visit www.zuerich.com/lgbt and myswitzerland.com.