39 Best Nightlife in Switzerland

Choose from the world's largest selection of whiskeys (2,500 at last count) at the Devil's Place, in the Waldhaus am See. It has been mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records.

A great place for après-ski drinks, this chatty witch-theme bar and pub has a subtle gay vibe. Gespritzer weissers (white-wine spritzers) are a local favorite, but the dark-wood paneling and cozy booths might make you want to sample something from the extensive whiskey menu.

Entering the Kornhauskeller is akin to entering a cathedral, except that the stunning vaulted ceilings and frescoes are underground and the lounge-bar in the gallery stocks an incredible array of whiskeys, rums, and bourbons. The building has focused on food throughout its long life, first as a wine cellar–granary, then as a beer hall. In addition to its vast lounge of leather sofas and chairs, the Kornhauskeller houses a classy restaurant.

The bar at the Kronenhalle, designed by Trix und Robert Haussmann, draws crowds of well-heeled locals and internationals for its creative, prizewinning cocktails.

Le Raymond is a modernist café and bar overlooking the city’s moat, the Schanzengraben. Despite its proximity to the ritzy Paradeplatz neighborhood, the bar remains surprisingly casual. Its vaulted ceiling, elongated bar, and cozy wooden alcoves give travelers a little privacy to sip their Hugos and espressos in peace (ditto for the outdoor terrace overlooking the water). There’s also a limited food menu of pies, salads, and soups.

Located along the city’s former 17th-century moat and ramparts, this bar is a male-only bath during the day and then transforms into a hip bar each evening, when all are welcome. Chill out on cushions and enjoy grilled specialties and cool nightly cocktails.

A welcoming bar that tips a wink to Spain's most famous film director, Almodobar is an oasis for the young hipster crowd, set in a quiet neighborhood.

Open year-round, Anton's Bar is a winter-season hot spot at the Suvretta House known for its live music and large selection of gin.

Artfully furnished with thrift-shop treasures, the Avocado serves up whiskey, beer, and the occasional shot of live music.

An after-hours crowd heads to the stately Bar du Palace. If it's not your thing, the stylish, pared-down LP Bar is just a corridor away.

This bar draws a young and style-conscious crowd.

Basel's highest bar, on the top floor of Basel's second-highest building, has the best views over the city before dark. Themed dance parties keep the groove going well into the wee hours.

With its back-to-the-1970s feel, the centrally located Baragraph attracts a mixed crowd for its beer and cocktails.

Established in 1956, Barfüsser claims to be one of the oldest gay bars in Europe. It has comfortable lounge chairs and space to mix and mingle. There's also excellent sushi.

Hipsters lounge here in an Italianate setting of red velvet and marble statues.

Well-heeled travelers (and local politicians) come to see and be seen at the wood-panel Bellevue Bar. In summer, the terrace out back is the place for sipping fancy cocktails and enjoying the view of the Alps and the River Aare.

You'll always find a lively mixed crowd at Brasserie 17. Except in summer, Thursday means free live music.

In the Hotel Central, the Central 1 bar is a popular neo–art deco café by day and a piano bar by night.

This popular gay bar stocks a broad selection of rums and mixes up fine cocktails in an industrial-chic spot.

In the Hotel Europe, the Ex Bar is where locals and tourists gather to listen to bands and DJs, and have a bite to eat along with their beer.

The futuristic Giger Bar is a strange (and a bit out of the way) space created by Academy Award winner H. R. Giger, a Chur native who designed the monsters and sets for the film Alien.

Located at the bottom of Run 21, near the Gotschnabahn, the Graströchni is a lively place to end a day of skiing with a pint.

Hang out in the cozy leather chairs with a drink in hand in this popular weekend hangout, open only in the winter season. There’s live music every Saturday starting at 9 pm.

Not just for intellectuals, I.Q. has a fully stocked whiskey bar.

This is a beautifully paneled Irish pub where the wood is as dark as the Guinness.

This rooftop lounge atop the Hotel Metropole offers breathtaking views of the Jet d'Eau, tapas, and craft cocktails for a chic, after-work crowd.

Sit in the covered arcade at Metropol and select something from the extensive drinks list, which includes absinthe, elaborate cocktails, and a wide variety of whiskeys.