Zurich: the diverse heart of Europe

Meet Mauro! A nature loving, half Italian/half Swiss yoga instructor living in Zurich. Sharing his apartment, meeting people from all over the world, practicing yoga, meditation and swimming in the Swiss lakes... Let's follow Mauro's steps in Zurich!

What makes Zurich a favorite gay destination?

Zurich is in the heart of Europe, with Paris, Milan and Munich just around the corner. Surrounded by nature with lakes and mountains, it makes the perfect location to combine city feeling with outdoor activities. Zurich is super gay-friendly, with a relaxing, open-minded international atmosphere. 

What is the best gay event that takes place in Zurich?

For people who love culture like me, there's the Pink Apple Film Festival. It's a big LGBTQ film festival held every year in Zurich. For party lovers, we have the gay parade every year but much bigger and just as gay is the famous Street Parade. The Street Parade is every summer and probably the most attended technoparade in Europe. 

What is your favorite gay establishment to grab a bite to eat?

By far my favorite restaurant is HILTL: according to the Guiness World of Records it's the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world (1898). It has an endless, amazingly delicious buffet. Meat lovers will not even realize that there's no meat... :-) 

And the best gay bar for a cheap beer?

Every Wednesday is fun at Helden Bar. It's a cool, alternative gay bar with dancing. It's very nice in the summer since it's along the river Limmat. Otherwise also really nice and open Tuesday to Saturday is DANIEL H.

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

Les Garçons or Cranberry Bar.

Which famous gay person is from Zurich?

Ernst Ostertag and the German cabaret artist Röbi Rapp: a wonderful gay couple that have been together for 60 years and featured in the gay movie Der Kreis. It's a documentary about the first Swiss gay magazine in the world. There might be more famous ones... but the story of these two men touched me a lot. 

We're ready to go dancing: what's the best gay dance club to try out?

HeavenClub. Otherwise there are many good parties like Offstream, Kitty or Jack, with different locations – they aren't every week – so just check the local gay party calendar to see which party is going on when you are in the city.

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour?

Cranberry Bar or Heldenbar, which is on Wednesday only.

Where to start a gay tour in Zurich?

Just explore the beautiful old town and stroll along the lake and river... The best things to do in Zurich that are not touristy: in the summer go swim at "Oberer Letten" or "Werdinsel". Both are super cool places to swim in the river. At "Werdinsel" there is a section with lots and lots of gays in a beautiful river, forest setting. For swimming in the lake and in the middle of the city go to "Utoquai". On the left side it's men only. 

In the winter go to one of the many arthouse cinemas to enjoy a wonderful independent movie. For culture lovers, go to the stunning and beautiful "Rietberg" museum or the "Kunsthaus" museum.

And the best place to socialize with the local gay community?

In the summer at the swimming place Utoquai (after 17:00pm). In the winter go to a gay bar and have the courage to talk to the Swiss men... smile at them because they sometimes need some warming up first! ;)

What is gay life like in Zürich?

Relaxed, diverse and open minded. 

What other activies would you recommend in Zurich?

The best hiking in Zurich! Climb up Mount Üetliberg and enjoy a beautiful view over Zurich. There are many trails that go up the mountain from easy to hard.. I live very close to the mountain, so if you stay at my place I will hike up with you :-)

If you're into yoga, me and my friend teach a nice and dynamic yoga class for all levels. It's every Friday from 6.15pm to 7.30pm with optional meditation until 8pm. For more information check out www.somoyoga.ch