TRAVEL Zurich

By Gavyn Andrews

If you have never thought of Switzerland for a city break then I am here to tell you why you should . Firstly it is a nation known for sadly one of my biggest downfalls CHOCOLATE (So I was Sold) exciting city nightlife , unique culture and of course the amazing city architecture which isn’t just limited to the big cities of Zurich and Geneva. Zurich has a very to the point structure about it meaning you will get to know your way around it pretty quickly and get to understand that this is a city based on being nothing but efficient for resident and tourist. I know this country might not originally be at the top of your list to visit unless you might be a winter ski regular but I hope by the end of this you might consider Zurich for your next city stop vacation for many reasons.

Did you know know Switzerland offers some of the most spectacular lakes and mountains in Europe and Is constantly voted the number one country to live and visit on social media and by tourist industry professionals. You might also be very keen to learn Same-sex sexual acts between adults has been legal here in Switzerland since 1942, not to mention there has been legal recognition for same-sex relationships since 2007, following a referendum in June 2005.

Switzerland has many beautiful cities such as Geneva and Zurich. Zurich is one of Switzerland’s larger cities, and has many different bars and restaurants that are LGBT ran and operated. Altstadt is considered Zurich’s Gay-hood, where you can find many coffee shops, bistros, and community events.

Alternatively the Swiss city of Geneva could be your option to visit because it is a very gay-friendly city, with a thriving LGBTQ+ community and a vibrant gay scene. The city also has a designated gay neighbourhood , known as Les Eaux-Vives, which is home to many LGBTQ+-owned businesses, such as bars, clubs, and restaurants so you might prefer to opt for Geneva over Zurich.

I must point out that Switzerland is one of the most expensive places to both travel to and live but for locals they also have one of the best paid wages and highest living standards of all of Europe. All I am highlighting is that you will need a lot more money with you here to have a good time than you would say if you went to the cities of Berlin, Prague or even Amsterdam.

So getting back to Zurich its one of the most gay friendly cities and progressive places to visit so holding hands and even kissing in public as you walk around the city you should feel safe.

Zurichs gay scene nightlife is maybe going to surprise you it is anything but quiet and offers the average LGBTQ+ traveller much more than you might have bargained for. If you have traveled to other gay friendly cities such and Berlin and Barcelona the you might have thought that the Zurich scene would be smaller and even have less of variety but I like most was shocked to learn of the delights that this city offers us.

Altstadt AKA the GAY neighbourhood is considered to be the “gay area” of Zurich, with lots of gay bars, clubs, saunas, and cafes. It’s a nice spot to hang around outside of peak party hours too – as it’s home to lots of shops, galleries, and theatres. Personally I got the feeling daytime at least of like a very posh daytime feel mainly due to the look and feel of the place and well of course the Price of shopping which to be fair was out of my personal reach but hey if you have the cash to splash then this is the place to indulge.

As day changes into night Altstadt becomes an almost different place with music blasting out from the clubs and bars all of which more often than not have good outdoor terraces for you both to chill out in or take in the bright colourful Gayness as it happens around you.

Moving on to where to stay in this gorgeous city its obvious to me that anywhere is going to be pretty darn expensive and because of this I would want and recommend somewhere that is simple and well located. One such property which offers you this in abundance is CITIZENM ZURICH which is very modern and clean and something unique is that its like a turn key service operated by a simple APP you download to your phone.

Once you have checked in and maybe had your first walkabout the city you will most likely find yourself wanting to see where you will head to for next few nights and days out. When it comes to LGBTQ+ bars the city has many many options so it will of course come down to your individual style and choice of atmosphere. One thing I did notice which wouldn’t be unlike the Belfast gay scene is that it can close up early depending on the time of year and day of the week. So heading out that little bit earlier than you might could benefit you greatly.

I would highly recommend Heldenbar a weekly event at Provitreff Bar every Wednesday night. It is one of the longest-running gay events in all of Zurich. The space is small but the people and sights that you see I think capture the diversity of the local scene.

If you are a lover of all that is Drag then Switerland’s own Petra’s Tip Top Bar Petra is seen locally as the Queen of Queens. I would say this venue is everything camp should be loud, fun, colourful and even when she isn’t performing herself the music is pure cheesy pop just as you would expect.

Once you have made it through choice of bars you will more than likely wish to migrate to a club and again you will not be short for choice. Heaven however is a club that you simply can’t miss.. Expect to see electrifying drag performances, exotic dancers AKA GO GO BOYS/ MEN busting moves to some of Europes best beats. Yes this might just be the place you have a city break meet-cute in without even having to well match on gay app like Recon or Grinder. You will of course find many other options for clubbing which I think is good as I always feel that one good night can never be repeated and so another day another venue is my city break motto.

As always with me no city break would be complete with out a visit to the local Gay Mens Sauna scene which often in Europe is quite different to that of the small sauna of Belfast. Unlike Belfast Zurich has many saunas and they are often more than simply the quick spots for fast sex. I bring your Moustache Zurich which might be the most well known and busiest sauna. This spot is very well respected with great reviews and smells amazing and upon entry fresh Towels are offered. Inside includes Finnish saunas, steam rooms, open-showers, video rooms, and obligatory maze/dark rooms.

Zurich surprised me in many ways from the look and feel of the city and the surprising freedom vibes that the local LGBTQ community gave off. The way it changes from day time to night is also something I think was quite unique but I liked that it could do this without any fanfare just like the change of a stage setting in a theatre play.

Zurich might be expensive but like everything that usually is expensive in life its worth paying the money to experience the delights at least one time in your life. Zurich and Switzerland offer many annual LGBTQ events from Prides to Parties and festivals and you should keep an eye out for its annual Queer events.

If you like your city breaks to be full of diverse things to see and do with some amazing history and places to visit then I think from the Art Museums, historic walking areas and the quite brilliant LGBTQ nightlife then you won’t regret saving up a good few pounds to visit. Flight connections from Belfast Via London or direct out of Dublin can be booked with the likes of Swiss Air and or British Airways. I don’t personally like the cold so I would recommend heading to the city in the summer time and if you want to see the city at its very biggest and brightest Gay time of year then Pride month of June is the time to book.

Keep travelling and enjoying the planet we all share until next time.