Zurich is a city that knows how to enjoy a good drink. With its mix of historic breweries, lively bars, and creative craft beer scene, it offers plenty of options for those looking to sample local brews or dive into its vibrant nightlife. What makes Zurich stand out is its combination of tradition and innovation—craft breweries like those visited on the Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich showcase the city’s brewing heritage, while lively pub crawls and beer and chocolate pairings reveal its modern, fun side. We particularly love tours that combine storytelling, local flavor, and hands-on experiences, making each outing memorable. Whether you’re a beer novice or a seasoned enthusiast, Zurich’s drinking tours cater to a range of interests and budgets.
Quick Overview
Zurich offers several types of drinking tours, from intimate beer tastings and guided pub crawls to unique experiences like beer and chocolate pairings. For those wanting in-depth craft beer knowledge, the Beer Tasting Tour and the Zurich Beer Tour: Chocolate & Beer Edition stand out. If the city’s lively nightlife is more your vibe, the Zurich: Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks and Pub Crawl Zurich offer fun evenings with locals. Finally, for a more relaxed, social experience, the Zurich: bar tour provides a chance to explore popular spots with a guide. Each of these options caters to different preferences and budgets, ensuring you’ll find a perfect fit.
1. Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich
At number 1 on our list is the Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich. This 3.5-hour experience immerses you in Zurich’s craft beer scene through visits to 3-4 bars, shops, and microbreweries in districts 4 and 5—areas known for their lively, creative vibe. Your guide, an English speaker, takes you through a variety of 8+ beers, explaining the brewing process and the unique qualities of each style. What sets this tour apart is its intimate size, capped at 10 people, which allows for personalized interaction and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Guests consistently praise Sandra, the guide, for her extensive knowledge and friendly approach. She’s great at sharing stories about Zurich’s beer scene and making everyone feel at home in the local breweries. The itinerary is flexible, so the locations can change based on the day, but the focus remains on quality beer tasting and cultural insights. The tour offers excellent value at $158.39 per person, especially considering the inclusion of admission tickets and multiple tastings. It’s perfect for those who want a deeper dive into Zurich’s brewing culture** and enjoy small-group, guided experiences.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for beer enthusiasts who want a personal, informative experience that combines tasting with storytelling in a relaxed setting.
2. Zurich: Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks
Next up is the Zurich: Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks. At 4 hours long, this tour provides a lively way to experience Zurich’s nightlife with a group of fellow travelers and locals. For just $37 per person, you’ll visit three popular city hotspots, enjoying shots and snacks along the way. The focus here is on socializing—meeting new people and getting a taste of Zurich’s bar scene as locals do.
The tour is well-liked for its friendly guide, Eli, who keeps the atmosphere fun and engaging. Guests mention how easy it is to meet people and how the tour offers enough variety to keep things interesting. The tour is perfect for those who prefer a casual, social night out with a focus on lively conversation and a relaxed pace. Since it’s only about 4 hours, it’s a great option for travelers short on time but wanting to experience Zurich’s nightlife authentically.
Bottom Line: Best suited for solo travelers or small groups looking for a fun, social evening with locals’ insights and a party vibe.
3. Zurich Beer Tour: Chocolate & Beer Edition
Position 3 is the Zurich Beer Tour: Chocolate & Beer Edition. This 3.5-hour tour combines two Swiss favorites—beer and chocolate—for a truly indulgent experience. Starting at Zurich’s Stauffacher tram station, you’ll walk through districts 4 and 5, visiting 3 local spots known for their craft brews. The highlight here is the pairing of 8 different beers with specially selected pralines from Max Chocolatier, making it perfect for those with a sweet tooth and an interest in flavor combination.
Sandra, the guide, is praised for her expertise and engaging storytelling, making this tour both educational and delicious. The emphasis on pairing high-quality chocolates with unique beer styles distinguishes this experience from standard tastings. Guests rave about the flavor profiles and the off-the-beaten-path locations. With a price of $173.02, it offers a premium experience for lovers of both beer and chocolate, especially since the small group size ensures attentive service.
Bottom Line: A unique, flavorful experience blending two Swiss specialties, ideal for foodies and craft beer fans wanting a fun and tasty outing.
4. Zurich: Bar Tour
At number 4, the Zurich: bar tour offers a relaxed evening exploring Zurich’s bar scene with a knowledgeable guide. For $244, this 4-hour experience takes you to four different bars, where you can sample famous Swiss liqueurs and discover what locals prefer for their night out. The tour’s strength lies in its focus on Zurich’s nightlife culture, providing a behind-the-scenes look at some of the city’s most popular spots.
The tour is best suited for those wanting to understand Zurich’s drinking culture while enjoying a variety of drinks in a small-group setting. Guests highlight the guide’s local insights and the opportunity to try different drinks, making it a great way to spend an evening. The tour’s length allows for a leisurely pace, with plenty of time for conversation and enjoying Zurich’s lively bar scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an insider’s look at Zurich’s nightlife, complete with tastings and local stories.
5. Zurich Beer Tour – Tasting Tour with a Local Beer Expert
Number 5 is the Zurich Beer Tour – tasting tour with a local beer expert. This 3-hour walking tour explores districts 4 and 5, focusing on craft beers and beer history. Led by a local beer expert, the tour visits hidden beer spots, where you’ll taste at least eight 10cl tasters of diverse beer styles. The guide shares personalized insights into brewing techniques and Zurich’s beer culture, making it highly educational.
Guests appreciate the small group size, which allows for detailed questions and personalized attention. The guide, Sandro, is praised for his enthusiasm and knowledge. The tour offers excellent value at $158 per person, especially considering the quality and variety of beers served. It’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, guided experience that combines tasting with cultural information.
Bottom Line: Best for beer lovers seeking expert-led storytelling and a curated tasting of Zurich’s craft brews.
6. Pub Crawl Zurich
Rounding out our list is the Pub Crawl Zurich, a 3-4 hour tour designed for those who want to experience the city’s nightlife without fuss. For $37.08 per person, this tour takes you through a selection of top bars and hidden spots, with free drinks included. Meeting at Akt Sportsbar, the tour runs from 9:00 pm onwards, making it perfect for late-night explorers.
The tour is especially popular with solo travelers and small groups, who enjoy the chance to socialize and discover Zurich’s local drinking spots. The guide, Sebastian, is known for creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere that encourages mingling. The tour emphasizes a casual, lively experience and offers a good mix of popular and lesser-known bars.
Bottom Line: An affordable, social way to get a taste of Zurich’s nightlife, great for making new friends and experiencing the city’s party scene.
How to Choose
When deciding which Zurich drinking tour is right for you, consider your budget, interests, and time. If you’re passionate about craft beer, the Beer Tasting Tour or the Chocolate & Beer Edition provide detailed insights and tastings. For a lively night with a social atmosphere, the Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour or the Pub Crawl Zurich offer fun with new friends. If you prefer a more curated experience, the Bar Tour is great for exploring Zurich’s top spots with local flavor.
Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred time and ensure availability. Each tour offers a different way to experience Zurich’s vibrant drinking culture—pick the one that best matches your style and interests.
Final Thoughts
Zurich’s drinking tours cover a broad spectrum—from craft beer tastings and chocolate pairings to lively pub crawls and insider nightlife adventures. For beer aficionados, the Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich and the Beer & Chocolate Edition provide in-depth, flavorful insights. If you’re after a fun, social evening, the Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour and Pub Crawl Zurich are excellent choices.
Whatever your preference, booking early will help ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable ways to enjoy Zurich’s lively drinking scene. Cheers to a fantastic stay in this lively Swiss city!