Kitchens close early
Many stop serving around 21:30–22:00, even when the bar stays open.
Dinner Date
Open for your whole window
Guide
Going out in Switzerland when you’re new
Early kitchens, closing days and quiet Sundays catch most newcomers out. Here’s what to know, and where to start in each city.
What surprises newcomers
Most places have a Ruhetag
A weekly closing day, often Sunday or Monday. It’s easy to turn up to a dark window.
Sundays and holidays are quiet
Shops close and many restaurants do too, apart from stations and city centres.
Your plan · 19:30–22:30
- Café Closed by then 08:00–19:00
- Restaurant Closes too early 11:30–22:00
- Bar Open all evening 17:00–00:30
- Bistro Open all evening 12:00–23:00
Open now? Three of these. Open for your whole plan? Two. Dinner Date only shows you those two.
Where to start
Zürich
Kreis 4 and 5 for bars and late dinners, the Niederdorf for the old town.
Geneva
Les Pâquis for food from everywhere, Carouge for a relaxed evening out.
Basel
Kleinbasel along the Rhine, and the old town for traditional places.
Bern
The old town arcades, and the Lorraine for a younger crowd.
Opening hours change. Dinner Date checks them for you.
Check in a few taps
- 01
Set when you’re free, for example 19:00–22:00.
- 02
Pick a city and how far you’ll go.
- 03
See only places open the whole time.
Quick answers
What is a Ruhetag?
A restaurant’s weekly closing day, often Sunday or Monday. It’s usually on the door and in the opening hours.
Do I need to tip in Switzerland?
Service is included in the price, so tipping isn’t required. Rounding up or leaving a few francs for good service is common.
Is Dinner Date free?
Yes, to start: 10 free searches a month, no account needed.
Find somewhere open, wherever you are
Free monthly searches on iOS and Android. Made in Switzerland.