Holidays work like Sundays
Shops close, and many restaurants keep Sunday hours or close.
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Guide
What’s open on Swiss public holidays
On public holidays, shops close like on a Sunday and many restaurants close too. Here’s what to expect, and how to plan around it.
What to expect
Cantons differ
Good Friday, 2 January and 26 December are holidays in many cantons, but not all.
Christmas is the hardest
Many restaurants close from 24 to 26 December, or only serve set menus.
Where to look
Zürich
The shops under the main station open on most holidays. Hotel restaurants and the old town are your best bet for food.
Geneva
The shops at Cornavin station open on most holidays. Hotel restaurants and the old town are most likely to be open.
Basel
The shops at Basel SBB open on most holidays. The old town and the Rhine banks have the most places open.
Bern
The station shops open on most holidays. Old town restaurants are the most likely to be open.
Holiday hours are used for the coming week. Further ahead, call to confirm.
Plan it in a few taps
- 01
Search for the date and your time.
- 02
Shortlist places open the whole time.
- 03
More than a week ahead? Call to confirm holiday hours.
Quick answers
Which days are public holidays in Switzerland?
Everywhere: New Year’s Day, Ascension Day, 1 August and Christmas Day. Most cantons add Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday and 26 December, and some have their own.
Does Dinner Date know holiday opening hours?
Yes, for the coming week: searches up to six days ahead use the holiday hours places have entered on Google. Further ahead, Dinner Date uses the usual hours, so call to confirm.
Is Dinner Date free?
Yes, to start: 10 free searches a month, no account needed.
Find somewhere for the holidays
Free monthly searches on iOS and Android. Made in Switzerland.