Old Crow

Old Crow is a candlelit bar in the city centre that has built its reputation on one of the largest spirits collections in the city. Zürich Tourism counts around 1,600 spirits on offer, many of them rare and exclusive, and about 500 of them are whiskies. Bottles are stacked three deep and five shelves high behind the bar, which makes the back bar a sight in itself.

The interior matches the drinks list: dark timber, candlelight and an atmosphere that Zürich Tourism describes as somewhat antiquated, high quality and very cosy. It feels more like a private library of spirits than a busy cocktail bar, and it is best enjoyed in a small group or as a couple.

Zürich Tourism highlights the bar's special cocktail creations and its particular focus on whiskey. Whisky is the main draw, and the bar even has its own bottling of BenRiach whisky, and that makes a good starting point for anyone curious. If whisky is not your drink, the bartenders also mix their own cocktail creations alongside the classics, using the breadth of the collection to good effect. With so much choice, the best approach is to tell the staff what you usually enjoy and let them guide you to something new.

According to Zürich Tourism, Old Crow opens at 17:00 from Monday to Saturday and stays open until 00:30, and it is closed on Sundays. Arriving early in the evening gives you a better chance of a seat at the bar, where you can watch the bottles come down from the shelves. Prices reflect the quality and rarity of many of the bottles, so ask about the cost of a pour before ordering something unusual.

Remember that the bar is closed on Sundays, so plan a visit from Monday to Saturday. Old Crow suits whisky lovers, spirits enthusiasts and anyone looking for a quiet, characterful bar rather than a club. It is on Schwanengasse in Kreis 1, the city centre, so it is easy to reach from most central hotels. Combine it with dinner at one of the Old Town's traditional restaurants or a stroll along the river afterwards.