The Frauenbad at Stadthausquai 12 turns into the Barfussbar on summer evenings, where visitors of all genders drink barefoot on the wooden decks beside the Limmat.
The Frauenbad am Stadthausquai is a historic wooden river bathhouse on the Limmat, built in 1888 and kept as a women-only swimming bath by day during the summer season. In the evening, on selected nights, it opens to all as the Barfussbar, a popular summer bar where shoes are left at the door and guests walk barefoot on the sun-warmed decks. The setting, with views of the Fraumünster, the Limmat, and the old town, makes it one of the most distinctive evening addresses in Zürich. The bar serves beer, wine, spritzers, and simple snacks at prices around CHF 6-14 (approx $8-18), and music is relaxed rather than loud. The season is short: the bath is open from roughly mid-May to the end of September, with the 2026 season running from 9 May to 20 September according to the municipal bath listing, so the Barfussbar is not open in October or winter. The bar runs on several evenings a week, around three, when the bar is open to all genders, but the exact evenings change with weather and events, so a check of the Zürich tourism listing is necessary. In wet weather the programme may be cancelled. The Barfussbar is a five-minute walk from Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz, close to Stadthausquai and the Fraumünster, and fills quickly on warm evenings, so early arrival is sensible. Visitors should plan for the 2027 season in May.
| Price | CHF 6-14 per drink (approx $8-18) |
|---|---|
| Cover | Varies; check programme |
| Hours | Selected summer evenings, roughly May-September (2026 season 9 May-20 September) |
| Address | Stadthausquai 12, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Signature
- Barefoot summer evenings on a wooden Limmat bathhouse deck
Location
Stadthausquai 12, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3670, 8.5405 View on map
Highlights
- Historic 1888 wooden bathhouse on the Limmat
- Barefoot deck bar with views of the Fraumünster
- Relaxed summer atmosphere with simple drinks
- A five-minute walk from Paradeplatz and Bahnhofstrasse
- Operates only on selected summer evenings
Tips for visiting
- Seasonal: the 2026 bath season runs 9 May to 20 September, so plan for the next season from May
- Check the evening schedule for current Barfussbar nights
- Leave shoes at the door; the decks are barefoot only
- Arrive early on warm evenings
- Cards and Twint are usually accepted, but carry some cash
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
When is the Barfussbar open?
It is open on selected evenings during the bath season, roughly May to September, three evenings a week according to Zürich tourism; check the schedule.
Can men go?
By day the Frauenbad is women-only, but the Barfussbar evenings admit everyone.
Is there a cover charge?
Evening entry rules vary by programme, so confirm before going.
What is the address?
Stadthausquai 12, 8001 Zürich.