How to do a Zurich badi day properly

A badi day in Zurich is simple, but there are a few things I wish someone had told me before.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen and something to read or listen to. Zurich summer feels easy, but hours by the lake add up quickly, especially when you swim, dry in the sun, walk around and stay for the whole afternoon.

Most paid badis usually have toilets, showers, changing areas and food options, so you can easily spend a whole afternoon there without needing much else.

Food inside is usually okay, but Zurich is Zurich. If you want to save money, bring a few snacks in your bag and a bottle of water. Just be respectful, avoid glass, keep things clean and check the rules of each place.

If you are staying in Zurich for more than a few days, check the Kombi6, Kombi12 or season pass options. They can make sense if you plan to visit several badis during summer.

One small local tip: before choosing where to swim, check the water temperature and how busy the badis are. Zurich usually shares this online, and it helps when you want to pick the right spot for your mood.

For me, a good badi day is not complicated: towel, sunscreen, water, coffee before or after, a swim, a bit of sun, and enough time to enjoy the lake properly.