Cigar Bar, Zurich Travel Guide

What it is

The Cigar Bar at Hotel Storchen is a specialty bar and cigar lounge in Zurich’s Old Town, set within one of the city’s most established hospitality addresses. It is not a general-purpose cocktail bar or a late-night scene; the focus is on cigars, drinks, and a seated lounge experience. The room is small-scale and intimate, with a classic hotel-bar feel that suits lingering rather than quick turnover.

Atmosphere and setting

The setting is indoors at Weinplatz, close to the Limmat and the narrow streets of the historic centre. That location gives the bar its character: outside, the old town is busy with walkers and sightseeing traffic, while inside the pace drops noticeably. Expect subdued conversation, leather-and-wood lounge cues, and the practical presence of a humidor rather than decorative flourish. The experience is adult-oriented and smoke-centric, with the comfort level of a polished hotel venue rather than a casual neighbourhood bar.

How a visit unfolds

Most visitors come in for a drink, choose a cigar from the humidor, and settle in for a measured stay. The rhythm is unhurried, making it a good place to pause between Old Town walks or to end an evening without moving into a louder bar scene. Minimum visits are short, but the room encourages a longer stay if you are smoking or meeting someone for conversation. It works well for solo travellers, couples, and business meetings where a quieter setting matters more than energy or spectacle.

History and context

The bar sits inside a hotel with deep roots on Weinplatz, one of Zurich’s most historically layered addresses. The surrounding area reflects the city’s riverfront trading past, medieval street pattern, and long hospitality tradition. That context matters here: the bar feels tied to old Zurich rather than to modern nightlife. The building’s present form dates from the 20th century, but the site itself carries far older associations, which gives even a brief stop a sense of place.

Practical expectations

This is a premium-priced venue, with hotel-bar pricing for drinks and cigars. It is easy to reach on foot from central Zurich, and public transport access is straightforward, but driving is awkward in the pedestrian-heavy old town. The bar is open daily from noon to midnight, making it useful for lunch-time pauses, late-afternoon drinks, and evening cigar sessions. It is a year-round indoor stop, largely unaffected by weather, though poor weather can make it busier than usual.