The best addresses for the European Championship aperitif

Exactly one month from today, the European Women's Championship kicks off in Switzerland on July 2nd — bringing with it the football festival of the summer.

Eight host cities are gearing up for the big stage—not only with packed stadiums, but also with full glasses. Fans traveling to the European Championship are looking for more than just goals — cold drinks, good food, and memorable evenings are all part of the experience.

Whether it's a cold beer before kick-off, a glass of rosé during extra time, or a nightcap after the final whistle, Travelnews shares two top bar recommendations in each host city that are sure to be a hit.

Basel

Ueli Brau Bar: A rustic bar in the heart of Kleinbasel, where the beer is still passionately brewed in-house. In this charming brewery on Rheingasse, guests can expect a fine selection of homemade beer specialties – authentic and made with great attention to detail.

B1 Rooftop Bistro: Rooftop bars are always in demand, and this gem atop the Helvetia Insurance headquarters is no exception. Whether before or after the match, drinks taste even better with a panoramic view of the entire city.

Bern

PROGR: It’s especially worth a visit in summer, when the outdoor restaurant comes to life beneath towering old trees and twinkling fairy lights.

Barbière: Attention beer fans! Located in the brewery on Breitenrainplatz, just off the beaten track in Bern's Old Town, this establishment offers a variety of beer specialties and its own brews. The bar also offers plenty of space inside and outside for thirsty football fans..

Geneva

Ajò Ajò Bar Piadineria: Just outside Geneva’s center and close to the stadium, this cozy spot is nestled in the Carouge district—a charming area with Mediterranean vibes that feel worlds away from the city’s bustle. The atmosphere becomes even more authentic when you stop by Ajò Ajò for an aperitif platter and a refreshing drink.

Rue de l’Ecole de Médecine: One of the best streets for a drink in Geneva is Rue de l'Ecole-de-Médecine. Tucked behind the charming old town, this lively street is home to a variety of bars — including Bar l’Etabli, Le Kraken Bar, and Volt Bar, just to name a few. The vibe? Spontaneous and social. Why not embrace the energy and hop between a few spots?

Lucerne

Bierliebe & Friends: Located directly on the banks of the Reuss River and near the Chapel Bridge, you can discover the variety of Swiss beers here. The atmosphere is relaxed and uncomplicated—perfect for spending a convivial evening with friends.

Tschuppi’s Wonderbar: A genuine bar, often with live music. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and football matches are often shown on the TVs. Nothing stands in the way of a fun-filled evening in the city of Lucerne.

Sion

Le Verre à Pied: In Sion, aperitifs are enjoyed in true style with a glass of Valais wine—and ideally with the locals. This charming restaurant in the old town invites you to discover the fine wines from the regional vineyards in a relaxed atmosphere. Large wine barrels serve as tables on the terrace, giving the place a special character. Depending on the day of the week, different wines of the day are on the menu—a good reason to stop by more than once.

Les Îles Restaurant: It can get hot in the sun-drenched Rhône Valley, so a break at the Domaine des Îles is just what you need. Located just outside the center, the artificial lake offers refreshing cooling. Spend an afternoon enjoying a cool drink and delicious snacks at the «Les Îles» restaurant. It's the perfect place to unwind before the game in the evening.

St. Gallen

Rock City: The Bermuda Triangle in St. Gallen's old town is infamous in St. Gallen—after a fun-filled evening, you'll only reappear here early in the morning. Rock City plays the best rock songs, accompanied by delicious, cold beer. It's the perfect place to celebrate your team's victory after the game.

Øya Bar: With its Scandinavian flair, this bar is a true insider tip in the heart of St. Gallen. Not only are the carefully selected drinks impressive, but the cuisine also enjoys an excellent reputation, especially the brunch. Whether for a relaxed breakfast in the morning or a lively celebration under twinkling fairy lights after the game, this bar offers the perfect setting for every taste and every time of day.

Thun

Schmiedstube Bar: Thun's old town is lined with bars, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll through the city. A particularly atmospheric stop is the Schmiedstube Bar, where cool drinks and freshly tapped beer are served in a casual atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxed start to the evening—or simply for wandering from bar to bar.

Mühlibar: When Mühleplatz comes alive on warm days, the Mühlibar, located directly on the Aare River, is a wonderful place to linger. Whether with an afternoon coffee, an aperitif platter in the golden evening sun, or a refreshing beer to round off the day, this is the perfect place to enjoy summer to the fullest. And best of all: Just a few steps away, the large public viewing event takes place on Waisenhausplatz—ideal for a perfect day out watching the European Championships in Thun.

Zürich

Amboss Rampe: Just a few steps from Zurich's main train station, directly behind the iconic thrift store, lies the Amboss Rampe. Whether for a drink after your journey or a quick snack, the relaxed atmosphere, combined with regular concerts and a harmonious indoor and outdoor area, makes the bar a popular meeting place.

Bierwerk: Located in the heart of Europaallee, the Bierwerk is an ideal place to linger— especially during the European Championships, when the avenue transforms into a lively fan zone with a large public viewing area. Here, you can enjoy a carefully curated selection of beer specialties accompanied by small, fine dishes. The oven-fresh focaccia is especially recommended.