On Workation
in Zurich.
Combining work & vacation in summer.
Working in the summer can be a bit of a challenge, especially for a summer-loving person like me. But if you have to work, why not do it somewhere nice, where you can combine work and vacation? Enter the concept of work + vacation = workation.
Take Zurich, for example. Yes, Zurich. It’s probably not the first city that comes to mind for digital nomads, but in my opinion, it should be. As a freelance writer, I headed there for Seazen, and now I’m taking you along on a workation journey to this beautiful city by the water.
25hours or maybe more?!
In Zurich.
„A hotspot for creatives & design enthusiasts.“
Over the next few days, the 25hours Hotel in Langstrasse will become both a workplace and a vacation base. It is located at the hub of the lively Langstrasse – a melting pot between business punks and the red-light district in the immediate vicinity of the main railway station. People work there during the day, and the neon signs flicker in the evening.
With high-speed internet, super cozy corners where you can concentrate on your work, and culinary highlights in the in-house Mediterranean Neni Restaurant and the Cinchona Bar, nothing is left to be desired. The rooftop terrace also invites you to send an email or two from there while enjoying a cool drink.
If you’re looking for a change of pace, you can work out in the fitness studio on the 7th floor and then relax in the Trainspotting sauna. The design of the hotel is a mix of creative and junk – but in a good way, of course. Generally speaking, the 25hours hotels aren’t just standard accommodations; they’re as unique as the cities they’re located in.
With its palm trees and fairy lights, the 25hours in Zurich somehow feels like an urban jungle. It’s not only the perfect place for freelancers, but with its meeting rooms, it’s also ideal for companies planning offsites or workshops in a creative atmosphere.
Click here to the Design Hotel.
A city with rough edges: Creative & curious at the same time.
Zurich is a city full of polarities, creating an inspiring tension between tradition and modernity. On the one hand, Zurich takes you back to the past through its charming, cobbled Old Town. The well-preserved historic buildings and numerous old town fountains are reminiscent of the time of the Swiss guilds and the Middle Ages.
But just a few meters further along Europaallee, you’re catapulted into the future within seconds, with modern, futuristic buildings, tech companies (such as Google, which is based there), and hipster flair wafting through the alleyways.
Then, there are those special corners in districts 3, 4, and 5, where Zurich pulsates like nowhere else and everything seems to come together. Old and new. Design and demolition. The exotic and the quintessentially Zurich meet here, exuding a unique vibe that invites you to simply drift and absorb the city.
If you want to learn more about the city’s history, we highly recommend a walking tour through the Old Town, as Zurich is particularly easy to explore on foot.
Click here for the tour.
First work, then cooling off: In the city by the water.
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In 4th place among the cities with the best work-life balance.
It’s no coincidence that Zurich was recently voted the fourth-best city in the world for work-life balance by Business Insider. The city’s focus on remote work and its relatively high number of home office jobs contribute to this high ranking. Additionally, the wide range of outdoor leisure activities and excellent healthcare further enhance life satisfaction.
This sense of satisfaction is palpable. When it comes to work-life balance, the rest of the world can still learn from Switzerland. Not only does Zurich rank highly, but Bern also holds second place, just behind the work-life balance winner, Oslo, Norway.
Manu’s 
Workation tips in Zurich
good morning
For yoga fans & sports freaks
Balboa Move is the perfect place to clear your head or find a bit of balance. With two different locations, it offers a well-rounded selection of yoga, circuit training, and a wide variety of workouts – suitable for all levels.
let's go
First, I drink the coffee, then I do the work.
If you’re looking for a spot to combine good coffee and work, we recommend Kraftwerk or the small but excellent Café Jenseits. Both locations offer great WiFi, an inspiring atmosphere, and fantastic culinary options.
Chill out
Afterwork aperitif?
If you want to treat yourself to a cool drink after work, we recommend the Hiltl roof terrace, home to the world’s first vegetarian restaurant, long before it became a trend. Alternatively, try the Cinchona Bar at the 25hours Hotel with its signature drinks, or the Bar am Wasser for those seeking a truly special drink experience.
