Exam season is just around the corner. But at the same time, summer is finally here, as 30-degree weather has officially hit Zurich. And suddenly studying at home feels almost illegal.
The sun is out, everyone is outside, your friends are at the lake, and the FOMO starts kicking in the moment you open your laptop at home.
Don’t worry, I got you.
One of the best solutions during exam season is to study outside. You still stay productive, but at the same time you enjoy the weather, get a change of environment, maybe meet some friends, and make studying feel a little less depressing.
So, if you are currently searching for the best cafés to study in Zurich, here are some of my personal favorites.
But before we start, one important disclaimer:
These are not officially “study cafés”. They are normal cafés where people also go for coffee, brunch, and catching up with friends, especially during weekends.
Still, all the cafés below are spacious, have multiple seating areas, and somehow manage to feel lively without becoming overwhelming.
All of them also offer outdoor seating areas, which makes studying during spring and summer even better.
1. Sphères: The most popular study café in Zurich
Sphères 📍Hardturmstrasse 66, 8005 Zurich
If you ask students in Zurich about study cafés, Sphères will probably be the first answer you hear. And honestly, there is a reason for that.
Sphères combines café culture with a bookstore and library atmosphere, making it one of the most inspiring places to study in Zurich. You can literally study surrounded by bookshelves, while also discovering new books to buy.
The café is very spacious, with different seating areas both inside and outside. However, some outdoor sections are specifically designed for casual coffee visitors.
Key features:
- Cozy library atmosphere
- Multiple quiet seating areas
- Large tables for studying
One important thing to know: laptops are not allowed on Sundays and public holidays, so weekdays are definitely the best option if your goal is a productive study session.
2. Auer & Co.: Feel at home
Auer & Co. 📍Sihlquai 131, 8005 Zurich
Auer has a completely different vibe compared to classic crowded cafés. The space is very open and large, with several seating areas downstairs, upstairs, and outside.
Upstairs, there are even two separate meeting rooms, which makes the café feel especially popular among students, freelancers, and remote workers.
The combination of warm tones and high ceilings creates a cozy, comfortable and calm atmosphere.
Key features:
- Large and bright interior
- Warm atmosphere
- Great coffee and food options
And now the bonus part:
Normally, Auer is closed on weekends. However, during this period they collaborate with Saints & Sinners, a pop-up creperie, meaning the café is temporarily open on weekends as well.
So yes, you can study and eat crepes at the same time. Exam season suddenly sounds a bit sweeter, right?
3. C.R.E.A.M.: Modern, yet relaxing
Cream Zurich 📍Josefstrasse 214, 8005 Zurich
Cream is probably one of the most modern-looking cafés on this list. Its design is minimalistic, clean, and very aesthetically pleasing, while still feeling warm and relaxed.
One of the biggest advantages is the variety of seating options. You can study on classic tables, stools, in comfortable armchairs, or outside.
The café is spacious both indoors and outdoors, which helps a lot during busy hours because you rarely feel overwhelmed by the crowd.
Key features:
- Very friendly staff
- Great brunch options
- Lots of natural light
Honestly, it is one of those cafés where studying somehow feels less exhausting, almost enjoyable.
4. Slurp: chill and easy-going
Slurp Zurich 📍Kanzleistrasse 129, 8004 Zurich
Slurp is ideal if you prefer simple but definitely not basic cafés. The design is minimalistic, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the entire place has an easy-going energy. It is not overly flashy or crowded, and the coffee quality is genuinely very good.
Key features:
- Minimal design
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Good coffee
One important thing: weekends are laptop-free, so again, weekdays are definitely the best choice for studying there.
+1 Bonus: Bros Beans & Beats
Bros Beans & Beats 📍 Gartenhofstrasse 24, 8004 Zurich
Bros Beans & Beats is slightly smaller compared to the cafés above, but it still deserves a spot on this list, as it offers one of the coziest atmospheres for slower study mornings.
It has a more intimate vibe compared to the larger cafés, which many people actually prefer when studying, with good coffee and brunch options.
Key features:
- Friendly vibe
- Great coffee & brunch options
- Relaxed environment
Just keep in mind that weekends are laptop-free here as well.
So if you are tired of studying at home…
Maybe it is time to grab your laptop, headphones, and why not, romanticize exam season a little bit.
Studying in Zurich becomes much easier once you stop forcing yourself to stay locked at home all day, especially with this warm weather.
Sometimes, simply changing environment can completely reset your motivation and productivity.
And luckily, Zurich has plenty of cafés where you can do exactly that without feeling overwhelmed by huge crowds or noisy environments.
Just keep in mind:
- Respect the café environment and avoid taking huge tables for too long during busy hours.
- Weekdays > weekends for studying outside.
- Go early if you want good seats.
And good luck with your exams, you got this!
You may also find these articles useful:
👉 How to Afford Student Life in Zurich
👉 Making Friends in Zurich as an International Student
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