Here’s our Chur Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local
Welcome to our Anti-Tourist Guide to Chur — because we prefer travelers over tourists. The kind of people who skip the lines, dodge the clichés, and chase authentic experiences instead of selfie spots. At Europe’s Famous Hostels, we believe the best way to discover a city is from the inside out — through its locals, its quirks, and its hidden corners.
So this blog isn’t about ticking off the “Top 10 Things to Do.” It’s about seeing Chur from a different angle — raw, real, and refreshingly local.
Where exactly is Chur?
Tucked away in eastern Switzerland, Chur (pronounced exactly how it’s spelled: “Chur”) is the capital of the canton of Graubünden and home to around 40,000 residents. It’s nestled between some seriously stunning mountains, which means you’ll be treated to postcard-worthy views pretty much wherever you go.
Fun fact: Chur is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited town in Switzerland, with settlements dating back over 9,000 years. That’s a whole lot of stories hidden in its streets — and luckily, you can uncover some of them for yourself.
How many days should I save to visit Chur?
If you’re only here to tick off the major sights, a day trip is totally doable. But if you want to slow down, explore the surroundings, enjoy the food, and feel the vibe, we recommend a full weekend. You’ll thank us later.
What are the main touristic highlights of Chur?
1. Chur’s Music Scene
a) Live Music in Chur
Polenta7000 Festival
Held throughout June, July, and August in Chur, Polenta7000 is a vibrant open-air music festival offering something for everyone. With a diverse lineup of live bands, DJs, circus acts, and family-friendly programming, it’s the perfect summer gathering for music lovers and culture seekers alike, with great summer vibes at Switzerland’s oldest city.
Werkstatt Chur
Part creative space, part gig venue, Werkstatt hosts live music nights and community events. From experimental jazz to electronic sets, you never know what you’ll find — and that’s exactly the point.
b) Clubbing in Chur
Viva Club
Viva Club is one of a handful of venues on Chur’s club street. It hosts weekend parties featuring DJs and live music, drawing in local nightlife fans. Make your way through the Old Town bars to the club street and and the night with some dancing at Viva.
Fabrik – Bar Club Eventhall Chur
More of a flex space than a traditional club, Fabrik hosts parties, concerts, and events that draw a loyal local following. If you’re unsure what’s on, just ask someone at Bogentrakt— they’ll know.
2. Where to eat in Chur
We have made a list of cheap places to eat without breaking your wallet, that you should check here. Either way, to save you some clicks, we have a few extra options at the distance of a scroll:
Jamies
This modern spot in the city center serves finger food, Flammkuchen, and local dishes ideal for sharing. Great cocktails, a chill vibe, and prices that won’t break the bank? Yes, please.
Restaurant Calanda
Market-fresh ingredients, hearty portions, and plenty of veggie and gluten-free options. Calanda keeps things local and seasonal while offering a diverse menu. Bonus: their drink list includes local wines and beers which you can enjoy on their terrace in the heart of the city.
Rätushof
Looking to try real-deal Swiss food like rösti or cheese-heavy comfort dishes? Rätushof is as traditional as it gets — and the vibe is as Swiss as the menu.
3. What to see in Chur
Old Town (Altstadt)
Yes, it’s the main tourist area — but hear us out. Chur’s Old Town is genuinely charming, full of history, and never too crowded. Wind through narrow alleyways, admire the architecture, and maybe even join a local tour for some quirky facts.
Street Art Scene
Keep your eyes peeled for murals by Fabian “Bane” Florin, one of Switzerland’s most prominent street artists (he also painted some of the artwork at Bogentrakt Hostel). Chur even hosts a biennial street art festival that brings the city walls to life.
Brambrüesch Mountain
Chur’s own backyard mountain. Take the cable car from the city centre and you’re suddenly in the Alps. Go hiking, biking, or skiing, depending on the season — or just soak in the views.
4. Alternative places in Chur
Haldenhüttli
Tucked just behind Bogentrakt Hostel, this viewpoint gives you a killer panorama of Chur and the surrounding peaks. Bring your camera or just sit and take it all in — it’s a local favorite for a reason.
Giger-bar Kalchbühl
Yes, that Giger — as in H.R. Giger, the designer of Alien. This eerie, biomechanical bar looks like a set from a sci-fi horror movie. Located just outside the Old Town in a quiet business park, it’s weird, wild, and absolutely worth a visit.
Alien Bar Chur
Final Word: Ditch the Tour Buses
Chur isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about slow travel, discovering local scenes, and having your own experience. Whether you’re sipping Swiss wine in a quiet square, hiking up Brambrüesch, or dancing at Polenta7000— you’re already doing it right.
5. Bonus tip:
Whether you are planning your trip, or where to go next, we have a gift for you. Famous Hostels is on a journey to promote sustainable tourism, pushing train and bus travel as opposed to flying.
For that, we partnered with Flixbus & Eurail and created a calculator that compares your carbon emissions if you are traveling by train or bus versus planes, and convert it into a direct discount at over 80 hostels in Europe.
Discounts go from 5% to 20% based on the distance you go, and we are now offering 10% discount vouchers for newbies at our Eco-Wanderer platform. Sign up now, and start saving while jumping into the community of the best hostels in Europe.
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