Zurich Off the Beaten Path: 9 Unique and Unusual Experiences

The Moulagenmuseum is not for the weak of heart. Dedicated to the art of the moulage, mock-ups of diseases and injuries, the Moulagenmuseum is a hypochondriacs nightmare. Originally used as a way to train health professionals and share medical knowledge, the wax models now stand as a testament to the impact that diseases, such as cancer, syphilis and leprosy, can have on the human body. Around 600 wax figures are on show at the museum, which is considered to have among the most well-preserved and lifelike representation of moulages worldwide.

If you’re in Zurich for just a day, or you want to pack as much into 24 hours as possible, then take book this walking tour, with a cruise and cable car experience included.

It’s easy to while away the hours in Zürich’s magnificent old town and along the shores of the dazzling Lake Zurich. But why not venture outside the touristic areas into Zurich’s western parts, former industry quarters, now home to some of the city’s hippest and trendiest restaurants, shops, museums and people? Here, visitors can find Switzerland’s highest building, the Prime Tower, and enjoy a refreshing drink at the Cloud’s Bar, located at the top. Or why not enjoy the rhythmic tunes of talented artists who take to the stage at Schiffbau, a former factory turned theater. Or, you can wander around the vast square of Frau Gerold’s Garten. Recommended by Lena Blos

Bars with walls made of concrete are seemingly too traditional for the folks at Frau Gerolds Garten, where shipping containers have been set up to create the eclectic space, some of which contain the bars and kitchen or provide rooftop terraces. The bar is just one part of this sprawling area—Frau Gerolds also features a vegetable garden, a restaurant, a few shops and an art gallery.

As soon as summer hits, Badi-Bars (open-air, waterside bars) pop up across Zurich to the delight of locals and tourists alike. Live music, poem readings and movie screenings abound at popular hangouts where you can relax with some food or a cocktail. Many of these bars are along the riverside or by the lake, so you can go for a dip if things get a little too hot.

The birthplace of Dadaism is now a café and educational centre dedicated to this off-beat art movement. Dadaism emerged as a kickback against World War I and was made up of artists who steadfastly opposed capitalism. The resulting movement was a strange mix of expressionism and absurdism. Delve into the history of the movement at Cabaret Voltaire—just don’t expect to understand it all.

In the hot summer months travelers need not worry about cooling off, with the city’s numerous outdoor river and lake baths offering plenty of opportunity to while away the hours under the sun. The Frauenbadi at the Stadthausquai are strictly women only, while men congregate at the nearby Schanzengraben. Another noteworthy destination is the Seebad Enge, offering prime views over the Alps, or the Strandbad Mythenquai with its stunning beach. Many of the baths transform into trendy bars as soon as the sun sets, providing visitors with refreshing, alcoholic drinks and barbecues to create the perfect finish to a summer day. Recommended by Lena Blos

If you think Zurich is nothing more than a polished, squeaky-clean European capital swarming with bankers and professionals, then think again. Make your way to the up-and-coming Zurich West quarter and take a good look at the Rote Fabrik, an old factory building now representing one of the city’s most progressive and inspiring cultural and musical venues. From poetry slams, theater and films to food and incredible electro music concerts, the Rote Fabrik offers some of the most intriguing and versatile entertainments in the city. Additionally, local graffiti artists are encouraged to exhibit their talent by decorating the exterior of the artistic hub with their latest creative outbursts. Recommended by Lena Blos

The Pegasus Small World toy museum is dedicated to small toys dating back to the late 19th century. Among the collection of rare and altogether unusual are toy animals, dolls, model trains and a display of 700 Steiff teddy bears.

Enjoy a meal under a terrace made entirely of umbrellas at Gerold Chuchi in Zurich’s Kreis 5 district. Each umbrella is made with a different design, so you can spend a couple hours admiring each one and wondering why they are there in the first place.