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Zurich in Switzerland is a lovely, bustling city with varied offerings – historical monuments, a waterfront, and a charming old town. It is located in the heart of Europe. The activities in this city are abundant. It might be hard to choose what the best things to do in Zurich are. In this article, we have compiled a list of 12 Unique Experiences In Zurich. Although these might seem like unusual things to do for you, these activities are fun.
You can find it a mixture of the well-preserved old city and a proper modern type of life. There are so many activities in Zurich! In fact, we have also compiled the 25 best things to do in Zurich, Switzerland. However, this article focuses on the unique and unusual experiences in Zurich that are not typically covered by other travel guides. There are various activities for different interests. We hope that you will find one that fits your preferences.
Zurich – The City on the Limmat
Zurich is located along the scenic northern shores of Lake Zurich, which are connected to the Limmat River. This river flows out of the lake and runs through the town and presents very beautiful scenery. It is truly a perfect location for photogenic people to take beautiful photos. You can find a lot of things there and many wonders during your visit.
Do not waste your time and just pack up and start your journey towards this beautiful city on the Limmat. Some interesting places to visit in Zurich are:
- Grossmünster Church
- Werdinsel Island
- Old Town (Aldstadt)
- Polyterasse
- Uetliberg
And many more! There is a more comprehensive list in this article – 25 Best Things To Do In Zurich, Switzerland.
12 Unique Experiences In Zurich
In this article, we are going to discuss 12 unique and unusual experiences in Zurich not covered by other travel guides. Now without wasting a moment, let us go through these unique experiences that not a lot of other tourists know about or even try:
1. Eat in the Dark at Blindekuh Restaurant
Blindekuh means “Blind Man’s Buff” in German. Founded in 1999, this restaurant is a place where those who are blind or partially-sighted people work.
In this restaurant, you will experience a mixture of surreal, interesting, and strange altogether. Everything is completely dark inside the restaurant. It is both intense and interesting because you will be relying on your four senses. So you will depend on blind professionals to guide you securely through this culinary experience.
Mobile phones and smartwatches will be left in a locker outside the dining area of the restaurant. You cannot take anything that will give off some light inside where the guests are eating. Then, you will have to hold the shoulders of the server and the shoulders of your friends to walk through the dark restaurant to your assigned table. It is absolutely dark inside (100%) and you cannot see those who you dine with nor the food that you are eating.
The restaurant provides dining which you will have to enjoy with your four senses. The sense of sight is excluded. They have a very creative kitchen staff who mesmerize you with decorating plates which, unfortunately, you will not be able to see. The restaurant can also arrange special events and nights for their visitors.
2. Relax in the Old Brewery Turned Spa
Thermalbad & Spa Zurich is the modern equivalent of the ancient Roman baths. Located in the old Hürlimann brewery, this place has vaulted stone walls and magnificent views of Zurich. It is a 5-minute walk from the Enge train station, Waffenplatz bus stop, or the Giesshübel bus stop.
Did you know that the water springs come from deep beneath the city of Zurich? Yes, this water is rich in minerals and helps you enter into a world of relaxation. You can visit it when you are tired and relax in this amazing bath sanctuary. Along with that, you can enjoy all the facilities of the Spa there. You can book the packages such as the Roman-Irish spa ritual, body wraps, peeling massages, milk-herbal pouch massages, spa aperitif platter and Prosecco, and more.
GetYourGuide offers tickets for the Thermal Baths. Take a look at the panoramic views of Zurich as you bathe in the mystic cellar of the old Hürlimann brewery.
Address: Brandschenkestrasse 150, 8002 Zürich
3. Decode Messages in the Foxtrail Treasure Hunt
In the city of Zwingli the Foxes call the shots between the lake and the indoor swimming pool. You stay hot on the foxes’ heels on six different trails in the economic metropolis, starting out from the main train station. Cleverness, team work and urban speed are called for.
Foxtrail.ch
If you didn’t know, Foxtail Zurich is an amusing treasure trail that you can experience which combines elements of the city trail with the help of an outdoor escape sport. You can solve exciting puzzles, decode secret messages and explore Zurich in an interactive and fun manner. You have to follow the fox’s track whether by foot or by public transport. Then you can discover the hidden corners of the city and its surrounding, one clue at a time. It is an interesting way to see the city for friends, families, birthdays, and senior citizen outings.
4. Find Interesting Experiences in the Zoo
When we think about zoos, the only thing that comes to our mind is captivated animals in cages. But that is not the case here. You can literally enjoy a lot more by spending a night at the Zurich Zoo. During your night stay, you can dance and walk in the jungle and enjoy the wildlife.
Other unique experiences at the zoo are as follows:
- Stay overnight in the Zoo by sleeping near the African Savannah
- Do a night tour of the Zoo (without the Masoala and Elephant Park)
- Help the zookeepers do their jobs
- Choose from one of the tours: Biodiversity, Evolution, Masoala Tropical Forest, Lewa Savannah, Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park
- Learn about Smartphone Photography
- Have a Team Building Activity with Chickens
- Produce papers from Elephant Dung in the Openair Paper Mill
- Enjoy and learn all about Coffee in the Tropical Rainforest
- Interview zookeepers
The zoo offers so many interesting and varied activities for all ages. Be sure to check out their website at https://www.zoo.ch/ for more information.
If you would like to learn more about Zoo Zürich, check out our article: Zoo Zürich Review And 10 Tips For Your Visit.
5. Learn about Skin at Moulagen Museum
Moulagen Museum from the University Hospital of Zurich (UniversitätsSpitals Zürich in German) and University of Zurich (Universität Zürich in German) gives you information about skin diseases. It might sound gross, but it is definitely unique and interesting. You do not find museums about skin diseases often in this world.
In fact, the Moulagen Museum is even listed in the Cultural properties of national significance in Switzerland.
The Moulagen Museum gives you all the information about skin diseases. The surgical results and diseases are shown in the form of wax. This special technique of Moulagen helps present the body more realistically. They also include captions to make you understand the terms.
The museum tries to explain in a manner that a medical layperson can easily understand the surgical results and diseases. The permanent exhibition showcases significant skin diseases. In addition to that, you would also be getting knowledge about the rare skin diseases, the ones that used to exist in history, and those that exist today as well.
6. View Zurich from Above with the Helicopter
Would you like to visit Zurich from above? If so, then some exciting aviation adventures are waiting for you in Zurich. You can choose from one of the many aviation experiences available while you are there.
You can fly with a helicopter or an airplane and see the city from the sky. It is amazing to see the view of the Swiss Alps from far away and above. If you are ready then buckle up and just fly away.
It is your choice if you want to choose an aircraft helicopter or a plane. Alpliner AG offers sightseeing flights, taxi flights, and helicopter flights. Heli-Züri AG and Helveticopter AG offer helicopter flights.
BB Heli AG und Helialpin AG offers not only standard flights. They also offer photography, taxi flights, as well as pilot training.
GetYourGuide can also book you a private plane ride so you can discover Zurich from above. A pleasant 1-hour flight will allow you to see Zurich from the air.
With fantastic weather, a friendly pilot, and awesome views, one of the available aviation experiences will definitely be unforgettable for you. It is recommended for couples as well.
7. Be a Maître chocolatier for the Day at Lindt Chocolateria
This is one of the experiences which allows you to make your dreams come true. Lindt Home of Chocolate opened its doors in September 2020. It has a 9-Meter high chocolate fountain, a 500-square-meter chocolate shop, and a Chocolateria.
At the Lindt Chocolateria, you can become a Maître chocolatier for the day. A Maître Chocolatier is a highly trained expert in all things chocolate. Here you can give yourself a treat of chocolate heaven while in Zurich!
As soon as you enter the premises of Lindt, you will not be able to resist. There are chocolates left and right. Not only that but you will also be given expert guidance regarding everything Lindt and Chocolate. This will allow you to learn and properly understand how you can work with it.
If you are a quick learner, you can make a personal chocolate masterpiece. There are many affordable and suitable offers available. You can make truffles and pralines. They also offer you special group events for up to 40 people. You can enjoy creating chocolates while learning about how their history and how it is produced.
If you would like to learn more about Lindt Home of Chocolate, you can check out our article The Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich: What to Expect.
8. Satisfy Your Cravings with Sweet Zürich Tour
Are you craving another sweet adventure? We know all of us deserve one. In Sweet Zürich Tour, you will learn not only about milk chocolates. Rather, you will get to know other desserts worth craving for.
If you are a true dessert lover then do not miss this one. You can enjoy confectionery, chocolates, cupcakes, and more. The team will be guiding you as well at a leisurely pace around the old town and narrow alleyways. So if you have a sweet tooth then definitely go there.
You will get to discover the 200-year-old chocolate empire. On the way, you will be sightseeing as well. There are so many sweet spots there that you might not even find in the guidebooks. You will get to taste the most authentic desserts over here in the form of truffles, chocolate bars, cupcakes, and hot chocolate. If you are keen to learn about the history of chocolate combined with a trip around Zurich, then this one is for you.
9. Ride a Tuktuk in Zurich
If you want to enjoy peaceful and effortless sightseeing, then we would suggest you book the Electric TukTuks right away. They offer you proper tours with a lot of fun. The three-wheel tuk-tuk is the most comfortable ride ever. The chauffeurs and professionals take you to the spots that are only known by the locals. You can explore the City of Limmat River individually or in groups. The best part is that you can book the tickets online.
10. Escape with Snary Mary Adventures
If you are in Zurich, you should be ready to test yourself in terms of creativity, team spirit, ambition, gaming, and problem-solving skills at Snary Mary Adventures. Imagine yourself finding clues and solving a difficult puzzle. Yes! You might be thinking that they offer Escape-Room Adventures. You can play in teams and tackle all the given challenges. You can play roles, become a magician or an art thief, and find wonders. This is an escape from the daily routine. You can use all your mind to solve puzzles when you feel like taking a break from the daily eating and sightseeing in Zurich.
11. Assemble and Disassemble a Watch at Maurice de Mauriac
At Maurice de Mauriac, you will learn in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere how to assemble and disassemble a watch together with a professional watchmaker. Here, you can create your unique timepiece by creating a mechanical watch under the eyes of the watchmaker. They go on to explain the beauty, quality, and love given to the watch created. The watchmaking workshop takes between 2 to 4 hours. It costs CHF 1,250 for a family of 6 or CHF 2,000 for a group of 10 to partake in this workshop.
12. Join a Segway Tour of Zurich
With the Segway Tour of Zurich, you can explore the city on the Limmat in a very interesting and unique way. A Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter first introduced back in 2001.
First, the Segway Guides start off by explaining how to use the Segway properly. Later, they will begin by accompanying the tourists to a quiet area of Zurich. After the tour of the city begins, anecdotes are shared about the inhabitants of the city.
The official Segway Tour with a tour guide takes three hours. It includes the introduction and the tour itself. Participants should be at least two and a maximum of eight people for the entire tour.
GetYourGuide makes it easy to book a Segway tour. Admire the magnificent parks, ride along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, and visit the beautiful Tonhalle.
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. She is based in the Lake Zurich region in Switzerland and has a second home in Grisons. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.