Things to see and do Zurich

What's not to love about "poking around" in the nooks and crannies of the old town to find Ali Baba's barracks of toys from yesteryear? This small museum is an exquisite discovery: a collection of toys from the ^18th to the ^20th century forms a miniature world that takes us into the everyday life of these eras. Beautifully preserved dolls, cars, figurines and children's books take visitors back to the lost world of childhood. A collection that never gets old!

This Haus Konstruktiv museum is the perfect way to keep up with the latest artistic trends! Its collections are housed in the former Selnau power station. It was founded by the Zurich artists behind the concrete and constructive art movement. Constructive art, it should be remembered, expresses the desire to link technical advances in construction with abstraction. The museum offers exhibitions of concrete and conceptual contemporary art. Of particular interest is "The Rockefeller Dining Room" by Swiss artist Fritz Glarner.

The small tram museum tells the history of Zurich through its urban transport and specifically its tramway, which has a long tradition in the city. Visitors are offered an interesting journey into the world of trams: old vehicles (from 1897 to 1960), drivers' uniforms, ticket machines, miniatures and even a giant model of the traffic network. Some of the vintage vehicles run on the VBZ line 21 between January and November every last weekend of the month between Burgwies and the old town.

When the former orphanage was renovated at the beginning of the 20th century, the cellar became the entrance to the present Zurich police building. In 1924, Augusto Giacometti painted frescoes with other artist friends that give an incredible light to the dark vaults. The paintings represent the trades that contributed to the development of the city. The ceilings are adorned with beautiful flowers in orange and brick tones which have given their name to this very special place which the people of Zurich call Blüemlihalle (the hall of flowers). Not to be missed!

The Design Museum has moved to a second location (the first location was on Ausstellungsstrasse in the modern city) in the Toni-Areal in the trendy Zurich West district. The museum offers beautiful exhibitions on design, visual communication, media, photography and architecture. In particular, the museum's collections from its archives are of international importance: posters, graphic art, decorative arts, etc. since the beginning of industrialization. Workshops are also offered.

Opened to the public in 1952, the museum consists of three period villas (one of which was inhabited by the famous composer Richard Wagner) and its park (the Rieterpark), one of the most beautiful in the city. In 2002, a modern extension was added to the museum's traditional architecture (increasing its size by 125%): the exhibition rooms are located in a green glass pavilion called the Emerald. The museum offers a panorama of non-European art and houses treasures from Asia, Africa, America and Oceania.

The Kunsthalle (not to be confused with the Kunsthaus in Zurich) has 1,300 square metres of exhibition space where you can experience the past, present and future of contemporary art. The Kunsthalle is one of the most influential museums in the field of contemporary art and enjoys a good international reputation. Here you can discover (or rediscover) artists who are well established on the contemporary art scene, but also lesser-known, more underground talents. Exchanges, screenings and events are held throughout the year. It's a blast!

The Tourist Information Office in the main railway station has numerous maps of the city and the region. You can also buy the Zürich Card there. Reception in French. Offers high quality guided tours of the city (on foot, by bus, by Segway...). Like a Swiss Army knife, the office offers you tour options and suggestions for getting to know the secrets of the city. You will be invited to download the application with the streets and the must-see places of the city. You will be guided for visits in the area such as the Lindt Museum.

In summer, Zurich beach is only located on the lake with a floating swimming pool and first-class facilities. Attended by a diverse clientele ranging from families to gays. The official gay beach is near the restaurant.

5 minutes from the Opera House, the oldest badi in the city was built in the 19th century on the shores of the lake. As elegant as it was at the time with its wooden structures, it includes mixed and single terraces, pleasant access to the lake, a sauna, a good restaurant serving tapas and even a bar with a trendy musical program. Quite chic.

A stone's throw from Burkliplatz, this badi consists of two wooden pools (one mixed, the other for women), set on the lake with a clear view where the Alps point to the horizon. Wellness activities are offered: yoga, massages, shiatsu and sauna in winter. In the evening, the music starts and the atmosphere rises while remaining zen.

100% reserved for women, this Art Nouveau style river badi has a nostalgic charm and a superb view of the old town. During the day, women meet to sunbathe and swim in complete privacy, while in the evening, the place turns into a trendy bar, the Barfussbar (the "barefoot bar") where men are more than welcome!

Immersing yourself in art, experiencing it from the inside out, is made possible by the exhibitions at Lichtalle Maag. In the same vein as the Atelier des Lumières in Paris, this museum is designed to be interactive, so that you yourself become an actor in the work. The paintings "fly" around you using projections, lighting effects and futuristic supports. In an immersive way, you are projected into works such as Van Gogh's Starry Night.