Discover our locals' 181 hidden gems in Zurich

Uncover Zurich’s hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! From charming cafes to unique riverside bars and venues, our Spotters reveal the city's true charm. Experience Zurich through the eyes of true locals.

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City guides by those who know Zurich best!

Knowing Zurich in and out!

Our Zurich Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Zurich like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Zurich through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Zurich

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Zurich

Things to do in Zurich

Ars-imago

Paradise for film photography

Here you can buy any type of film for any camera, papers of all sorts, develop your photographs or get all the chemicals and accessories needed to do so.

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Shopping

by

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Apr 25, 2025

Chiang Mai Take Away

Thai Street Food Near HB

Chiang Mai Take Away is a cozy spot near the HB serving fresh Thai (and now Chinese) dishes. Fast, flavorful, and perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants

by

Marion

Sima Woessner

Apr 25, 2025
Schrödinger's Cat Zurich

Schrödinger's Cat

Experience the paradox

The cat isn't just a playful representation of Schrödinger's thought experiment, but it also invites the viewer to take part in the experiment.

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Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025

Mühlerama

All things bread

You can book classical courses making sourdough, croissants, or puff pastry dough. But they also have more exciting options like a pasta-making course.

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Art & culture
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Restaurants

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025
Papiersaal Zurich

Papiersaal

Where History Meets Entertainment

Papiersaal is known for its events and its extraordinary stage. Music sounds better with their 180-degree stage and unique industrial but stylish ambiance.

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Music
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Restaurants

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025

Freitag Tower

A flagship store in a tower

The structure consists of 19 shipping containers stacked on top of each other. The Freitag Tower is beautiful and also functions as a flagship store.

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Shopping

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025

Haus Konstruktiv

A Modern Art Haven

Haus Konstruktiv may appear unassuming from the outside, but you should not judge a book by its cover, at least not in this case.

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Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025
Augusto Giacometti Halle Zurich

Augusto Giacometti Halle

Art in a Police Station

It all began when Zurich launched a competition to paint the entrance hall of a municipal building. They aimed to brighten up the dark and gloomy place...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025
The Polybahn Zurich

The Polybahn

A red funicular

The Polybahn is a funicular that was created in 1889. With an average slope of 23%, it takes you from Römerhof to Bergstation Dolder Bahn.

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Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025
Toy Museum Zurich

Toy Museum

Timeline of toys

For example, old dollhouses show how domestic life used to look like and dolls fashion. Train sets and steam engines reflect the beginnings of technology.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025

Toni Areal

All in one place

Besides the building itself, Toni Areal hosts an abundant amount of events, often linked to the art students. There is an amazing rooftop as well!

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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea
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Music

by

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Apr 20, 2025

Zurichberg

View over the city and the lake

Zurichberg might be less touristy than Uetliberg but is still popular among locals. Picnics, couples, and runners can be expected, especially on Sundays!

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Relaxing

by

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Apr 20, 2025

Heading to Zurich?

181 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Zurich?

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✓ Authentic Stories

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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