Toni Areal is first and foremost the campus of the Zurich University of Arts. However, the building welcomes much more than art students, which makes it a unique place to visit. The building itself has an interesting history as it was first constructed for the milk processing firm Toni. The name stayed but since 2014 the functionality changed completely. The past activities are still reflected in the spatial layout of the building which is both architecturally inspiring and a characteristic making it easy to get lost. A free one and a half hour tour tracing back the history and architectural features of the building takes place every Thursday (in German only).
Besides the building itself, Toni Areal hosts an abundant amount of events, often linked to the art students. All of them can be found on the events page of the Zurich University of Arts website. It comprises of concerts, dance shows, workshops, film projections, conferences… The building also includes one of the two sites of the Design Museum of Zurich. There you can enjoy temporary exhibitions of all kinds. Finally, the building has an amazing rooftop. You will find chairs around green spaces or facing the sunset. For the most active, a street workout cage offers the possibility to train outdoors for free and in a pleasant environment.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Zurich guide.
At Gamper Bar, simplicity meets charm. Sip eclectic wines, boutique brews, or cocktails in a cozy space — don’t miss oysters on Thursdays!
By
Explore Niederdorf’s hidden past and the Ehgraben, a historic latrine tunnel. Dive into Zurich’s offbeat stories. A must for history buffs!
By
Enjoy the incredibly aesthetic brutalist open space with high ceilings, soft concrete, and brass-finished elements. To complete the experience, take a seat in their art deco-inspired bar.
By
For an active getaway, follow one of the tens of hiking paths to wander in the forest, or navigate to Loorenkopf for an overview of the whole city with the Alps in the background.
By
To reach the spot, navigate by public transport to the tram stop Römerhof and jump on a Dolderbahn funicular. From the final stop at Dolder Grand, head to the forest and follow the signs to the Loorenkopf.
By
"Weisses Kreuz" in Zurich isn't fancy - it's probably what some people would call an 'old man's pub', but what other pub has a 'Stammtisch' for regulars?
By
At Rosi, Bavarian fine dining gets playful with dishes like "Magic Mushrooms" and "Yellow Snow." Open till midnight, it’s perfect for a fancy snack or full menu!
By
Come to Rechberg 1837 for an intimate fine dining experience, they have a green Michelin star and a 100% Swiss menu. Perfect for a romantic date night!
By
I particularly like the variety of products they offer, which can make life a lot easier if you are gluten-free and they also have several vegan options.
By
If you want to enjoy some good live jazz on Wednesdays, you should definitely try out this jam session that is clearly flirting with professionalism.
By