Yes, the grey and cold are back. We also wonder where lovely misses spring has gone. But, nevertheless, there are still plenty of things to do in Zurich on a rainy day:

Buy a thick book (read our suggestions for book shops) and spend the day reading in a cosy coffee place like Casablanca, Plüsch or Dihei.

Visit one of Zurichs many museums. Our favorites are Rietberg, Bellerive and the Museum of Design. Or chose one from the complete list Zurich Tourism made.

Brave the elements with dolce far niente: Visit the lunch cinema and treat yourself with a visit at one of Zurichs spas afterwards.

Further tips against the grey weather blues you’ll find here.

It’s that time again: once a year, 40 of Zurichs museums invite all art lovers and night owls to join their current and permanent exhibitions. This Saturday from 7pm they will be open for much of the night, offering a mix of entertainment, insights and information until 2am.

Join any of the guided tours through the museums of your interest, explore the zoo at night, eat and drink something wherever you wish, enjoy a concert at the Sukkulentensammlung or an outdoor movie at the Wildnispark, to name just a few of the opportunities.

The Kunsthaus Zurich will be awake even longer, with a party until 4am.

Admission to all participating museums is CHF 25.-
Buy a “Kombi-Ticket” and not only get free entry to the museums but also to public transport, special shuttles, museum trams and ferries and ride on free city bikes from place to place.

For details of the full programme check the official website.

By the way: a must see definitely is “The Clock” by Christian Marclay.

You don’t like this hot & sunny weather? Stay inside then and enjoy some good art or history at the Kunsthaus or the Landesmuseum. These museums aren’t overcrowded during summertime and – lucky you – they are air-conditioned.

Kunsthaus (Museum of Fine Art)
The Kunsthaus houses the most important collection of modern art in Zurich and is renowned for both its permanent art collection and its temporary exhibitions. International work of significance include paintings by Munch, Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet. Modern artistic trends are represented by Rothko, Beuys and many more.

Definitely have a look at “Riotous Baroque. From Cattelan to Zurbarán. Manifestations of Precarious Vitality”

Landesmuseum (National Museum Zurich)
Permanent exhibitions: «History of Switzerland» reveals Swiss history from the earliest times to the present day: the history of migration and settlement, the religious and intellectual history, the Swiss political history and the economic development of the country. There is also a Swiss homes & furnishings exhibition and a significant arm collection.

With the unique “Postmodernism, Style and Subversion 1970-1990” exhibition the V&A Museum from London is visiting the Landesmuseum. It shows a bold new interpretation of recent art and design history, postmodernism, and will be complemented by key Swiss representatives.

The Museum Shop is worth a visit: local handicraft as well as a whole range of “Swiss-made” design products await you.