Top Things to Do in Zurich: Why GamePlaza Video Game Museum Belongs on Your Bucket List

Jul 14, 2026 | articles

Zurich is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and diverse cities in Europe. The city on the Limmat River captivates with its picturesque old town, the beautiful lake, and a vibrant cultural scene. But anyone looking for truly unique things to do in Zurich often realizes quickly: the classic recommendations tend to repeat themselves. The umpteenth walk along the lake promenade or a standard visit to the usual museums eventually loses its charm. You crave variety, something interactive that sparks emotions and brings people together.

This is exactly where GamePlaza comes in. With our interactive video game museum at Badenerstrasse 569, we have created a venue that has established itself as one of the most innovative places to visit in Zurich. We don’t offer dusty display cases; we offer a vibrant, loud, and fascinating piece of pop culture you can actually touch. If you are planning extraordinary Zurich activities, we’ll show you why GamePlaza is an absolute must-visit.

 

A Paradise for Explorers: More Than Just Standard “Leisure Activities Zurich”

When searching for classic leisure activities in Zurich, you often find options that are either passive (like the cinema) or come with high additional costs. At GamePlaza, we have deliberately chosen a different path that guarantees absolute transparency and boundless fun. Our revolutionary “Free Play” concept means: buy one ticket, play unlimited.

Adults pay 22 CHF, children (6-15 years) 19 CHF. As soon as you enter the museum, you no longer need your wallet. No coins, no tokens, no hidden fees. All arcade machines, home consoles, modern PC setups, and even the virtual reality experiences are fully included in the admission price. You can restart any game as many times as you like. This makes us one of the fairest and most thrilling activities Zurich currently has to offer.

 

An Interactive Journey Through Time: From the Origins to the 32-Bit Era

What sets GamePlaza apart from ordinary arcades is our curatorial, museum-like approach. We take you on a journey through the fascinating history of hardware and software. Here, the history of technology isn’t just explained; it’s physically experienced.

For tech enthusiasts and historians, we offer true milestones. Where else do you have the opportunity to admire the legendary Magnavox Odyssey—the world’s very first commercial home video game console from the 1970s—up close? We highlight the technological evolution further through the iconic Commodore 64 home computer, which shaped an entire generation of programmers and gamers, all the way to the complex architectures of the 32-bit era. Fans of this period can marvel at masterpieces like the Sega Saturn and indulge in nostalgic memories.

But the arcade fans also get their money’s worth during our Zurich activities. Grab the iconic light gun and test your reflexes on the original Time Crisis 3 cabinet, or engage in a sweat-inducing, fast-paced match with your friends on the Virtua Tennis 4 cabinet. It is this incomparable mix of technical documentation and pure, unadulterated gaming fun that makes GamePlaza so special.

 

Perfect for Unforgettable Day Trips Zurich

Whether you are a local or visiting Switzerland as a tourist—GamePlaza is the ideal addition to your day trips in Zurich. Since the access duration per time slot is two hours, a visit to our museum can be perfectly combined with other plans in the city. You can stroll through the city center in the morning and dive into virtual worlds with us in the afternoon.

Furthermore, we truly cater to all interests. While nostalgics get lost in the retro corners, technology fans can put on our Virtual Reality headsets and experience gaming at the cutting edge of tech. This bridge between the past and the future ensures there is something amazing for everyone to discover, regardless of age or prior gaming experience.

 

Important Updates: Summer Holidays and Museum Closure 2026

  • We are open all week! To properly celebrate the summer holidays, we have expanded our opening hours. From Monday, July 13 to Sunday, July 26, 2026, our doors are open to you all week long. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick-start your holiday adventures!
  • Important Summer Closure: For your long-term planning of things to do in Zurich, please note that the GamePlaza museum will subsequently take a short summer break. From Monday, July 27, 2026, to Sunday, August 9, 2026, the museum will remain completely closed. Be sure to take advantage of the days before then to come visit us!

 

Practical Tips for Your Visit

  • Address: GamePlaza, Badenerstrasse 569, 8048 Zurich (1st floor).
  • How to get there: We are excellently connected to public transport. From the “Kappeli” stop (accessible via Tram 2 or Bus 89), it is only a 5-minute walk to our entrance.
  • Parking: If you are arriving by car, we recommend the nearby “Parkhaus Letzipark” (up to 3 hours of free parking from Monday to Saturday during shopping center hours). Alternatively, the “Buckhauserstrasse 36 Parking” is a great option.
  • Ticket Booking: To provide the best experience for all guests, capacity is limited to 60 people per time slot. We therefore strongly advise reserving your tickets in advance on our website gameplaza.ch. Admission starts on the hour (10:00, 11:00, etc.). Please be on time so you can fully enjoy your two hours of playtime!
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