Rien ne va plus: Zurich Old Town's specialist game shop

What it is

Rien ne va plus is a specialist game shop on Oberdorfstrasse in Zurich's historic Old Town. It is best understood as a focused retail stop rather than an attraction in the sightseeing sense: a place to browse board games, compare titles, ask for recommendations, and leave with a purchase. The setting is central and urban, with the medieval street pattern, landmark buildings, and steady pedestrian traffic of the Oberdorf area just outside the door.

What the visit feels like

The experience is usually short and purposeful. You step into a compact shop, scan the shelves, and move between familiar titles and more niche hobby stock. The atmosphere is specialist and enthusiast-led rather than decorative or theatrical. There is little reason to linger unless you are choosing a gift or looking for a particular game, but that is part of the appeal: the shop rewards visitors who know what they want, and it can also work well for travellers who want a practical, locally run alternative to generic souvenir shopping.

Why travellers come here

Visitors come for the selection and the location. The shop sits in one of Zurich's most walkable central districts, close to Grossmünster and other Old Town landmarks, so it fits neatly into a sightseeing circuit. It is especially useful for board-game hobbyists, families buying gifts, teens with an interest in games, and solo travellers who want a quick, useful stop between churches, lanes, and riverfront walks. The merchandise is the main draw; there is no café culture or exhibition element to extend the visit.

Practical expectations

Plan on a brief stop of around 20 to 45 minutes, longer only if you are comparing several games or asking detailed questions. The shop is indoors and works year-round, so weather mainly affects the walk to and from the store. Weekdays are generally calmer than Saturdays, while December and holiday periods are likely to be busier. Public transport and walking are the easiest ways to reach it from central Zurich; driving is less convenient in the old-town street network. Facilities are likely limited, so do not expect visitor-centre services or extensive amenities. If you are after a specific title, it is sensible to check stock before making the trip.