Shopping · Zurich · Switzerland
Shopping in Zurich
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: KeanoManu, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Zurich is a city for watches, chocolate and Swiss design rather than bargains, with luxury on Bahnhofstrasse, independent shops in the Old Town and creative labels in Zurich West. Most shops close on Sundays except at the main station and airport. Best souvenirs: Swiss watches, Chocolate and Luxemburgerli and Freitag bags.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Swiss watches
Where to shop
Bahnhofstrasse
Department stores, Swiss watchmakers, jewellers and luxury fashion.
Old Town
Independent boutiques, design shops, antiques and chocolatiers in the lanes on both sides of the Limmat.
Im Viadukt and Zurich West
Swiss designers, the Freitag bag flagship and concept stores.
Main station shopping
Shops beneath the main station and in the Europaallee district, open on Sundays.
Markets
Bürkliplatz flea market
An open-air flea market by the lake on Saturdays in the warmer months, with antiques, books and vintage items.
Markthalle Im Viadukt
Covered food market under the railway arches with Swiss cheese, bread and deli counters.
Christkindlimarkt
Large Christmas market inside the main station hall, plus smaller markets in the Old Town and at Sechseläutenplatz.
What to buy
Swiss watches
From accessible Swiss brands to luxury houses along Bahnhofstrasse.
Chocolate and Luxemburgerli
Bars and truffles travel well; Luxemburgerli should be eaten within a few days.
Freitag bags
Bags and accessories made from recycled truck tarpaulins by a Zurich company.
Swiss army knives
Classic multi-tools sold in department stores and specialist shops.
Tirggel biscuits
Embossed Zurich honey biscuits, a traditional Christmas gift.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Street · City and Lindenhof
Bahnhofstrasse
Zurich's best-known luxury shopping street runs 1.4 km from the main station to the lake, mostly car-free and served by trams.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- Iconic
- Free
- Food
Neighbourhood · Zurich West
Im Viadukt and Zurich West
The arches of a 19th-century railway viaduct now hold design shops, cafés and the Markthalle food hall, running for about 500 metres through Kreis 5.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Architecture
- After dark
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Luxemburgerli, Swiss chocolate, Plaited bread and Tirggel. Sprüngli's shops, including the café on Paradeplatz and in the main station. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| City and Lindenhof | $$$$ | Left-bank Old Town, banks and luxury shops along Bahnhofstrasse |
| Zurich West | $$$ | Former factory district of railway arches, design stores, clubs and the Prime Tower |
| Langstrasse | $$ | Zurich's grittiest, most diverse district of bars, kebab shops and budget hotels |
| Seefeld | $$$$ | Upmarket lakeside district of the Opera House, promenades and the Zürichhorn park |
| Oerlikon | $$ | Northern district with a major rail hub, business hotels and the Hallenstadion arena |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in CHF. Service is included in prices. Rounding up or leaving about 5–10% for good table service is customary but not required.
- Greet shop and restaurant staff with 'Grüezi' (or 'Grüezi mitenand' to a group).
- The ZürichCARD covers transport, including the airport train, plus museum entries; it pays off on a busy sightseeing day.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January–March and November; the busiest months are the peak holidays.
- July: Züri Fäscht — city festival with fireworks, held every three years (early July)
- August: Zürcher Theater Spektakel — international theatre festival on the lakeshore (usually late August)
- September: Knabenschiessen — youth shooting contest and funfair (usually the second weekend of September)
- September: Zurich Film Festival (late September to early October)
- November: Christmas markets open (usually late November)
Staying near the shops
$$$$ · Best for luxury, shopping and first-timers
City and Lindenhof
Left-bank Old Town, banks and luxury shops along Bahnhofstrasse
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Zurich?
Swiss watches, Chocolate and Luxemburgerli, Freitag bags and Swiss army knives.
+Where is the best shopping in Zurich?
Bahnhofstrasse: Department stores, Swiss watchmakers, jewellers and luxury fashion.
+What are the best markets in Zurich?
Bürkliplatz flea market, Markthalle Im Viadukt and Christkindlimarkt.