Sight guide · Zurich · Switzerland
Visiting 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.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Im Viadukt and Zurich West is a neighbourhood in Zurich West, Zurich. Allow 2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Neighbourhood
- Area
- Zurich West
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, shopping, food and architecture
- Best months
- April and September–October
About 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. Nearby, the Freitag flagship store is a tower of stacked shipping containers with a viewing deck, and Frau Gerolds Garten is a seasonal garden bar beside the tracks.
Tip: Climb the Freitag tower for a free look over the railway lines, then eat at the Markthalle.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Zurich West, former factory district of railway arches, design stores, clubs and the Prime Tower.
Best time to visit Im Viadukt and Zurich West
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- September: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Zurich has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Zurich itinerary visits Im Viadukt and Zurich West on day 1, together with Niederdorf and the right-bank Old Town, Grossmünster and Polybahn and Polyterrasse.
- No. 12 of the 18 sights in our Zurich things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Zurich.
If you like Im Viadukt and Zurich West
- Niederdorf and the right-bank Old Town — Niederdorf, 2 hours
- Bahnhofstrasse — City and Lindenhof, 1 hour
Staying near Im Viadukt and Zurich West
Stay in Zurich West ($$$) to walk here: former factory district of railway arches, design stores, clubs and the Prime Tower. All areas to stay in Zurich.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Im Viadukt and Zurich West?
Plan 2 hours.
+Is Im Viadukt and Zurich West free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Im Viadukt and Zurich West?
April and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Climb the Freitag tower for a free look over the railway lines, then eat at the Markthalle.
+Do I need to book Im Viadukt and Zurich West in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.