Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich's main shopping avenue. It is mostly pedestrian-only, with tram access to the city's transportation network. The streets are lined with luxury retailers and fine-dining restaurants.

Bahnhofstrasse begins at the Zurich HB central railway station, which fronts Bahnhofplatz, or "Station Square." From there, it continues southwards until the shore of Lake Zurich at Bürkliplatz.

Along its route, the street passes through several famous Zurich town squares, including Paradeplatz. This is a notoriously expensive real estate zone, where you will find the Swiss banks headquartered.

The street was created at the same time that the central rail station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof, was created in the 1870s. It was built on the moats that protected the original fortified city of Zurich.

Why You Should Visit:
Bahnhofstrasse is the center of old Zurich. From this central avenue, Rennweg and Augustinergasse lead off into the picturesque city. Anything you might be looking for in the town is likely centered off of this area, including dining, shopping, arts and entertainment, and all of the main tourist attractions.

Tips:
City trams connect the street with the rest of town. Master the tram system, and you can get anywhere you need to go.

Every corner of the street has a special treat to uncover. Don't miss mulled wine or hot chocolates at the rooftop bars during the colder months or strolling the lakeside in the summer.

In addition to the luxury brand shops on the street, check out the ShopVille shopping center under the Zurich HB. Here you'll find less expensive treats and food for any budget.

Most businesses are closed on Sundays, except in the train station and ShopVille.

A symbol of quality, freshness, variety, and overall excellence, when it comes to chocolate-making, the premium manufacturer of finest handcrafted Swiss chocolate Läderach was founded in Ennenda (Switzerland) in 1962 by Rudolph Läderach. Since 2018, this family-owned business has been run by the third generation of Läderach chocolatiers, maintaining the tradition of discovery and innovation.

In 1970, Rudolf Läderach Jr. invented a revolutionary process of manufacturing thin-walled hollow balls for truffles, rendering the professional manufacture of chocolate truffles easier and significantly improving their quality, taste and texture. In 2008 the company launched a new brand “Läderach Chocolatier Suisse” timed with the opening of show confectioneries in their spacious boutiques on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich and Spitalgasse in Bern. In 2018, Elias Läderach of the the world-famous family beat 19 international competitors to win the title of World Chocolate Masters in Paris.

The inventor of FrischSchoggi (Fresh Chocolate), MaClair, Mini Mousses and other finest premium chocolates and pralines with incomparable tastes, today Läderach stands not only for finest premium products, but also for a family-minded social responsibility, fostering ecological thinking.

All Läderach chocolates are handcrafted masterpieces made of handpicked and selected ingredients, with great passion and professional handcraft ensuring their utmost quality.

Since the 16th century the Swiss have been perfecting the art of timekeeping. With superior craftsmanship and elegant design, Swiss brand watches have become world famous, with most top brands boasting the prestigious and strictly standardized “Swiss Made” description as a selling feature. So what better place in the world to pick up a funky new Swatch, or invest in a lifelong relationship with a classy Breitling, than in Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich?

The Bahnhofstrasse (Station Street), leading from Zurich’s central train station, has been called one of the best shopping streets in the world. From top designer boutiques, to touristy shops, and diverse department stores, the Bahnhoffstrasse offers many options for those wishing to purchase a Swiss-made timepiece. The sophisticated Les Ambassedeurs store at Bahnhofstrasse 64, or the new Patek Phillip boutique at Bahnhofstrasse 31, will flatter you with movie star treatment if you are in the market for a new Rolex or Chopard.

For those looking for a more varied shopping experience, Manor department store has the largest selection of watches on the block. Manor sells Swatch’s youthful new brand Flik Flak, starting at 35 francs, a special Tissot for 7500 francs, and everything in between.

What to buy here: “Swiss Made” watches | Cheese fondue set | Mondaine Railway Clock | Raclette maker

No passionate carnivore gourmet visiting Zurich should ever pass by Prétôt Delikatessen on Kuttelgasse. The name of this street (“Tripe alley”) rings the bell and fits the profile perfectly. As for the place itself, this treasure-trove of a sausage shop offers a wide range of smoked and air-dried meats from all over Switzerland, boasting the highest quality and appealing to different tastes. The large slates on display announce all the current and seasonal specialties, and lure passers-by in their numbers. Even with your eyes closed, you can't miss it, really, as the smell of something deliciously smoked greets you at the door.

Here you will find superb Bündner and Walliser beef, Saint Galler bratwurst and smoked Röteli from Lake Zug, Saint Gallen sausage for children and Olmabratwurst from several butchers available in different sizes and tastes. There is Andouiette de veau, the wonderful inner sausage with tripe; small, spicy salice from Ticino and all kinds of saucissons raw and cooked to eat, such as thick boutefas from Welschland, dried beef and lamb from Engadine and Valais. Boiled sausages from Appenzellerland, Schüblige from Zurich and the surrounding area, plus the numerous blood and liver sausages, merguez and luganighe, are also present in rich supply. The list is almost endless.

Practically every Swiss village with a good sausage butcher is featured in this sausage paradise, which stands almost exotic amid the neighboring boutiques.

Lindenhof is a hilltop park situated at the site of a Roman fortification, right in Altstadt on the banks of the Limmat. The Roman settlement here is known to go back to the second century, and the castle was used throughout the fifth and sixth centuries. A citadel was built on the hilltop in the fourth century, which had two-meter wide walls and ten towers. The castle was refurbished for Louis the German in the ninth century, but by the 13th, it had been abandoned, and the stones were being repurposed for other buildings in town.

While the Romans get most of the credit for first settling the area, Lindenhof had been important for the town well before that. As far back as the Neolithic and Bronze Age, from 4,500 to 850 BC, settlements have been centered here. Back then, the Sihl flooded most of the lower land, making the elevated hill ideal for settlement.

Since the 1700s, the area has been used as a public park. Bow and crossbow shooting was the primary draw in the early days.

A large fountain in the park, known as the Hedwig Fountain, commemorates the 1292 siege of Zurich by Duke Albert I of German. During the siege, Zurich's women dressed in full battle gear and tricked the Duke into believing that the city was protected. In reality, all of the men of Zurich were away at the time at another battlefront. The fountain was built in 1912 by sculptor Gustav Siber.

Why You Should Visit:
The Lindenhof is a great spot to capture stunning pictures of Zurich. The elevation means getting a bird's eye view of the rivers and the lake. It's a quiet green space where you can pause in between your other adventures. There are playgrounds for the kids and a giant outdoor chess board for fun.

Tips:
You can see the second-century Roman tombstone, found on this site in 1747, that bears the earliest record of "Turicum," which was Zurich's Roman name. It's on display at the Swiss National Museum. There is a copy on display in the Lindenhof.

There are numerous festivals and events held throughout the year; check with the tourism office to see if any are planned during your visit.

The Steiff Galerie in Zurich is more than just a retail space; it serves as a gateway to a realm where childhood imagination merges with the enchantment of plush toys. Established by artist Margarete Steiff, who pioneered the creation of the stuffed elephant in 1880, this innovation eventually led to the birth of the iconic Teddy Bears in 1906. The Zurich outlet embodies a delightful assortment of plush wonders, featuring classic teddy bears, arctic and marine creatures, exotic animals, delightful keychains, as well as beloved rocking horses, elephants, and bears, all synonymous with superior quality.

Covering an area of 50 square meters, the Steiff Galerie beckons visitors into the soft, captivating world of Steiff. It not only presents timeless teddy bears catering to all age groups but also showcases exclusive collector's pieces distinguished by the iconic "button in the ear" emblem. This symbol of quality and authenticity underscores Steiff's unwavering commitment to excellence, echoing Margarete Steiff's ethos: "Only the best is good enough for our children." Each Steiff creation is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, echoing the founder's dedication.

The Steiff Galerie pays homage to her spirit and the enduring allure of the Steiff brand, woven together by the commitment and quality consciousness of its staff. It narrates a tale of dreams fulfilled, intertwining Margarete Steiff's personal journey with the enduring heritage of the company she established, making it a destination not to be missed for anyone seeking to rediscover the magic of childhood.

Augustinian Street (Augustinergasse), located in the center of Zürich, represents the city's medieval past mixed with its modern energy. Originally named after the Augustinian Abbey, now the Augustinian Church (Augustinerkirche), this old street is a lively pedestrian area in the heart of Zürich's downtown. The church, once the hub of a convent that ended in 1525, is now used by the Christ Catholic community. Although it appears modest compared to the vibrant street, it holds historical significance.

In the past, Augustinian Street played a vital role in connecting various parts of the medieval city, like Münsterhof, Saint Peterhofstatt, and the Münzplatz, to the city gates and defenses. Its importance was further solidified when it became part of the southern extension of the Seeuferanlage promenades between 1881 and 1887. This made it not only an essential part of the city's layout but also a popular spot in Zürich's oldest neighborhood.

The street reflects Zürich's transition from a medieval craft center to a place of wealth and artistic expression. Starting from the 17th century, affluent factory owners moved in, leading to a competition to create the most impressive facades. This resulted in beautifully decorated wooden bay windows on the colorful houses that now line the street, making it one of the city's most charming areas. Nowadays, these buildings house shops, cafes, and restaurants catering to tourists, adding to the street's lively vibe.

The Augustinian Street illustrates Zürich's ability to retain its historical charm while embracing modern urban life. It offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past, showcasing the creativity of medieval artisans and the later inhabitants' wealth and architectural ambition. Therefore, it's not just a street but a cultural symbol, representing Zürich's spirit and evolution over time.

Based in Zurich and housed within a historic building dating back to 1647 in the Old Town, Teuscher Confiserie has been serving customers since 1932. The company prides itself on the top-notch quality of its offerings, crafted solely from natural ingredients, eschewing any use of chemicals, even in their sugar-free options.

In line with Swiss confectionery traditions, Teuscher not only specializes in chocolates but also offers an extensive array of pastries and cookies, handcrafting over 200 varieties of sweet treats. Among their notable creations are the Champagne Truffles, a pioneering delicacy made with champagne and buttercream, encased in a dark chocolate ganache derived from 66% cocoa. Each truffle is coated in either milk chocolate with a dusting of confectioner's sugar, or dark chocolate with a coating of unsweetened cocoa powder. Additionally, Teuscher boasts a diverse selection of chocolates, ranging from 55% to 99% cocoa content, in intervals of 11%.

The flagship store, situated on the renowned Bahnhofstrasse, epitomizes the enchanting world of Teuscher. Adorned with vibrant decorations and brimming with delightful assortments of chocolates, pralines, fruit jellies, marzipans, and exquisite truffles, it offers a welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance exudes warmth, and the staff consistently exhibit politeness and friendliness, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

The Beyer Clock and Watch Museum in Zurich represents one of the best private collections of time pieces. This is not surprising, since the Swiss are known for their fine craftsmanship when it comes to watches. The museum represents the private collection of Theodor Beyer, a prominent Swiss family that has owned the Beyer shop since the mid-1700s.

The Beyer shop is the oldest watch and clock store in Switzerland. The museum is located in three rooms in the basement of a retail store and has quite an impressive collection of time-keeping devices. The displays are arranged chronologically (how appropriate for a watch museum), starting with rustic, non-mechanical clocks, such as sundials, then going on up to contemporary pocket watches with intricate detail. There are also grandfather clocks, other wall and floor clocks, shepherds clocks and hour glasses.

Some particularly unique items in the museum include watches made 100% from hardwood or ivory and an original rolling ball clock. There are other items in the museum that are not directly related to watches, including astronomic and geographical tools. Nominal entry fee for adults and children under 12 are free.

This busy square off on Bahnhofstrasse is lined with famous Swiss banks. It lies right on the tram lines and in the middle of the shopping district. It lies at the intersection of Paradeplatz, Talacker, Poststrasse, and Bleicherweg. Credit Suisse and UBS both have headquarters here. Property here is some of the most expensive in the world, leading the area to be synonymous with wealth.

The present-day Paradeplatz was outside of the original city walls but was incorporated in 1642 with the addition of more ramparts. In the 17th century, the area was a livestock market. It got its name in 1865 at the time that Bahnhofstrasse was created. Trams in the area were first horse-drawn and then electrified in 1896.

The buildings surrounding the square date from the mid-1800s. The Credit Suisse building to the north was build in 1873. The hotel Baur en Ville opened in 1838, and it is Zurich's oldest grand hotel. The building was completely demolished in the 1970s to bring it up to code and make it more comfortable, but the original facade was preserved and reconstructed.

Of particular note on the Paradeplatz is the Sprüngli Cafe, world-renown for their chocolates. This luxury confectionery shop has been open since 1859, though Rudolf Sprüngli had been operating in Zurich since 1836.

Founded in 1836 by Rudolf Sprüngli, the luxury confectionery Confiserie Sprüngli is one of Zurich’s very first chocolate makers. However, the company has been renowned internationally primarily for its signature macarons, "Luxemburgerli" invented by a Sprüngli confectioner from Luxembourg. In 1892, the chocolate-producing branch of the business split off from the confectionery and now operates independently as Lindt & Sprüngli. Their assortment includes an immense range of chocolates with various fillings, pralines, and truffles, of which the most recognizable are the Grand Cru truffles.

Now in the hands of the family's sixth generation – since 1994, Sprüngli has several locations in Zurich: one in the central train station and two on Bahnhoffstrasse, at No. 21 and 67.

The Sprüngli café on Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse 21, is a traditional meeting place for the elderly ladies of Zürich's upper class. Local folklore has it that the young men who attend this café alone may signal their availability to the well-to-do females by turning over coffee spoons in their cups. But according to the company's director, this is a persistent myth reflecting Zurich's more puritanical past, when the Sprüngli café was one of the few places where upper-class women could talk to strangers without risking their reputation.

As you may have noticed, Zurich’s skyline is dotted with church spires; however, none are as remarkable as the slender blue spire of the Fraumünster. In 853 Emperor Ludwig founded a Benedictine convent on this site and his daughter became the first abbess of the convent. In 874 a basilica with a crypt was added. The crypt holds the relics of the martyred two Patron Saints of Zurich, Felix and Regula.

The present church on the site dates from the mid 13th century, but the crypt still remains beneath the church. Reformation closed the convent and in 1524, the last abbess donated the church and abbey to City of Zurich. All icons and religious imagery were destroyed.

The church underwent a remodel in the 1970, with the installation of beautiful stained glass windows by the famous Russian-French modernist artist Marc Chagall. The five windows are 10 meters high and each has its own color theme. On the northern side is the red-orange “Prophet” window. On the eastern side, the windows are named “Jacob”, “Christ”, and “Zion”, from left to right. The south wall piece is called “Law”.

Why You Should Visit:
Reasonable entry fee and definitely worth stepping in to admire the lovely Marc Chagall stained glass windows.
Included in the ticket is a very good audio guide that really brings the building and the 5 windows to life.

Tip:
Be sure to bring Swiss francs as only cash is accepted.
NO PHOTOS of the Marc Chagall windows allowed inside.

If you long for a break from sightseeing in Zurich's Old Town, Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren may be a good place to stop by for a drink and some sweets. This historic gourmet grocery store and coffee roastery has its origins in the family business that was established by Heini Schwarzenbach in 1864 and by now has become one of the most recognizable and popular destinations for local foodies and tourists alike.

The historic interior and old-world charm of the place make it a unique and memorable shopping experience. Indeed, the store is known for its impressive variety of products of high-quality and superb flavor such as dried fruits, natural honey, jams, syrups, pulses, rice, wine, chocolate and sweets, and other gourmet items, not to mention great choice of coffee beans and teas sourced from all over the world.

At Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren they still roast their own coffee using only the best beans, which you may sample in their small café next door. There, along with a cup of coffee or tea, customers can also enjoy a selection of baked goods.

Located in the heart of Zürich's Old Town, the Curiosity Rosenhof Market stands out as a significant highlight in Switzerland's lively market scene. Operating from March to November, this craft market brings vibrancy to the charming Rosenhof square, providing a picturesque backdrop that reflects the city's rich history. Featuring an eclectic range of exotic and Swiss handicrafts, including bespoke clothing, intricately designed jewelry, precious gemstones, leather goods, pottery, and antiques, the market caters to diverse tastes.

What distinguishes the Rosenhof Market is its bohemian atmosphere, reminiscent of a past era dominated by hippie fashion and trinkets. This unique vibe is enhanced by refreshment stalls, making the market not only a place to shop but also to unwind and enjoy. Offering often one-of-a-kind products, each visit promises a unique exploration experience.

Despite its modest size, the Rosenhof Market draws a significant crowd, attracting artists, traders, and shoppers every Thursday and Saturday. Its appeal lies not only in the quality and variety of goods but also in the lively atmosphere that captures the essence of Zürich's dynamic city center. With its enticing array of food options and high-quality merchandise, the market reflects Zürich's thriving market culture, catering to bargain hunters and leisurely strollers alike. As one of Zürich's premier shopping destinations, the Curiosity Rosenhof Market is a must-visit for those seeking to immerse themselves in local culture and discover unique, top-notch items in an enchanting setting.

Building on the tradition of superior watchmaking skills, Switzerland is also famous for their intricately made music boxes. The first music box factories were opened in Switzerland in the early 19th century and at one time the industry surpassed that of watchmaking.

Today, Swiss music boxes still feature the same function, playing songs like “Edelweiss” and the “Happy Wanderer” via metal cylinders and pins. High-end music boxes allow cylinders to be changed in order to play many different songs. The classic style of Swiss music boxes has not changed from its day of invention, but today a much larger selection is available. Boxes are available with hand painted scenes of olden day hikers and shepherds, or come fashioned as wooden Swiss chalets with detailed carving of flowers and water troughs.

More contemporary designs are also available: a transparent box that allows the incredible inner-workers be seen, or the “Rolls Royce” of music boxes, a large polished inlaid wooden box with changeable rules, sold for 10,000 francs. Schweizer Heimatwerk has the best selection of wooden handmade music boxes, priced from 100 francs to the 10,000-franc art piece.

What to buy here: Swiss Music boxes