Where to go shopping in Zurich

Switzerland is unusual in lots of ways. Surrounded by EU countries, Switzerland remains staunchly independent, maintaining its culture and its three official languages and operating as it has for generations as a hub of international finance and business.

It's also unusual in that it doesn't really have a capital. While Bern is home to many of the federal institutions required to run the country, Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland and acts as a kind of cultural capital. It's also a beautiful and historic city with roots that go back to Roman times and a wonderful introduction to this fascinating country.

If you had to describe Zurich in a single word, that word might be luxury. After all, all that money from international finance has to go somewhere, and the result is that Zurich is packed with both department stores and fashionable boutiques selling luxury brands to the international jet set. This is the kind of place where you can buy local delicacies like expensive Swiss cheese and truffles from vending machines, which gives you no idea of the kind of clientele you'll be rubbing shoulders with here.

From the elegant boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse to the indie shops of Zurich West and the vibrant markets along the lake, Zurich promises an exceptional shopping experience for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re seeking Swiss watches, artisanal chocolates, or cutting-edge fashion, shopping in Zurich is the perfect choice for retail therapy. And Bounce is the perfect place when you need a Zurich storage location to look after your excess shopping bags in the city for a few hours or an entire day.

All you need to know when shopping in Zurich

Shopping in Zurich is a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan charm. This beautiful lakeside city is a place where you could spend an almost infinite amount of money, and certainly, the prices in the upscale boutiques are enough to give almost anyone sticker shock. With that said, though, this beautiful city is still a real place where people live their daily lives, and so you can still find bargains even in a place known for being wildly expensive. Check out the weekly markets and some of the specialty stores, and you can not only save money on your shopping trip to the Swiss Alps, but you can also get a more authentic experience of what local life is all about.

Shopping architecture

Zurich’s shopping districts vary widely, from the upscale Bahnhofstrasse and its luxury boutiques to Zurich West, a district known for its creative vibe and independent stores. Outdoor markets and specialty shops are also scattered across the city. In the historic center, you'll mostly find expensive shops aimed at the international rich, but trouble just a little further away from this part of town, and you can see a whole other side to Zurich.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Zurich are open from 9 AM to 7 PM, with shorter hours on Saturdays and closures on Sundays, except for shops at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and Zurich Airport. Switzerland takes the idea of keeping Sunday as a day of rest very seriously, so don't expect to be able to shop the whole weekend away. Seasonal markets, especially during the Christmas period, extend their hours, creating a festive atmosphere. Thanks to the romantic scenery of the city, the Christmas markets here are especially popular and are well worth visiting if you find yourself in Zurich during December.

Pricing and bargaining

Switzerland is known for premium pricing, and Zurich is no exception. Bargaining is uncommon except at flea markets, and even there, don't expect big discounts. Look for VAT refunds if you’re an international visitor and plan your shopping around seasonal sales in January and July. Even when the sales are on, Zurich is not a cheap city, but sometimes, even a small discount can be the difference between buying something and not.

Shop like a local

Carry Swiss francs for smaller vendors such as those at the market, although most shops accept cards. Bring reusable bags with you, as plastic bags are almost unheard of here, and buying tote bags everywhere you go will quickly add even more expense to your trip. Use the city’s excellent public transport to navigate its shopping districts efficiently, and don't forget that Bounce can help look after your purchases to give you more flexibility. If you've spent all day shopping, you can leave your new purchases behind and go out for dinner or drinks without worrying about what to do with your stuff. We can look after any size of items for as long as you need until you're ready to pick them up again.

Unique shops to visit in Zurich

Zurich’s diverse neighborhoods are home to unique shops that reflect the city’s creative and luxurious character. Here are some must-visit spots:

Confiserie Sprüngli

This iconic chocolatier is a Zurich institution, known for its exquisite Luxemburgerli macarons and handcrafted truffles. A visit here is a must for chocolate lovers. There are several locations across the city, so you're never too far from some exquisite chocolate, and since Switzerland is so well known for its excellence in chocolate making, it would be rude not to indulge, wouldn't it?

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 21

Freitag

Housed in a striking tower of recycled shipping containers, Freitag offers trendy bags and accessories made from upcycled truck tarps. The designs here offer a grungy charm that is different from the upscale approach you'll find at most Zurich boutiques, but the quality is undeniable. It’s a sustainable fashion destination like no other.

Address: Geroldstrasse 17

Teddy’s Souvenir Shop

For Swiss-themed souvenirs, from cuckoo clocks to fondue sets, Teddy’s is a charming one-stop shop. Granted, some of what's on offer here can stray towards the kitschy at times, but that's part of the fun.

Address: Limmatquai 34

Cabinet

This hidden gem is a vintage store known to local fashionistas as a great place to shop for unusual items. Thanks to the high median income in this town, you can often get really high-end items that look brand-new here, and not knowing what you may find is all part of the fun.

Address: Josefstrasse 144

Shopping experiences in Zurich

Zurich’s shopping scene extends beyond fashion, with plenty of specialty shops and markets to explore. Checking out some of these markets and specialty stores can not only help you find great purchases but can also contribute to enjoying some of Zurich's authentic history and culture. Leave your bags and other belongings behind with Bounce so you can explore more easily and see as much of the town as possible.

Viadukt Market

Located under the arches of a repurposed railway viaduct, this market is a hotspot for gourmet foods, local wines, and artisan goods. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon and one of the best destinations in Zurich for foodies. Try local delicacies, wines, beauty products, and handmade items, all under one roof (or railway arch).

Address: Viaduktstrasse 69

Bucherer

One of Switzerland’s premier watch retailers, Bucherer offers an extensive collection of luxury timepieces, from Rolex to Tag Heuer. If you don't mind spending a bit of money, a genuine Swiss watch is an unrivaled souvenir of your visit to Zürich.

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 50

Orell Füssli

A haven for book lovers, this bookstore is known for its wide selection of German, English, and French literature. It’s a great spot to find a thoughtful gift or immerse yourself in Swiss culture.

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 70

Traditional shopping options in Zurich

For those seeking classic shopping experiences, Zurich has plenty to offer. There are some wonderful areas of the city devoted to retail, and you could easily spend a few hours, an entire day, or more wandering the streets and enjoying all the food and wine on offer along with the excellent shopping opportunities.

Bahnhofstrasse

One of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and high-end jewelers. It’s the epitome of Zurich’s elegance, and in many ways, the retail heart of the city. Even if you're not looking to buy, just taking a look at the beautiful goods in the shop windows can be a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Niederdorf

Located in Zurich’s Old Town, this pedestrian-friendly area is home to quirky shops, independent boutiques, and artisan crafts. It’s a vibrant spot to discover local treasures and a great alternative to the glitzy storefronts of Bahnhofstrasse.

Sihlcity

A modern shopping center with a variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities, Sihlcity is a convenient one-stop destination for families and travelers. Located a little bit out of the heart of town, this is about the closest Zurich comes to a classic North American shopping mall experience. And if you just want to pick up some new socks or a T-shirt, this can be a great place to do that at cheaper prices than you'll find in the heart of the city.

Address: Kalanderplatz 1

Zurich’s reputation as an expensive city is well-founded. But that doesn't mean you have to be a millionaire to shop here. Leave your bags behind with Bounce, and you'll discover that there's more to Zurich shopping than just watches, chocolate, and cuckoo clocks. Of course, if money is no object, you'll also find some truly beautiful stores that can fulfill your every need here.