The main street of Zurich is the Bahnhofstrasse, the largest and most commercial avenue in the entire city.
Due to its fame, it has become filled with shops and services for both residents and tourists, making it a popular and must-see destination. This popularity has also made it the area with the highest rental prices in all of Europe, and the third most expensive in the world.
Learn more about this street with this guide, and enjoy everything it has to offer at its fullest.
Why is Bahnhofstrasse the most famous street in Zurich?
When you visit Bahnhofstrasse, you’ll instantly understand why it’s the most popular street in the city.
But to save you from the suspense, here are a few of its charms.
First and foremost, the shops along this street make it like a giant open-air shopping center. These stores are filled with tradition and history.
The restaurants here are also a spectacle in themselves—not only for their delicious food but for the urban landscape that surrounds them.
The bars and nightlife spots ensure that the street life continues almost until the break of dawn.
The city’s most exclusive shops and brands
Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is the most important and most visited street. This has attracted major brands from various sectors to set up shop here.
The area has become highly exclusive, which means the shops are of the highest caliber.
Along the street, you’ll find globally renowned stores, offering everything from mid-range products to luxury goods.
In terms of jewelry, Bulgari and Tiffany have a strong presence on Bahnhofstrasse.
For clothing and accessories, you’ll find the best of Armani, Dior, and Prada.
Other famous brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès are also present.
As you can see, on this street you’ll be able to shop for virtually anything you want, from clothing to food to souvenirs.
The most interesting shops and businesses
Among the many commercial options along Bahnhofstrasse, some stand out for their tradition and history in the city.
The highlights are the chocolate shops and one of the oldest toy stores in the world: Franz Carl Weber.
Sprüngli Chocolatier
Sprüngli Chocolatier is one of the most distinguished in Switzerland, with a long history that has earned it immense prestige, not just in Zurich, but worldwide.
Founded by David Sprüngli in 1836 (originally named “Sprüngli & Fils”), it was located on Marktgasse.
This luxury chocolatier and confectionery offers a range of mouth-watering products.
Its flagship store is on Bahnhofstrasse, due to its prime location, but Sprüngli also has 14 other branches across Switzerland.
Franz Carl Weber Toy Store
On Bahnhofstrasse, you’ll find nearly anything, including one of the oldest toy stores in the world, with over 130 years of history.
This legendary toy store, Franz Carl Weber, is so important that it even has its own museum, known as the Zurich Toy Museum.
The museum displays fascinating pieces, including toys from the store’s early days in the 18th century, as well as others that show the evolution of toys to what they are today.
Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse offers a unique blend of luxury, history, and culture, making it an unforgettable shopping and sightseeing experience.
Trains, dolls, tin soldiers, wooden horses, and many other models inhabit the various sections of the museum.
The final part of the museum leads you to the famous and very popular toy store, where contemporary models are sold alongside some collectible items, notable for their special design or age.
Teuscher: the finest truffles
Switzerland has a rich chocolate-making tradition, and its products are often regarded as the best in the world. One of the standout companies in this tradition is Teuscher, a store so colorful and aromatic that entering it is a sensory delight.
With over 70 years of experience, Teuscher has focused on aromas and flavors to create its chocolates. Though they excel in all varieties, it is their truffles that have earned them worldwide recognition.
Since its founding, Teuscher has adhered to a strict standard of using only natural ingredients. The Teuscher branch on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is located at the intersection with Storchengasse, number 9.
What to see along Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYXsGwb6NTc
The Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich is a tourist site that could stand on its own without the city’s other attractions; it’s so expansive and diverse that it offers nearly everything.
While walking along Bahnhofstrasse, you’ll encounter the most luxurious shops and top-tier restaurants, as well as the well-known Paradeplatz.
In short, it’s the perfect place to satisfy your shopping cravings and, let’s be honest, a fantastic place for a scenic stroll.
Our recommended route begins at the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) and continues all the way to Lake Zurich:
Hauptbahnhof Station
Hauptbahnhof Station marks the start of Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse. For many visitors, this station is their first impression of the city.
With its size and capacity, it ranks among the largest stations in Europe, thanks to the many tourists exploring different European countries on multi-day tours.
This has contributed significantly to Zurich’s growing popularity.
Paradeplatz
The best place on Bahnhofstrasse to relax while taking in the scenery is Paradeplatz, one of the city’s finest squares.
It’s highly recommended to try a simple coffee paired with some chocolate—an uncomplicated combination, yet remarkably satisfying.
Paradeplatz has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Originally, it was an animal market, mainly for livestock. Later, it became a site for weapon sales.
Today, it’s home to the stock exchange, restaurants, confectioneries, and various other establishments.
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich marks the end of Bahnhofstrasse and is a highly popular area. Locals often call it Zürisee, and it’s common to see people exercising along its shores. Here, you can take part in a few activities, such as the lake tours offered, which are perfect for exploring the lake and enjoying the city from a different perspective.
If you’re near the lake, you might enjoy a boat tour like these:
Other points of interest nearby include the Grossmünster Cathedral, Fraumünster Abbey, and the National Museum.
Where to eat and stay on Bahnhofstrasse
It’s very common for visitors to Zurich’s main street to dine here at least once.
The selection of restaurants is vast, and many are worth a visit.
With so many top-rated options for both dining and accommodations, Bahnhofstrasse is a great choice for those seeking a complete Zurich experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple coffee or a fine dining experience, this street has it all.
Among them, there are a couple of standouts:
Manora
Located at number 75 on the street, inside the Manor shopping center on the top floor.
This restaurant is buffet-style, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and in what quantity. The cuisine is international, offering a broad range of options to suit different tastes.
Coop City St. Annahof
Situated at number 57, this restaurant operates on a self-service system, where each person selects what they want to eat and places their order at the counter to pay and receive their meal.
This spot is very budget-friendly, with some dishes costing less than 5€.
Staying on Bahnhofstrasse is also a great idea if you want to extend your visit and take more time exploring each area.
Here are the hotels offering the best value for money:
Walhalla Guest House
Located 300m from Bahnhofstrasse, this guest house offers rooms starting from 102€, with accommodations for two.
The rooms are comfortable, equipped with basic amenities.
While not overly luxurious, it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking to spend the night and continue exploring the area the next day.
Hotel Montana Zürich
Just 0.1 km from Bahnhofstrasse, this hotel has rooms starting at 115€, also for two guests.
The rooms are somewhat compact but feature a few luxurious touches, making them ideal for rest and providing a perfect experience.
From here, you can enjoy views of some areas of the main street.
These options provide great access to Bahnhofstrasse and allow you to enjoy Zurich’s charm from a comfortable and convenient base.