The most important city in Switzerland is not only a place filled with monuments and sites of interest, but there’s plenty to discover when it comes to shopping in Zurich. The city offers a wealth of design options, affordable prices for various products, and even an alternative vibe. In short, Zurich is more attractive than you might think.
What to buy in Zurich?
Souvenirs are a must-have in every tourist’s suitcase, and Switzerland has many typical items that make fantastic gifts.
No trip here would be complete without Swiss chocolate, knives, and watches.
The following shops are recommended for buying authentic local products:
- Teddy’s Souvenirs: This traditional souvenir shop is the most visited in Zurich, rich in history and full of charm.
- Messer-Scharf: One of the city’s most famous cutlery stores. Located near Grossmünster, it’s the ideal place to buy high-quality knives or pocket knives.
- Chocomotion: One of the most spectacular chocolate markets you’ll ever visit, where chocolate reigns supreme and everything on sale is chocolate-related.
If you’re looking to save on monument entrances and transportation, getting the Zurich Card (valid for 1 or 3 days) for just 30 euros is highly recommended. It includes free public transport throughout the city and access to the top 20 museums. Plus, you’ll receive discounts ranging from 10% to 20% at select Zurich stores.
Best shopping areas
The most popular and bustling shopping streets are as follows:
Bahnhofstrasse
This is truly a world of its own. Bahnhofstrasse is the most expensive street in Switzerland and the third most costly worldwide. It’s where you’ll find the most exclusive stores. 
The street is, as you would expect, enchanting—luxurious buildings, wide sidewalks, pristine cleanliness, and plenty of high-end shopfronts. You’ll find brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel, along with Cartier and Bvlgari. For most of us, these might be out of budget, so let’s explore stores with a unique character:
Bucherer, a long-standing brand known for all types of jewelry. The experience here depends on your purpose: to buy or simply to admire.
Another option is Beyer, considered the world’s first luxury watch shop. On its lower level, it houses a true museum where you can see watches from various eras.
For something different, Spirit of Silk is a fascinating store dedicated to fashion and fabrics, with an aesthetic that feels timeless. And if you’re still indecisive, you can explore one of Zurich’s grand department stores, which offer a different shopping experience than the typical malls.
Old Town
If you’re looking to escape the traditional shopping experience, Lindenhof is well worth a visit. This area is known for its many narrow, charming alleys and picturesque winding streets.
You’ll find unique shops, often independently owned, mostly located near the Limmat River. Stores like Deca Fashion and Revolution Art offer a contrast to more classic styles. The neighborhood also has some traditional shops, which can feel like a step back in time.
To fully enjoy Zurich’s shopping scene, keep in mind that the city combines both luxury and local charm, making it possible to find everything from high-end brands to distinctive, affordable pieces.
In addition to shopping, the city center is a perfect spot for enjoying some of the best activities Zurich has to offer. Here are a few recommendations:
- Try this guided tour through the city center, which includes a boat ride and chocolate tasting.
- Take a private eTuk-Tuk tour around Zurich’s center, ending in the western district.
- Another option is this 2-hour bus tour for a scenic overview of Zurich.
What to buy in Zurich’s West District?
In recent years, this former industrial area has undergone a remarkable transformation. It’s now a vibrant and alternative area bustling with innovation and people.
One highlight is the complex known as “Viadukt,” a shopping center and market built into the railway arches. Spanning 500 meters, it features an array of small artisan and fashion shops.
The market offers a variety of natural food options, making it a perfect spot to explore Zurich’s culinary scene.
Another unique shop is Freitag, where you can find recycled products made from truck tarps, such as bags, clothing, and backpacks.
Shopping Malls in Zurich
The main shopping centers and outlets are:
Sihlcity
Sihlcity is one of Zurich’s classiest shopping centers, and it embodies Swiss style perfectly.
Located near Enge train station, Sihlcity doesn’t feel like a typical shopping area. Small and elegant, it’s highly functional and is considered one of Zurich’s top shopping spots.
The main building has three floors featuring a shopping avenue and a small central plaza where special events are often held.
You’ll find stores like Zara, C&A, H&M, Starbucks, and a massive COOP supermarket here.
Glattzentrum
Glattzentrum resembles the large malls found in many other cities. If you’re looking for a place with shops as far as the eye can see, then Glatt is the place to go.
In Zurich, these shopping centers offer a mix of Swiss elegance and a wide range of international and local brands, creating an exciting shopping experience. Whether you’re after luxury, unique local finds, or everyday items, Zurich’s retail scene has something for every shopper.
Located on the outskirts of the city, you’ll find everything you need here at a reasonable price by Swiss standards, reminiscent of shopping back in Spain.
Shopville
This shopping center is situated at the main station. Shopville isn’t particularly elegant or beautiful, but it’s very practical as it’s open on Sundays.
Besides its many stores and restaurants, which are located in the underground level of the station, the COOP and Migros grocery stores can also be a lifesaver for any last-minute Sunday shopping needs.
At Shopville, in the Hauptbahnhof, there’s also the Stadelhofen station in the plaza of the Zurich Opera House, which has a smaller underground shopping area open on Sundays—functional, though not as large as Shopville.
We hope that after this shopping tour, you have a better idea of what to buy in Zurich and a clearer sense of which areas are worth exploring. As we mentioned, Zurich, like the rest of Switzerland, is quite pricey, so if you’re on a budget, it’s best to shop carefully and thoughtfully.
With that in mind, we hope that your visit to Switzerland in general, and Zurich in particular, is truly rewarding. Enjoy your trip!