Top Shopping Spots in Zurich

No shopping trip to Zurich is complete without a visit to the city’s most famous street, Bahnhofstrasse. As the home of Swiss banking, it’s no surprise this boulevard is the address of choice for upscale boutiques from the likes of Gucci, Chanel, and Prada, as well as high-street brands such as H&M and Zara. With so many big names to browse, private shopping tours can be useful for optimizing your time and budget.

Tradition mingles with modernity on the streets of Zurich’s Altstadt, where cobblestone streets and medieval facades harbor designer boutiques, souvenir shops, and Swiss-design stores, plus plenty of bars and restaurants. Opt for a walking tour for deeper insight into the area’s past, and get the inside scoop from your guide over a spot of window shopping.

This former industrial district is now one of the trendiest spots in Zurich. Highlights include the Freitag Tower—a shop-cum-art installation made up of 19 stacked shipping containers—as well as Frau Gerolds Garten and Im Viadukt, two cultural hubs hosting shops, stalls, kitchens, and bars. Gain intimate insight into the area’s unusual history, including its ill-fated open-drugs policy, on a private tour, and take time to browse boutiques and bars at your own pace.

Sihlcity is one of Zurich’s largest (and newest) leisure malls. More than 150 stores encompass mid- to high-range fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and even chocolate, while a cinema, library, and weekly outdoor market provide even more to enjoy. However, the pièce de résistance must be the on-site childcare facilities, where kids can enjoy a full morning of activities while adults explore the stores in peace.