Designer clothes, jewelry, watches, perfume and shoes: Shopaholics will be in their element on Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich’s major thoroughfare runs 1,530 yards (1.4 kilometers) through the center of the city. The stretch from Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the main train terminal to the north, down to Lake Zurich is pedestrianized, except for trams. Allow yourself two or three hours to walk the length of Bahnhofstrasse.
Among the more than 90 shops here you’ll find famous designer names such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Mont Blanc and Prada. This is one of the world’s most opulent shopping boulevards and it’s said the further south you go on Bahnhofstrasse, the more exclusive the stores become.
Clothes and accessories are just one aspect of Bahnhofstrasse. Restaurants, cafés and upscale bars flank the full length of the street. Chocolatiers such as Läderach Chocolatier Suisse will delight with their confectionary goodies. Stock up on gifts and sip an indulgent hot chocolate while you watch affluent locals go about their shopping. Visit boutiques specializing in stationery, lingerie and leather goods. There are also pharmacies and department stores, florists and galleries.
If you appreciate style in all areas, hone in on Bahnhofstrasse’s architecture and art. Many of the buildings are fine examples of 19th-century grandeur Das Haus zur Trülle at Bahnhofstrasse 69, for example, has a gloriously elaborate roof. Also watch for monuments such as the marble Rebekka-Brunnen Fountain, located close to Lake Zurich.
Approximately halfway down Bahnhofstrasse is Paradeplatz (Parade Square). Aside from being a busy tram interchange, this is where many of the Swiss banks’ headquarters are located.
Some visitors begin their walk at Zürich Hauptbahnhof, strolling south down Bahnhofstrasse. If you’re heading from the east or the south of Zurich, catch a bus or tram to the Bellevue stop. Cross the Quaibrücke bridge and then walk north up Bahnhofstrasse.
Bahnhofstrasse Tours and Activities
Visit Bahnhofstrasse
Plan a trip to see Bahnhofstrasse
Novotel Zurich City West
Reviewed on Nov. 13, 2024
Kleos Hotel Bernina 1865
Reviewed on Mar. 23, 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 199 activitiesOpens in new tabGrindelwald & Interlaken Day Trip from Zurich
Private & custom tours
See all 98 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Zurich: Private 4 Countries in 1 Full-Day Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabGrindelwald & Interlaken Day Trip from Zurich
Classes & workshops
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabZurich: Lindt Home of Chocolate Guided Tour & Entry Ticket
Weddings & honeymoons
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabZurich Instagram Photoshoot By Local Professionals
Reviews of Bahnhofstrasse
4/5 - Good
Bring lots of money
5/5 - Excellent
Very esy to get around as the signage is awesome
5/5 - Excellent
has grocery store on site
Popular places to visit
St. Peter Church
Learn about the local history of Zürich with a stop at St. Peter Church. Wander the lakeside in this vibrant area.
Fraumuenster
Visit Zürich’s famous blue-spired church to retrace the city’s spiritual past and admire breathtaking stained-glass windows created by the famed artist Marc Chagall.
Paradeplatz
Sit back with a coffee and a chocolate from a world famous confectioner and watch the passing parade pass in Zurich’s prestigious financial center.
Zurich Town Hall
Always receiving attention because it seems to float on a major river, this structure had two predecessors that succumbed to time and climate.
Lindenhof
This historic quarter is filled with medieval alleyways, Zurich’s finest churches, artisan’s shops and a hilltop featuring Roman ruins and sweeping city views.
Beyer Clock and Watch Museum
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Beyer Clock and Watch Museum in Zürich. Amble around this romantic area's lakeside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Best Lodging Options Near Bahnhofstrasse
- Vacations and getaways similar to Bahnhofstrasse
- Other Hotels near Bahnhofstrasse, Old Town Zürich
- Hotels near popular Zürich Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Bahnhofstrasse
- Expedia's Latest Trends