One of the world's most expensive shopping streets, a tree-lined boulevard from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to the lake, lined with banks, watchmakers, department stores and chocolate cafés.
Bahnhofstrasse, laid out in 1865 over the old city moat, runs about 1.4 kilometres from the main station to Bürkliplatz on the lake. It combines the world of Swiss private banking, luxury jewellers and watchmakers, high-street flagships and old-fashioned confectioners such as Confiserie Sprüngli at Paradeplatz. The street is limited to trams, buses and pedestrians, and it is lined with plane trees and, in December, with the shimmering Lucy lights. Public artworks, fountains and benches punctuate the walk. A good plan is to start at the station, stroll south, stop at Paradeplatz for coffee and then finish at the lake. Prices are high, but window-shopping is free. The street is quiet on Sundays and busiest on Saturday afternoons. Beneath it, a network of vaults and bunkers is a reminder of Zürich's banking history.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access; most shops Mon-Fri 9AM-7PM, Sat 9AM-6PM, closed Sun |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday morning; December for the Lucy Christmas lights |
| Getting there | Starts at Zürich Hauptbahnhof; trams 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 or 14 serve the Paradeplatz and Bahnhofstrasse stops |
| Address | Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Best for
- shoppers, first-time visitors, people-watchers
Location
Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3744, 8.5392 View on map
Highlights
- Luxury watchmakers, jewellers and department stores
- Paradeplatz and Confiserie Sprüngli
- Seasonal Lucy Christmas light installation
- Direct walk from the main station to the lake
Tips for visiting
- Walk from the main station south to the lake, about 1.4 km
- Visit Paradeplatz for Sprüngli chocolates and the tram hub
- Most banks and luxury shops close on Sundays; the street is calm then
When to visit
Weekday morning; December for the Lucy Christmas lights.
Accessibility
Level and paved throughout with tram stops; suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is Bahnhofstrasse?
About 1.4 km, from the main station to Bürkliplatz at the lake.
Is it open on Sundays?
The street itself is open, but most shops are closed on Sundays except those in the main station.