Zürich is Switzerland's largest city and the capital of the canton of Zürich, set on the northern tip of Lake Zürich where the Limmat river leaves the lake, with the Alps visible on clear days. It combines a medieval old town, world-class museums, lakeside swimming, and the luxury shopping of Bahnhofstrasse with famously punctual public transport and very high prices.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Sprüngli Luxemburgerli
Delicate, light macaron-style confections made fresh daily by Confiserie Sprüngli and sold by the piece or in boxes; they keep best for only a few days, so they suit eating in Zürich or on the flight
Price: CHF 2.50-3.50 each (approx $3-4.50)
Where: Confiserie Sprüngli, Paradeplatz (Bahnhofstrasse 21), Hauptbahnhof, and Stadelhofen branches
Swiss chocolate (Läderach FrischSchoggi and pralines)
Fresh chocolate slabs broken to order and filled pralines from Läderach and Teuscher, the best gifts for suitcases because they travel well in winter
Price: CHF 5-12 per 100 g (approx $6-15)
Where: Läderach shops on Bahnhofstrasse and in the main station; Teuscher, Storchengasse 9
Swiss cheese (Gruyère, Appenzeller, Sbrinz)
Mountain cheeses vacuum-packed for travel; specialist shops will advise on ageing and can pack for flights
Price: CHF 25-45 per kg (approx $31-56)
Where: Chäs-Barmettler, Napfgasse 4 in the Niederdorf; Manor and Coop City supermarkets
Zürcher Tirggel and honey biscuits
Hard, richly embossed honey biscuits that are a traditional Zürich Christmas treat and a longstanding regional souvenir
Price: CHF 5-18 (approx $6-23)
Where: Confiserie Sprüngli, department store food halls, and Christmas markets in December
Colonial goods and coffee
Roasted coffee, teas, spices, and dried fruit sold by the historic Schwarzenbach shop in the old town, packaged as gifts
Price: CHF 8-30 (approx $10-38)
Where: Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren, Münstergasse 19
Swiss Army knife
Victorinox multi-tools in dozens of models; the classic red knife is the definitive Swiss souvenir and must go in checked baggage on flights
Price: CHF 30-150 (approx $38-188)
Where: Bahnhofstrasse knife and gift shops, Zürich Airport shops, and the main station
Freitag recycled bags
Messenger bags and wallets made from recycled truck tarpaulin, designed in Zürich and sold at the Freitag flagship built from shipping containers in Zürich West; each piece is unique
Price: CHF 80-400 (approx $100-500)
Where: Freitag flagship store, Geroldstrasse 17, Zürich West
Swiss watch
Luxury and entry-level Swiss watches from Bahnhofstrasse's many retailers; buyers should keep warranties and ask about tax-free forms
Price: CHF 200-15,000+ (approx $250-18,750+)
Where: Bahnhofstrasse jewellers such as Bucherer and Beyer, and Zürich Airport
Swiss museum shop gifts and books
Design objects, prints, and Swiss history books in the Swiss National Museum shop and the Kunsthaus shop, good for compact, unusual gifts
Price: CHF 10-60 (approx $13-75)
Where: Swiss National Museum shop, Museumstrasse 2; Orell Füssli, Bahnhofstrasse 70
Swiss herbal drinks and local wine
Rivella soft drink, Swiss herbal liqueurs, and Zürichsee white wines such as Räuschling, available in supermarkets and wine merchants
Price: CHF 5-35 per bottle (approx $6-44)
Where: Coop, Migros, Globus delicatessen, and Zürich wine merchants
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Flohmarkt Bürkliplatz
Zürich's best-known flea market, with more than 200 stalls selling antiques, vintage clothing, books, records, and curiosities beside Lake Zürich from May to October
Where: Bürkliplatz, lakefront, Zürich
Hours: Saturdays 7AM-5PM, May to October (check ahead; last 2026 dates fall in October)
Markthalle im Viadukt
A food hall and shopping street built into 36 restored railway arches under the Hardbrücke viaduct, with a market hall of local producers, delicatessens, bakeries, and restaurants
Where: Im Viadukt, Zürich West / Kreis 5
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-8PM; closed Sunday (individual shops and restaurants vary)
Wochenmarkt Oerlikon
A traditional weekly open-air market on Oerlikon's central square, popular with residents for fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, flowers, and bread from regional farmers
Where: Marktplatz Oerlikon, Zürich-Oerlikon
Hours: Tuesday and Friday, daytime hours (check the City of Zürich market calendar)