Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich Overview

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich's most famous shopping street and one of the world’s premier luxury avenues. Stretching 1.4 kilometers from Zurich's main train station (Hauptbahnhof) to Lake Zurich, it offers a seamless blend of high-end boutiques, department stores, cafes, and Swiss charm.

According to a 2011 study, Bahnhofstrasse was named as the third most expensive retail street in the world. Along with being the classiest avenue for retail property in Europe, it was also ranked ninth in the world in the year 2016. Its existence goes back to 150 years when the place was the city moat also called as Fröschengraben ('Ditch of the Frogs'). The street's presence came together when the city's defence was collapsed in 1864, and it was given a new name of Bahnhofstrasse ('Railway Station Street').

Today this street, a 1.4 kilometres stretch connects Lake Zurich with the central Railway station and is mostly a pedestrian zone. It starts from Bahnhofplatz (A station square) through Rennweg, Augustinergasse, Paradeplatz and then finally ending at Bürkliplatz on Lake Zurich. Since trams are a major part of 'Zurich's transport system, Bahnhofstrasse also holds a central part of Zurich's tram network. 'Since1880's other than the S-Bahn, trolleybus and bus, trams have formed integral transfer modes in Switzerland.

Shopping at Bahnhofstrasse

Stroll on the luxury shopping street of Bahnhofstrasse either as a window shopper or fulfil the wildest dreams of your inner shopaholic. This shopping paradise is never short of options for someone who absolutely loves spending on materialistic things. Leather goods, accessories, fashion, perfumes, jewellery, sports goods and many more luxury items are available at this popular arcade. If you are on a tight budget, then head over to Niederdorf and Langstrasse, but if you have no qualms about overindulging then Bahnhofstrasse is the right destination for you.

Though the shopping experience is not quite like the one in London or Milan, the presence of stores of spectacular opulence at this shopping street is totally worth your time. Here are few of high-end brands that you can look out for:

· Burberry

· Apple

· Bucherer

· Gübelin

· Omega

· Cartier

· Swarovski

· IWC Schaffhausen

· Bvglari

· Breguet

· Hermes

· Giorgio Armani

· Louis Vuitton

· Tissot

· Mont Blanc

· Tommy Hilfiger

· Tiffany and Co.

Other than the above mentioned brands there are numerous alternatives of luxury brand stores to shop from.

Swiss Treats at Bahnhofstrasse

Swiss chocolates are tempting, delicious and adored by people from all over the world. Some of the confectioners you shouldn’t miss here are:

1. Bachmann Chocolate World

Bachmann Chocolate World, Bahnhofstrasse — Source

A newly opened confectioner, Bachmann is a two storey outlet for every chocolate lover which has already gained a reputation since its launch. The first floor of this store serves breads, pastries, sandwiches while the second floor offers Bachmann chocolate bars, chocolate truffles and Lindt assortments.

2. Vollenweider Chocolatier Confiseur

Vollenweider Chocolatier Confiseur, Bahnhofstrasse — Source

A traditional family-owned Swiss Chocolatier that specializes in handcrafted chocolates like Champagne truffles, chocolate bars and panels. Other treats that can be savoured here are ice-creams, macarons and pastries.

Restaurants in Bahnhofstrasse

To get the most of Swiss Food along with American, German, Asian or Italian specialities you should dine at this street’s multi-cuisine options. Try Swiss cuisine from Rosaly, a classic restaurant & bar since 1992 offering dishes with best ingredients right onto your plate. Along with Swiss food, you can also savour Mediterranean and French dishes all prepared fresh from local ingredients here.

Here are a few eateries which are worth a visit:

1. OOO Rooftop Restaurant

OOO Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, Restaurants in Bahnhofstrasse — Source

This Asian inspired rooftop restaurant is situated on the top floor of Modissa flagship store. Offering rooftop views and a broad scrumptious menu of dumplings, meat dishes and fabulous cocktails on the sides, this restaurant is a total winner.

2. Hiltl Dachterrasse

Hiltl Dachterrasse, Restaurants in Bahnhofstrasse — Source

You can always take a break from retail therapy at Bahnhofstrasse and head to Hiltl to enjoy a gorgeous meal. Be it rain or sunshine, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Zurich is always partially covered so that you can experience some of the best vegan cuisine on a stylish rooftop eatery.

3. Zeughauskeller

Zeughauskeller, Restaurants in Bahnhofstrasse — Source

Situated in a 15th-century armoury, this Swiss food outlet is highly recommended anytime you visit Bahnhofstrasse. Sip on foaming ales, beers or wines along with authentic dishes out of Swiss and German cuisines to give a treat to your taste buds. As the tables here are big, you also get to share them with other tourists and locals, giving you a chance to know them.

Sightseeing Around Bahnhofstrasse

Other than dining and shopping at Bahnhofstrasse, you can also take a scenic trip or sightseeing at its neighbouring places. Zurich is not expensive as it’s considered to be and you can stroll along freely at many spots around this famous shopping street after a busy day.

1. Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich, Sightseeing Around Bahnhofstrasse — Source

A walk along the shore of a pristine lake of Zurich whatever the season may be is always a peaceful experience. Being one of the major highlights of Zurich, Lake Zurich is a picturesque, romantic and leisure spot enjoyed by both tourist and the locals. The Chinawiese or Chinese garden on the lake is known for relaxing, sunbathing or even playing sports, while the promenade towards Zürichhorn is perfect for those lovely quiet walks. The Arboretum, Enge port, Sukkulentensammlung and Landiwiese are few of the best places on Lake Zurich that are an experience by itself.

2. Paradeplatz

Paradeplatz, Sightseeing Around Bahnhofstrasse — Source

Paradeplatz is a large square in the downtown Zurich of Bahnhofstrasse, synonymous to the most expensive part of Switzerland. Headquarters to Swiss Banks of UBS and Credit Suisse, this intersection of Lake Zurich and old town is renowned for being one of the most well recognised financial centres around the world. Formerly named as Säumärt and Neumarkt in different time periods, the place primarily is a business centre due to the presence of commercial banks here.

Another highlight of Paradeplatz is the chocolate tasting at the popular Sprüngli café where you can enjoy the famous Luxemburgerli, a signature macaron. The café also serves up coffee, tarts, cakes, truffles, bread and many more delicacies.