Max your credit card or window shop to your heart’s content on Zurich’s home of high fashion.
Ranking highly among the most exclusive shopping avenues in the world, Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is a fantastic place to wile away a few hours. Whether you are cash rich or counting the pennies, strolling down this upscale boulevard is an experience in itself.The affluence is palpable along this 1.4 kilometre stretch, which runs from the Zurich Hauptbahnhof in the north to the harbour of Bürkliplatz in the south. The list of upmarket stores on Bahnhofstrasse reads like a who’s who of the fashionable elite with designer labels such as Hermès, Dior and Bulgari sitting prettily alongside sartorial giants like Gucci, Armani and Louis Vuitton.Luxury and decadence abound with trendy cafes, elegant bars and upscale restaurants jostling for space among stylish stores and fashionable boutiques. Shopping for souvenirs is a pure joy with bespoke jewellery from Tiffany and Cartier, expertly crafted watches from Mont Blanc and exquisite handicrafts from the Spirit of Silk all within a stone’s throw.Beyer Chronometrie is the oldest watch shop in the country and as such is the perfect place to pick up a unique Swiss gift. If your interest in horology stretches beyond the cabinet displays then make your way to the Clock and Watch Museum Beyer on the ground-floor level where you can marvel at over 500 timepieces dating from 1400 BC.For mere mortals on a budget, the eye-watering price tags can be off-set somewhat by the sheer novelty of wandering through such decadence. In fact, it is almost worth coming here for the window shopping alone.If shopping isn’t your thing then don’t worry, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with beautiful buildings and interesting architecture and, thankfully, people-watching doesn’t cost a penny. One final thing that is a must on any Zurich itinerary pop into the world-famous Läderach Chocolatier Suisse and sample some of their delectable delights – definitely not to be missed!
