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Shopping street · Zurique, Zurique
Bahnhofstrasse
The pedestrian and tram street that connects the central station to the lake over 1.4 km, with department stores, jewellers, watchshops and Paradeplatz, the square of banks and the confectionery Sprüngli.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse begins at Bahnhofplatz, in front of Zürich HB and the statue of Alfred Escher, and runs south for 1.4 km to Bürkliplatz on the lakefront. Almost the entire street is closed to cars; only trams and pedestrians use it.
The street was created in 1864 when the walls were torn down and the moat in front of them, the Fröschengraben, was filled in. The moat made way for an avenue of commercial and bank buildings.
In the northern section are department stores such as Jelmoli and Globus and fashion brands. Further south, the street concentrates Swiss jewellers and watchmakers.
Halfway along is Paradeplatz, home to the headquarters of major Swiss banks and the Confiserie Sprüngli, a house of chocolates and sweets founded in Zurique, known for Luxemburgerli, small macarons.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, walking from the station to the lake with stops in shops.
Best time
On weekdays, in the morning or afternoon. On Sundays almost all the shops are closed. In December the street is decorated with Christmas lights.
How to get there
It starts at the main exit of the Zürich HB. The trams that run there stop at Bahnhofstrasse/HB, Rennweg, Paradeplatz and Bürkliplatz.
Tip
Walk from the station toward the lake and finish at Bürkliplatz, where the boats depart. At Sprüngli, try the Luxemburgerli in the café on the first floor.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bahnhofstrasse
Is the Bahnhofstrasse only for luxury shopping?
No. There are department stores and popular brands in the northern section; designer labels and watchmakers are closer to the lake.
Do the shops on Bahnhofstrasse open on Sundays?
Generally no. Plan your shopping for weekdays or Saturday.
What is the Paradeplatz?
A square in the middle of Bahnhofstrasse, hosting bank headquarters and the Sprüngli confectionery.
How long is the Bahnhofstrasse?
About 1.4 km, from the main station to the lake.