Zurich’s main shopping Boulevard, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutiques, department stores and souvenir shops. Known as one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in the city, Bahnhofstrasse is a great place to go window-shopping and indulge in some retail therapy. It’s where fashion, art and Zurich’s most popular specialties combine to create a world-renowned shopping mecca beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Bahnhofstrasse is not only filled with shopping opportunities, as visitors will find many restaurants, cafes and plenty of Swiss delicacies, such as delicious chocolates only found in Switzerland. COOP and Manor are well known Swiss department stores, while Bulgari, Hermes and Prada are where locals go to purchase luxury items. Jewellers and watch shops are also abundant, including Bucherer, Cartier, Omega and Swarovski. The famous Swiss banking centre, Paradeplatz, is also found on Bahnhofstrasse. Rennweg and Augustinergasse are two popular side streets that lead off from Bahnhofstrasse into Zurich’s Old Town.
From Zurich’s central railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof, visitors only need to cross the street to reach Bahnhofstrasse. The first half of Bahnhofstrasse is accessible via tram, while the remaining parts of the street can be accessed by car. A pedestrian-friendly area, Bahnhofstrasse is best explored on foot, with just a 20-minute walk from one end to the other without any stops.
The history behind Bahnhofstrasse dates back to the city’s fortifications that were demolished in 1864. The name of the location was referred to as “Fröschengraben”, meaning "Ditch Of The Frogs", but when the moat and ditch in front of the walls were filled in, the name was then changed to Bahnhofstrasse, or “Station Street”.