The best places to shop in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich’s character runs deeper than the efficiency for which Switzerland is often known. Beyond the polished façades of Bahnhofstrasse’s designer boutiques and department stores, along cobbled alleyways and in repurposed industrial spaces, lies a shopping scene driven by craftsmanship and thoughtful design. In this lakeside city, indie emporiums sit beside heritage chocolatiers, family-run workshops remain vital, and everyday objects are made – and chosen – with care.

Whether you’re seeking refined Swiss design, contemporary fashion or artisanal food, Zurich rewards those who look beyond the obvious. 

The best shopping in Zurich

1. Label 17 Studio

In Seefeld, just a short tram ride away from the main station, Label 17 feels more like a carefully arranged home than a conventional boutique. The store brings together handcrafted leather goods, accessories and decorative objects inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship and relaxed Mediterranean interiors. Rich textures, woven baskets, leather bags and carefully selected home pieces sit side by side in an atmosphere that captures Zurich’s version of quiet luxury perfectly. This is an ideal place to pick up something distinctive and high-quality without stepping into traditional luxury territory. 

2. Alemi Zurich 

The Zurich-born Alemi began with founder Christina Stahl’s search for a handbag that combined elegance with genuine functionality. Together with her co-founder and husband Charly, she developed a label whose bags are handcrafted in Italy by a small family-run workshop. The designs balance practicality with timeless style, with every detail carefully considered for everyday use. Many customers recount being stopped in the street and asked where their bag is from – a testament to the brand’s understated but distinctive aesthetic. Beyond the bags themselves, Alemi places an emphasis on ethical craftsmanship and actively supports women-focused initiatives.

3. Soeder

What began as a small Zurich soap manufacturer has grown into one of Switzerland’s most recognisable lifestyle brands. Known for its beautifully fragranced soaps, lotions and natural skincare products, Soeder combines minimalist design with high-quality ingredients and sustainable production methods. The signature amber and clear glass bottles have become instantly recognisable and make particularly good gifts or souvenirs to take home. The stores (including one at Zurich Main Station) reflect the same clean, calming aesthetic, with thoughtfully designed interiors and fragrance schemes. 

4. Im Viadukt 

Set beneath the arches of a former railway viaduct in Zurich’s hip industrial district, Im Viadukt combines independent boutiques, specialist food producers and relaxed dining spots in one of the city’s most distinctive retail spaces. The market hall is especially worth visiting for its excellent mix of local, artisanal food: Alpine cheese, fresh fish, charcuterie, pastries and more. It's the kind of place where assembling a picnic for the lake can easily become an afternoon activity in itself. The atmosphere feels contemporary and local, attracting as many Zurich residents as it does visitors.

5. Maurice de Mauriac

Zurich’s watch culture extends well beyond the global luxury houses. Maurice de Mauriac offers a more personal entry point into contemporary Swiss horology. This independent, family‑run brand produces mechanical watches in small batches, with designs that lean modern while remaining rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can arrange a workshop experience at its Zurich watch shop, gaining insight into the process behind Swiss craftsmanship. The result feels intimate and grounded, rather than corporate or theatrical. 

6. Sweet Things 

Zurich excels in chocolate and confectionery, with several outstanding names clustered in the Old Town. Max Chocolatier , tucked along a narrow alley near St Peter’s Church, is known for its refined pralines and signature Plättli chocolates. Nearby, Sprüngli remains a beloved fixture, its Luxemburgerli macarons – in a mix of signature and seasonal flavours – drawing steady queues. Confiserie Honold on Rennweg, established in 1905, is another key stop, known for its “Lotti’s Best” pralines. Though its flagship is under renovation until 2027, it remains central to Zurich’s confectionery scene. 

7. Bahnhofstrasse

Stretching from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Lake Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse is still the city’s most visible expression of luxury. International names such as Cartier, Chopard and Van Cleef & Arpels sit alongside Swiss watch specialists including Beyer Chronometrie, Bucherer and Gübelin. For clothing, Bongénie features a mix of ready‑to‑wear brands alongside its “Reawake” section, which focuses on pre‑owned luxury pieces. Nearby, PKZ Women reflects Zurich’s quieter approach to fashion, with an emphasis on tailoring, quality and longevity. 

8. Victorinox Flagship Store

For a practical souvenir, the Victorinox flagship offers a more personal take on Swiss design. Its signature Swiss Army knives can be engraved on site within minutes, turning a familiar object into something to be cherished. Alongside knives, the store carries travel accessories, watches and outdoor items built with the same emphasis on durability and precision.

9. Burkliplatz Flea Market

If you’re visiting Zurich on a Saturday, the flea market at Burkliplatz is worth adding to the itinerary. Close to the lake, the market attracts collectors, antique dealers and curious visitors searching for everything from vintage posters and jewellery to watches, furniture and unexpected curiosities. Its appeal lies in its unpredictability: one weekend might turn up a beautifully preserved airline trolley from the 1960s, another an antique pocket watch hidden among old silverware. Unlike more curated vintage shops, it retains a sense of discovery that feels increasingly rare.