Thing to do
Uetliberg
Zurich's own 870-metre hill, reached by S10 train from the main station, with an observation tower, views over city, lake and Alps and the Planet Trail…
Bahnhofstrasse
Zurich's 1.4-kilometre main shopping street, running from the main station past Paradeplatz to Lake Zurich, with department stores, luxury boutiques and the Sprüngli confectioner at Paradeplatz.
At a glance
- Type
- Shopping street
- Area
- City (Kreis 1), Zurich, Switzerland
Good to know
- Pedestrianised
- Department stores
- Luxury boutiques
- Trams
- Lake at southern end
Why we recommend it
Bahnhofstrasse runs for 1.4 kilometres from Bahnhofplatz, in front of the main station, to Bürkliplatz on the shore of Lake Zurich. It is the city's main shopping street and one of the best-known addresses in Europe. It came into being after the old city fortifications were demolished in 1864 and the ditch in front of the walls, known as the Fröschengraben, was filled in. In 2011 a study named it the most expensive street for retail property in Europe and the third most expensive in the world, and it still ranked ninth worldwide in 2016.
Walking its length is one of the easiest ways to get your bearings. At the northern end, a fountain with a statue of Alfred Escher, one of the leading figures of 19th-century Zurich, stands in front of the station. Heading south you pass the department stores Globus and Jelmoli, international names such as the Apple Store, H&M and Zara, and a long run of luxury boutiques, including Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
Halfway along is Paradeplatz, one of Switzerland's best-known squares, home to the headquarters of UBS and to Confiserie Sprüngli, whose café is a classic stop for coffee and pastries. From here it is a short detour to the Fraumünster and St. Peter. The southern stretch leads past more banks and shops to Bürkliplatz, where Lake Zurich boats depart and the view opens out across the water.
The street is largely pedestrianised, with private cars barred except on a short section near Rennweg, but trams run along it, so keep to the pavements. Lines 7, 11 and 13 serve the northern section and lines 2, 5, 9 and 11 the southern section, with stops including Bahnhofstrasse/HB, Rennweg, Paradeplatz and Bürkliplatz. Paradeplatz and Bahnhofstrasse/HB are the busiest interchanges, so they make good starting points.
You do not need to spend money to enjoy it: window shopping, people-watching and the lake view at the end make for a pleasant hour's walk. Combine it with the Lindenhof, a short walk from the Rennweg stop, and finish with a boat trip from Bürkliplatz or a walk along the lake promenade.
Bahnhofstrasse FAQs
How long is Bahnhofstrasse?
About 1.4 kilometres, from Bahnhofplatz at the main station to Bürkliplatz on the lake.
Is Bahnhofstrasse pedestrianised?
Largely, yes. Private cars are mostly barred, but trams run along the street.
Which trams run along Bahnhofstrasse?
Lines 7, 11 and 13 north of Paradeplatz, and lines 2, 5, 9 and 11 south of it.
Is there a statue at the station end?
Yes. A fountain with a statue of Alfred Escher stands on Bahnhofplatz in front of the main station.
What is at Paradeplatz?
The UBS headquarters and Confiserie Sprüngli's shop and café.
Which department stores are on Bahnhofstrasse?
Globus and Jelmoli, alongside many international and luxury brands.
What is at the southern end?
Bürkliplatz, on Lake Zurich, where lake cruise boats depart.
How long does it take to walk?
About 20 to 30 minutes without stopping, or an hour with window shopping.