Aficionados of luxury shopping could spend their entire Zurich trip on Bahnhofstrasse. This massive shopping thoroughfare runs right through the middle of the city (that's 1.4 kilometres), and is one of its major attractions. The windows and shelves of Bahnhofstrasse's shops are bulging with designer goodies including perfume, clothes, and, of course, the renowned Swiss watches. As well as the more famous brand names, you'll also find specialist boutiques, in which you can source original gifts.
The secret is to pace yourself the further south you go, the higher the price tags become. Towards the southern end, you'll also pass through Paradeplatz, where some of the biggest Swiss banks are headquartered. That tells you a lot about this area.
But Bahnhofstrasse caters for more than just wealthy shopaholics. Those with a sweet tooth will want to spend quality time in a few of the chocolate shops lining the street. On a cold day, the hot chocolate here works wonders. For a full meal, call in at one of the top-notch cafés and restaurants, serving Swiss classics such as fondue and raclette. Weather permitting, you can sit outside, and watch the rest of the city whizz by.
Art and history buffs won't be disappointed with a stroll down Bahnhofstrasse either. A good number of the buildings that line the route date back to an era of 19th century opulence. The house at Bahnhofstrasse 69 (Haus Zur Trülle) impresses with a decadent roof, complete with gold lettering. The Rebekka-Brunnen Fountain (close to Lake Zurich) is another landmark well worth snapping.
Three hours is the bare minimum you'll need on Bahnhofstrasse, but you might want a whole lot longer, especially if you want to explore shops in detail. You can begin your walk at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, strolling south down Bahnhofstrasse. If coming from the east or the south of the city, get local transport to the Bellevue stop. From here, Bahnhofstrasse is only a short walk away.
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