Zurich, Switzerland — Shopping
Shopping in Zurich, Switzerland
Shopping in Zurich is a pleasure - Zurich's residents enjoy one of the best qualities of life you'll find anywhere, and the general affluence means that retail therapy is something of an obsession. Shoppers will find all the latest luxury and international brands, as well as a good number of quirky boutiques and locally designed and manufactured specialties. The city isn't necessarily the cheapest shopping destination on the planet, but in terms of what you'll find on offer, it's genuinely world-class. Uniquely Swiss gifts are fine chocolates, Swiss Army knives, watches, embroidery, linen and handmade clocks.
Markets
On Saturdays from May to October, Bürkliplatz fills with stalls during the weekly flea market. Interesting antiques and hand-made artifacts are sold at Rosenhof in the Old Town, Thursdays and Saturdays from March to the end of November.
Shopping centers
The most fashionable shopping street is Bahnhofstrasse, which stretches from the Hauptbahnhof past Paradeplatz to the lake. High-quality Swiss goods, jewellers, watchmakers and international designer labels can be found here.
Key areas
Other than Bahnhofstrasse, there are some great little boutiques tucked away to the east; Rennweg, Limmatquai and the pedestrian alleys of the Niederdorf are good starting points. More alternative (and cheaper) shops can be found in the newly-fashionable districts of Sihl and Zurich West.
Shopping hours
Most shops are open Monday to Friday 0900 or 0930-1830 and Saturday 0830-1600 or 1700. Many, except for the large stores, close for lunch. Late night shopping on Thursday is until 2000. By law, shops cannot stay open longer than 2000 on weekdays and 1700 on Saturday.
Tax information
VAT is charged at a rate of 7.6% and can be reclaimed for single items purchased for SFr400 or more, as long as the purchaser is resident outside Switzerland and the goods are exported within 30 days.
