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Bahnhofstrasse
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · CH

Bahnhofstrasse

Getting around: Bahnhofstrasse runs directly from Zurich Hauptbahnhof toward the lake, entirely walkable and also served by trams along its length.
Hours: No fixed hours as a street; shops generally keep standard hours, closed Sundays, though the street itself is always open.

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich's main shopping boulevard and one of the most expensive retail streets in the world, lined with flagship stores for major luxury and watch brands as well as, less visibly, several of the banks whose vaults reportedly run beneath the street. It runs in a straight line from the train station down to Lake Zurich, making it a natural route to walk even for visitors with no interest in shopping.

Beyond the retail, it's simply a pleasant, tree-lined, largely pedestrian-and-tram street connecting two of Zurich's other main draws — the station and the lakefront — so most visitors end up walking at least part of it regardless of specific shopping intentions.

Bahnhofstrasse FAQs

Is it worth walking if I'm not shopping?

Yes, it's a pleasant, tree-lined route connecting the train station to the lakefront, worth walking even without shopping intentions.

Are the bank vaults actually under the street?

It's a well-known local claim that several banks' vaults run beneath the street, tied to Zurich's status as a major financial center, though it's more folklore-flavored trivia than something visitors can verify or see.

How long is the street?

About 1.4 kilometers from the station to the lake, an easy 20-25 minute walk end to end.

Are the shops very expensive?

Yes, it's known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, dominated by luxury and watch brand flagships.

Is it accessible by tram?

Yes, several tram lines run along its length.

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