Bahnhofstrasse , Zurich: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Bahnhofstrasse Overview

Bahnhofstrasse, a tiny and yet so imposing street of Zurich is all centred with luxurious fashion brands, Swizz-chocolate shops, warm cafes, art galleries and much more. This extravagant high street of Zurich is well known as one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping arcades in Europe while being the third most expensive on the global list.

So, if you are a shopping buff and like to indulge in some of the world-class brands such as Apple, Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Hekket, H&M, Burberry, Dior, and Manor, etc., then on your Switzerland trip, it's the right place for you to be! Explore the underground shopping haven of "ShopVille" beneath this unique railway station, offering a plethora of renowned brands and a delightful shopping experience, making your Switzerland trip an unforgettable retail adventure.

The street is fairly 1.4 km long which can be covered in only 20 minutes on foot but the urge to go in and around all those irresistible stores will not just let you walk by! Besides, great fashion and everything in vogue, this sought-after street of Zurich is also admired for its aesthetic built.

Inspired from the 19th-century style and architecture, the street hardly composes any modern cast of buildings thus, keeping the true Victorian flavour alive to lure people from far and wide. Anything being said stands less for this pretty town street, but one thing that’s for sure; everything here is a visual treat.

Come here once or come here twice, the unforgettable taste and vibes will influence you for life.

How To Reach

The distance from Zurich Airport to Bahnhofstrasse is 11.9 km, which can be accessed either via road or rail. The best and the fastest option to reach Bahnhofstrasse is via train, take a train from Zurich main station followed by crossing a street.

It is highly recommended not to drive here if you are unfamiliar with Zurich due to heavy traffic.

Therefore, public transport is the best way out. Besides, some parts of the Bahnhofstrasse can only be accessed on foot or by tram.

Best Time To Visit

Every season has something or the other to offer the travellers visiting Bahnhofstrasse, you will never get disappointed while on your trip to this customary street.

March to May is the spring season in Zurich, the weather stays cool as the temperature ranges from 12-13 degrees celsius.

The city barely attracts visitors during this time thus, giving a good chance to grab some great deals and discounts on stays and travel.

The summer season is the best time to visit Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich due to the pleasant weather, it starts in June and stays till August.

One can get involved in numerous outdoor activities during day time or quietly relax during the evening hours.

September to November is the Autumn season in Zurich, the weather is pretty chilly during this time of the year as the temperature ranges from 4 to 10 degrees celsius. But, low hotel prices does justice to this chilling weather.

The winter in Zurich begins from December and stays until the end of February, the temperature goes as low as -6 degrees celsius, therefore, this season is counted as the off-season.

However, if you are fond of the ski, then it is the right time for you to be there.

Moreover, Christmas brings in all the joy and fun by illuminating every bit of the place with lights and festivities!

Other Essential Information

Location: Bahnhofstrasse is a 1.4 km long downtown alley of Zurich, Switzerland that begins from the station square or Bahnhofplatz, opposite to the Zürich Hauptbahnhof, advancing through Rennweg, Paradeplatz and Augustinergasse and ending at Bürkliplatz or Lake Zurich near National Bank and Hotel Baur au Lac.

Timings: Usually the stores in and around Bahnhofstrasse city centre open by 0900 hours and closes by 2000 hours from Mondays to Fridays,

On Saturdays, most stores get closed by 1800 hours, and on Sundays and public holidays, the shops remain closed.

Additionally, the small stores outside the city centre get closed by 1830 or 1900 hours.

Distance from Zürich Airport: The distance of Bahnhofstrasse from Zurich airport is approximately 12 km which can be covered in about 15 minutes either by road or rail.

History of Bahnhofstrasse

The history of Bahnhofstrasse dates back to1838 when only Hotel Baur en Ville existed. The hotel was opened on the 24th December at Paradeplatz, which is known as Hotel Savoy Baur en Ville on today's date.

Unlike today's Bahnhofstrasse, the rails were earlier operated as Spanish railway Brötlibahn in 1847, post which in 1854 the cosmopolitan and tumultuous decision of keeping the main railway station or "Hauptbahnhof" in the same place was taken.

Thereafter, the planning began to establish a new link from the main station to Paradeplatz. The construction of the Bahnhofstrasse promenade started in 1864 when the ditch was clogged near the water area and was addressed as Fröschengrabens or frog ditch.

The unpaved roads were turned into beautiful lawns and streets while the original pathways were reconstructed as roads and boulevards, and in 1865 finally, the main street was opened to the public starting from Paradeplatz to Central station.

The first store was then erected in 1868 by Johannes Ganz, a photographer followed by several other commercial buildings were built and the first departmental store was opened in 1899.

Bahnhofstrasse has also been home to plenty of banking corporations such as Credit Suisse which was laid from 1873 to 1976, Zürcher Kantonalbank built in 1870 and Volksbank that moved to Bahnhofstrasse in 1928.

Restaurants in Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is not just a high fashion street but also heartily famous when it comes to foods and beverages. This hi-fi street is home to scores of restaurants and cafes to suit any occasion.

1. Heugümper: This family restaurant was opened in 1996 in one of the oldest sites in the city. This warm and cosy place is adorned with a blend of traditional and modern atmosphere, offering Mediterranean and Asian cuisine accompanied with the finest quality wines.

No matter what your reason for visiting Heugümper is, you will always be welcomed with the same warmth and greeting.

2. Zeughauskeller: Zeughauskeller, an armoury restaurant holds an ardently long history dating back to 1487. The menu mainly comprises traditional meat dishes, sausages and other Swiss delights that have been cherished for centuries.

This historic restaurant is handled by a team of 80 employees working their passion on day to day basis to serve their customers, along with Tony Hammer who manages the place with the same enthusiasm with which it was inaugurated a long time back.

3. Aurora: This Mediterranean restaurant is situated right in the heart of Bahnhofstrasse, offering a speculating and lively view of the street from the first level and terrace of the restaurant. Anything you order here, be well assured to be made up of high-quality ingredients and excellent taste.

Additionally, the world-class chefs working in the visible clear kitchen adds a personal touch to every dish they prepare.

4. Bärengasse: If you are a fan of beef then Bärengasse welcomes you to be pleased by Argentinian beef and wine directly sourced from an in-house farm in Argentina. This artistic restaurant is situated right in the centre of Paradeplatz.

Besides, the modern atmosphere with classic arrangements makes it an ideal spot for both lunch and dinner.

Tips for Visiting Bahnhofstrasse Zurich

It’s always a good idea to keep a couple of things in mind before planning your travel to any location that is unfamiliar. Some of the tips for visiting Bahnhofstrasse Zurich includes:

1. Weather in Bahnhofstrasse can go down to freezing during winters, so if you are planning to visit during this time of the year make sure to carry enough woollen clothing.

2. Being one of the most expensive shopping destinations in the world, shopping in Bahnhofstrasse can be heavy on many people’s pocket, therefore it is suggested to take care of your tour budget if you are looking forward to indulging in unplanned shopping at Bahnhofstrasse.

3. The most convenient option to reach Bahnhofstrasse from Zurich Airport is by train, avoid taking a cab/taxi due to heavy traffic in and around the main centre. Also, Bahnhofstrasse can be best explored on foot at your own pace and time.

Bahnhofstrasse FAQs

How do I get to Bahnhofstrasse?

Bahnhofstrasse can be reached from Zurich Airport via rail or road, rail is the most convenient and fastest option. Take a train from the main Zurich station and cross the street to reach Bahnhofstrasse. It is suggested not to drive here due to bustling traffic and also some parts of the place can only be accessed by tram or by foot.

How far is Bahnhofstrasse from Zurich airport?

The distance of Bahnhofstrasse from Zurich airport is 9 km and the road distance is 11.9 km, which can be covered in 14-15 minutes with a car and around 20 minutes when travelling in train.

What does Bahnhofstrasse mean?

Bahnhofstrasse was founded after the annihilation of the city's defensive wall in 1864 when the ditch in front of it was filled up with water. The location was known as Fröschengraben or Ditch of the Frogs until then, post which it was changed to Bahnhofstrasse or the “Railway Station Street”.