Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich

Bahnhofstrasse is the main commercial street in Zurich and one of the most renowned and expensive business streets worldwide. Rental and retail prices on Bahnhofstrasse are among the highest globally.

Overview

• The name Bahnhofstrasse translates to “station street,” reflecting its proximity to Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the central train station.
• The street extends along the old city center toward Lake Zurich and ends at the city embankment.
• Originally, the site was occupied by a city wall and a moat, which were filled in during the 1860s to make way for the new street and its residential and commercial buildings.

Structure and Features

• Length: approximately 1.4 kilometers
• Primarily a pedestrian street with a tram line running through the center
• Several small squares are located along the street, most notably Paradeplatz, which hosts city events such as carnivals and parades

Commercial Activity

• The section near the train station features large department stores: Globus, Manor, and Co-op City, as well as international clothing chains: H&M, Zara, Benetton.
• Closer to Paradeplatz and Lake Zurich, the street is lined with luxury boutiques, high-end hotels, and stores displaying watches and other luxury goods.
• Major banks are concentrated along Bahnhofstrasse and around Paradeplatz, including the headquarters of UBS, which took over Credit Suisse in 2023, earning the street a reputation as one of the world’s leading banking streets.

Recommendations

• Visit department stores for a broad selection of goods
• Stop by the historic Sprüngli chocolate shop

Bahnhofstrasse represents a combination of historic development, high-end retail, and financial significance, making it a central feature of Zurich’s urban and commercial landscape.