Unique Souvenirs to Bring Home from Zurich

Cuckoo clocks, cowbells, and wooden music boxes—you’ll find all things typically “Swiss” at this handicrafts emporium. Everything at Schweizer Heimatwerk is “Made in Switzerland” and it’s a safe bet for high quality items, a notch up from many other souvenir stores. Quirkier gift ideas include St. Bernard dog soft toys, a Swiss fondue or raclette set, or a Swiss army blanket, adorned with the now-ubiquitous Swiss cross.

Souvenir shops are crammed with Toblerones and Lindt lindors, but for the ultimate chocolatey treat, opt for a hand-picked selection box from one of Zurich’s top chocolatiers. Time-honored establishments include Confiserie Honold, Sprüngli, and Max Chocolatier, while others are famous for their exclusive products. Pick up some Dom Perignon Champagne truffles from Teuscher or head to Läderach, where the slabs of FrischSchoggi (fresh chocolate) are stuffed with nuts and fruits.

Tucked beneath the railway arches in Zurich-West, this shopping arcade is crammed with artisan food shops, cool cafés, and independent designer boutiques. Come here to browse the stores with the city’s most fashionable; pick up some threads made by Zurich’s new wave of designers; or seek out Zurich-made specialties such as Tirggel (honey cookies), Turicum Gin, or Zürihonig (honey produced at the city’s rooftop beehives).

Zurich is magical at Christmas and the city hosts at least five different Christmas markets. Visit the Christmas Village at Sechseläutenplatz; browse the wooden chalets in the Niederdorf quarter; or head to the Münsterhof Christmas market, where all the stalls are run by local artisans and businesses. Hand-made jewelry and accessories, traditional wooden items, tree ornaments, and colorfully decorated gingerbread cookies all make great gifts.

From brightly patterned Swatch watches to diamond encrusted Rolexes, Switzerland sets the world standard in watches. Bahnhofstrasse, Europe’s most expensive retail street, is the place to invest in some quality arm candy—Montblanc, Patek Philippe, Chopard, Piaget, and Omega all have boutiques here. Don’t forget your credit card.

Victorinox is the original Swiss Army Knife producer and its flagship store is located just off Bahnhofstrasse, although there’s also a shop at Zurich airport. (Ideal for those inevitable last-minute purchases.) Opt for a high-tech version with up to 28 different functions or add a special touch with a personalized engraving.

Visiting Zurich’s markets is a fun way to experience local life, as well as sniff out a bargain or two. The huge Kanzlei flea market sells everything from clothes and second-hand goods to art, handicrafts, and antiques—just give yourself plenty of time to see it all. Alternatively, hunt down antiques or purchase local art at the Rosenhof market in the Niederdorf Quarter, or head to the Bürkliplatz flea market, where well-heeled city-dwellers sell off their second-hand clothes, jewelry, and homeware.