The bags of Markus and Daniel Freitag certainly need no further introduction, and where would be a better place to buy these individual designs made of truck tarps, inner tubes and seat belts than their container-shop in Zurich West?
Whether you like a handsome department store that caters for your every retail whim, a hip backstreet boutique or a fusty vintage store with a line in forgotten fashions, Zurich shopping has it all.
The main shopping area is around the Bahnhofstrasse, which runs from the main station, Hautbahnhof towards Lake Zurich. Fashion chains such as Mango and Zara have taken over much of the lower half of a street that was once a more atmospheric and authentic shopping experience. The brands build in prestige the closer they get to Paradeplatz, the banking area, where classic department stores such as Grieder sits alongside luxury brands like Dior and Chanel.
The old town stretches between Central and Bellevue and is often referred to as the 'Dörfli' by locals. It actually consists of two parts – Niederdorf and Oberdorf. Though something of a tourist trap – fondue restaurants and souvenir shops are common hereabouts –the area has generous offerings of quirky shops such as the Travel Book Shop or Limited Stock.
Originally a run down area full of decaying warehouses, Zurich West – also called 'Kreis 5' or 'Industriequartier' – is quickly becoming the new heart of town. Its main attraction is the 'Viadukt', a stretch of shops, restaurants and bars built into the arches of the old railway viaduct that runs between the bank of the river Limmat and Hardbrücke station. Nearby cult culture and lifestyle area Frau Gerolds Garten offers cute little shops ike Edition Populaire.
