Zurich Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Boarding

what to buy at zurich airport

Zurich Airport is a shopper's paradise, with over 150 stores and restaurants open daily from early in the morning to late at night, 365 days a year. The airport offers an extensive range of stores, bars, and restaurants, including native Swiss brands and globally renowned names. For those with a sweet tooth, the airport has stalls selling Swiss chocolates and macarons on almost every corner. For shoppers seeking souvenirs, the airport offers Swiss-made handicrafts, traditional clothing, cuckoo clocks, and music boxes. Beauty lovers can explore the duty-free section for premium cosmetics and perfumes, while bookworms can browse the airport's bookshops.

Characteristics Values
Number of stores and restaurants Over 150
Opening hours Early morning to late at night, 365 days a year
Types of products Books, Swiss chocolates, Swiss-made handicrafts, Swiss cuckoo clocks, Swiss perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco products, clothing, toys, music boxes, jewelry, watches, and macarons
Chocolate brands Lindt, Luxemburgerli

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Swiss chocolates

When it comes to Swiss chocolates, Zurich Airport offers a wide range of options, from well-known brands to smaller producers. Here is a guide to help you navigate the chocolate offerings at the airport:

Duty-Free Chocolates:

Duty-free shopping at Zurich Airport may not offer significant savings on chocolates due to the low VAT rate in Switzerland. However, you can still find a variety of Swiss chocolate brands in the duty-free area, including options from across the country and at different price points. If you are looking for a quick option to purchase chocolates without having to go through security, duty-free shops are a convenient choice.

Läderach:

Läderach is a popular Swiss chocolate brand with a presence at Zurich Airport. They are known for their high-quality chocolates, although prices can be expensive. You can find Läderach shops in the public area of the airport. Their offerings include chocolate pieces in transparent plastic sacks, as well as their regular chocolate bars and treats.

Sprüngli:

Sprüngli is a premium Swiss chocolate brand that is highly regarded by chocolate lovers. They have two to three outlets located airside at the airport, as well as shops in Zurich itself. Sprüngli offers a range of specialties, such as Luxemburgerli, which are highly recommended by chocolate enthusiasts. Their prices are high, but the quality is considered top-notch.

Lindt:

Lindt, another well-known Swiss chocolate brand, has a presence at Zurich Airport. You can find Lindt chocolates airside, making it a convenient option if you are looking to purchase chocolates after passing through security. The brand offers a range of chocolate bars and treats, including their popular "Excellence" line.

Teuscher:

Teuscher is a Swiss chocolate brand that has been praised for its high-quality, handmade truffles. While they do not have a shop at the airport, you can find their stores in downtown Zurich. If you are looking for unique and specialty chocolates, Teuscher is worth considering, although you will need to venture into the city to purchase their chocolates.

In addition to these options, Zurich Airport and the city itself offer various other chocolate shops and brands, including Merkur, Coop, and Migros, which provide a range of chocolate options at different price points. Whether you are looking for premium chocolates or more affordable treats, Zurich Airport and the surrounding area have something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Swiss perfumes

Zurich Airport has over 150 stores and restaurants open daily, offering a wide selection of brands, including Swiss originals and globally renowned names. The airport is a great place to shop for Swiss perfumes, with a range of options to choose from.

One notable Swiss perfume brand is Pernoire, which hand-blends its fragrances in Zurich using rare ingredients to showcase Swiss artistry. Pernoire's perfumes are at least 25% oil-based and are designed to last over 12 hours. The brand combines artisanal skill with sustainable practices to create an eco-conscious luxury experience.

Another option for Swiss perfumes is the Swiss House Shop, which offers an exclusive range of Swiss fragrances, including the Art of Scent collection. The Swiss House Shop specialises in Swiss-made products and also offers organic Alpine herb tea.

In addition to these specialty brands, Zurich Airport's duty-free shops offer a wide range of perfumes from various brands, allowing travellers to purchase fragrances at tax-free prices. With its diverse selection of Swiss perfumes and convenient shopping hours, Zurich Airport is an ideal destination for those looking to buy unique fragrances.

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Swiss watches

If you're looking to buy a Swiss watch at Zurich Airport, you're in luck. The airport is home to a wide range of stores, including both Swiss and globally renowned brands. While you can find a big variety of watches at the airport, it's worth noting that you may not get a significant discount compared to prices elsewhere. In fact, some travellers have reported finding the same watch for a lower price in other countries.

That being said, if you're looking for a Swiss watch, Zurich Airport offers a convenient shopping experience with a variety of options to choose from. You can find everything from classic brands like Rolex and Omega to more upscale options like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet. It's important to note that when it comes to purchasing a pricey watch, you'll want to allocate enough time to make your decision without feeling rushed, especially if you're concerned about making your flight.

Additionally, it's always a good idea to do your research and compare prices before making a purchase. Check the prices of the watches you're interested in beforehand, and then you can determine if you're getting a better deal at the airport or if it's worth considering other shopping destinations. Remember that duty-free shops may not always offer the best deals, and you may find more competitive prices in other locations.

When shopping for Swiss watches, it's essential to be cautious of counterfeit products. Reputable shops that offer warranties are your best bet to ensure you're getting an authentic watch. Take your time, ask questions, and make sure you feel confident about your purchase. Happy shopping!

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Books

Zurich Airport is home to over 150 stores, bars, and restaurants, offering a wide selection of brands, from Swiss originals to globally renowned names. The airport is a great place to visit for a lengthy shopping spree, with its relaxed, strollable atmosphere modelled on Zurich's Old Town.

For book lovers, Zurich Airport's bookshops cater to different interests and age groups. Whether you're looking for leisure reading, educational material, or last-minute gifts, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. Keep in mind that availability may vary, so it's advisable to explore the bookshops well in advance of your departure to ensure you find the book you're looking for.

One book that is specifically recommended as a must-buy when visiting Zurich is the Heidi book series. The fictional alpine adventures of Heidi, a classic Swiss character known and loved worldwide, have been read to children since the 17th century. The stories follow Heidi as she adapts to life with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps, travels to Germany to meet a new friend, and returns to the mountains to spread joy and hope. The Heidi books are touted as stories "for children and those who love children," and are sure to delight readers of all ages.

In addition to books, Zurich Airport offers a variety of other shopping options, including Swiss chocolates, perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco products, and souvenirs.

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Swiss souvenirs

Zurich Airport has an extensive range of shops, bars, and restaurants, with over 150 stores and restaurants open daily from early in the morning to late at night, 365 days a year. The airport offers a mix of Swiss original brands and globally renowned brands.

Swiss chocolates

Swiss chocolates are known for their rich and creamy flavour, and there are many renowned chocolate makers in the country, including Lindt, Toblerone, and Ghirardelli.

Swiss Army Knife

The Swiss Army Knife is a versatile tool that features a variety of blades and tools, making it useful for outdoor enthusiasts, travellers, campers, military personnel, and everyday users. They are made by Victorinox, a company based in the town of Ibach in Switzerland. The knives come in various designs, including some with digital clocks, engravable front plates, USB storage, and even pink camouflage casings.

Swiss watches

Swiss watches are renowned for their precision and quality, and there are many luxury watch brands based in Switzerland, such as Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. A Swiss watch can be a great souvenir or gift that can be treasured for a long time.

Swiss cuckoo clocks

Swiss cuckoo clocks differ from their German counterparts as they resemble a traditional wooden Swiss chalet. Some feature St. Bernard dogs, colourful flowers, and people dancing in traditional Swiss clothing. These clocks are sought after for their high-quality craftsmanship, delightful music, and charm.

Music boxes

Music boxes are a popular souvenir from Switzerland, particularly those made in the town of Sainte-Croix in the Jura Mountains. These music boxes feature intricate mechanisms and beautiful melodies, making them a unique and memorable gift.

In addition to these, other Swiss souvenirs you may find at Zurich Airport include Swiss cheese fondue, Swiss-made perfumes and cosmetics, cowbells, Swiss flag pins, and various wooden crafts and memorabilia.

Frequently asked questions

Zurich Airport has a wide range of stores offering various Swiss-made products, including Swiss chocolates, Swiss-made watches, and Swiss perfumes. You can also find Swiss-made handicrafts such as traditional clothing, handcrafted toys, music boxes, and jewellery.

Zurich Airport has a variety of food items available for purchase, including Swiss chocolates, macarons, and other confectioneries. The airport also houses a Lindt store, a famous native chocolate brand known for its high-quality chocolates.

Yes, in addition to the Swiss-made products mentioned earlier, you can find a variety of gifts at Zurich Airport. The airport has over 150 stores and restaurants offering a range of brands, including globally renowned names and Swiss originals. You can also find bookshops, souvenir shops, and duty-free stores selling premium cosmetics and tobacco products.

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