Zurich Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Boarding

Zurich Airport is a shopper's paradise, with over 150 stores and restaurants open daily from early morning to late at night, 365 days a year. The airport offers an extensive range of shopping and dining options, from local Swiss brands to globally renowned names. For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy or grab last-minute gifts, here's an introduction to what you can buy at Zurich Airport.

Swiss chocolates

If you're looking to buy some delicious Swiss chocolates at Zurich Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a wide range of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.

One highly recommended Swiss chocolate brand is Sprüngli, which has multiple outlets located airside at the airport. Sprüngli is known for its premium quality chocolates, and you can find a variety of options, including chocolate bars, pralines, and their famous Luxemburgerli. You can also find a Sprüngli store in the public area of the airport, ensuring easy access.

Another popular Swiss chocolate brand available at Zurich Airport is Läderach. Läderach offers a wide range of fresh chocolate slabs in over 20 different kinds, as well as the option to create your own assortment of pralines and truffles. You can find Läderach shops both within the airport and in the public area.

In addition to these specialty stores, the duty-free shop at the airport also offers a large selection of Swiss chocolates, including brands from all over the country and at various price points. You can find options such as Lindt, Toblerone, and Cailler, ensuring that you have plenty of choices to choose from.

With its extensive range of Swiss chocolate offerings, Zurich Airport provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious treats or pick up some unique gifts for your loved ones. Whether you're looking for premium brands or a variety of options, Zurich Airport has something for every chocolate lover.

Swiss-made watches

If you're looking to buy a Swiss-made watch at Zurich Airport, you're in luck. The airport boasts an extensive range of stores, including those selling Swiss-made products and globally renowned brands. With over 150 stores open daily from early morning to late at night, you'll have plenty of options to find your perfect timepiece.

One notable retailer of Swiss-made watches is CHRIST Uhren und Schmuck, located in the public area of the airport. Here, you can browse a wide selection of watches and jewellery. Zurich Airport also features stores from renowned Swiss watch brands such as Omega and Rolex, offering you the opportunity to purchase a timepiece from well-known Swiss manufacturers.

If you're looking for a more unique or specialised option, consider venturing into Zurich city centre. Switzerland's oldest watch retailer, Beyer Watches & Jewellery, is located on Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. With a history dating back to 1760, Beyer is currently run by the eighth generation of the Beyer family. They offer a vast selection of Swiss-made watches, drawing on their extensive watchmaking experience.

When shopping for Swiss-made watches, it's essential to be cautious of counterfeit products. While Zurich offers a wide range of reputable stores, it's always advisable to purchase from authorised dealers or specialised boutiques to ensure the authenticity and quality of your timepiece.

Whether you choose to shop at Zurich Airport or explore the city centre, you're sure to find an array of Swiss-made watches to suit your taste and budget. Remember to allow yourself enough time to make your purchase without feeling rushed, especially when dealing with more expensive or intricate timepieces.

Cosmetics and perfumes

Zurich Airport offers a wide range of cosmetics and perfumes to choose from. With over 150 stores open daily, you can find anything from premium cosmetics to renowned brands such as Chanel, Dior, and MAC. The airport's cosmetic boutiques provide a convenient and stylish shopping experience for those seeking luxury skincare, high-end makeup, or signature scents.

The Duty-Free shops at Zurich Airport offer a unique shopping experience with great discounts. You can save up to 20% on perfumes and cosmetics compared to retail stores. The airport also has a loyalty programme that allows you to collect points and enjoy various advantages and discounts.

In addition to international brands, Zurich Airport showcases the best of Swiss cosmetics and perfumes. Victorinox, known for its Swiss Army Knives, also offers a range of first-class perfumes. Swiss perfume brands such as Charriol, Davidoff, and La Prairie are famous for their pleasant scents and use of premium ingredients.

Whether you're looking for skincare products, fragrances, or makeup essentials, Zurich Airport has something for everyone. Remember to check for any travel restrictions or duty-free regulations before making your purchases.

Books

Zurich Airport is home to a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a great destination for those who enjoy lengthy shopping sprees. The airport features over 150 stores and restaurants, which are open daily from early in the morning to late at night, including on Sundays and public holidays.

Fiction and Non-Fiction

The bookstores at Zurich Airport offer a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles. You can browse through the latest bestsellers, or discover new releases from renowned authors. Whether you're a fan of literary fiction, thrillers, romance, or science fiction, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. The non-fiction selection is equally impressive, with titles covering a diverse range of subjects, including history, biography, self-help, and more.

Travel Guides

For those who love to explore new destinations, the bookstores offer a great selection of travel guides. Whether you're planning a trip to a far-flung location or seeking ideas for a weekend getaway, you'll find comprehensive guides to various destinations worldwide. These travel guides provide valuable insights, recommendations, and practical information to help you make the most of your travels.

Magazines and Newspapers

In addition to books, the bookstores at Zurich Airport also stock a variety of magazines and newspapers. You can catch up on the latest news, browse through lifestyle and fashion magazines, or indulge in special interest publications covering topics such as photography, cooking, sports, and more.

Children's Books

Zurich Airport's bookshops also cater to younger readers, offering a diverse range of children's books. You can find classic fairy tales, picture books, early readers, and young adult novels. The selection includes titles in various languages, making it a great place to find bilingual books for children learning a new language.

Stationery and Gifts

Along with books, the bookstores at Zurich Airport typically offer a range of stationery items and gifts. You can find high-quality notebooks, journals, greeting cards, and unique souvenirs. Whether you're looking for a last-minute gift for a loved one or treating yourself to a new pen, these stores have something for everyone.

Remember to keep an eye on your departure time and allow yourself enough time to browse. With its diverse selection of books and convenient location, Zurich Airport is the perfect place to stock up on reading material for your travels or to find that perfect gift for a loved one.

Swiss-made handicrafts

Zurich Airport is a shopper's paradise, with over 150 stores and restaurants open daily from early morning to late at night, 365 days a year. The airport offers a wide range of shopping options, from Zurich and Swiss originals to globally renowned brands.

If you're looking for Swiss-made handicrafts, head to Schweizer Heimatwerk, a well-established label founded in 1930 that represents the best of Swiss handicrafts. Their diverse product range includes both Helvetian tradition and current trends, from wooden spinning tops to glass bowls and jewellery. These exquisite "Made in Switzerland" artworks make Schweizer Heimatwerk unique in the world of handicrafts.

• Hand-painted fondue pot and fondue set: Immerse yourself in Swiss culture with a hand-painted ceramic fondue pot featuring adorable cows, St. Bernard dogs, or Swiss crosses. You can purchase the pot individually or as part of a complete fondue set, which includes matching forks and a warmer.
• Wooden toys: Delight your children or collectors with traditional Swiss wooden toys, including tops, yo-yos, planes, and trains painted with the Swiss cross and featuring iconic Swiss figures like cows with bells and St. Bernards.
• Music boxes: Switzerland is famous for its intricately made music boxes, and Schweizer Heimatwerk offers a wide selection. Find boxes with hand-painted scenes of hikers and shepherds or wooden chalets with intricate flower carvings.
• Trychel Cow Bell: A must-buy souvenir, these decorative cowbells come in various sizes, from keychain-sized to large and detailed.
• Heidi books and merchandise: Introduce children to the classic Swiss story of Heidi with beautifully illustrated hardcover books or a handmade rag book with removable cloth characters. You can also find a handmade Heidi doll at Schweizer Heimatwerk.
• Hand-painted pralines: Indulge in the famous Swiss chocolate culture with hand-painted pralines from various chocolatiers in Zurich, such as Sprungli, Teuscher, and Merkur.
• Swiss Army Knife: A trip to Zurich wouldn't be complete without considering a Swiss Army Knife. Visit the Schweizer Heimatwerk to find a wide range of options, from the "Elegant Pocket Tools" to the robust "Swiss Champ."
• "Swiss Made" Watches: Zurich is the perfect place to invest in a Swiss-made watch, with options ranging from trendy Swatch designs to classic brands like Breitling, Rolex, and Chopard.

Frequently asked questions