What To Buy In Zurich, Switzerland

1. Cuckoo clock

For many travelers, the best Swiss takeaway is a Cuckoo Clock. But, what would come as a surprise is that this clock is not originally from Switzerland; it’s actually from Germany. It has three important qualities; first, it is made from linden wood for its naturally dry attribute, second is the dancing figurines, waterwheels, animals and the cuckoo sound and lastly, the customer’s favorite tunes “The Happy Wanderer.”

Swiss Koo

Address: Chemin du Closel 5, 1020 Renens, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 9:30am–6:00pm

Price: 72.42 CHF ( 72.96 USD)

Website: Swiss Koo

2. Swiss chocolates

If you are a sweet tooth, Zürich is the place to be. It is not only known for its artifacts but also Switzerland’s Chocolate Capital. You may even find yourself surprised by the long queues outside the chocolate shops, which spread around the streets of Zürich. The Old Town boasts a wide array of chocolate shops which offer a free taste, including the Confiserie Honold, whose specialty is truffles. You can also try the Teuscher, Lȁderach, and the Sprüngli, which are more on the extravagant side.

Confiserie Honold

Address: Confiserie Honold AG Rennweg 53 8001 Zürich

Opening Hours: Mon.-Fri: 8:00am - 6:30pm/ Sat: 8:00am-6:00pm

Price: 24.50 CHF ( 24.68 USD)

Website: Confiserie Honold

3. Swiss Army knife

There are lots of souvenir shops that sell Swiss army knives around Zürich. It is available in Heimatwerk Shop (one in the main station in Zürich), and in department stores like Globus and Manor. But the most known shop that sells a Swiss army knife is the Victorinox located in Zürich Airport, which makes it more convenient. It offers Swiss army knives that vary in size, color, and functionality, and customers can theirs personalized depending on their preference. The most popular of its kind is the small red Victorinox pocket knives.

Victorinox

Address: 3 Bahnhofstrasse, 6440 Ingenbohl, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 9am–6pm

Price: 26.82 CHF ( 27.02 USD)

Website: Victorinox

4. Music boxes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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The origin of Music boxes can be traced back to 1796, wherein it is used only for the entertainment of the elite from Europe and China. Today, the most popular Swiss music box is called Reuge. It features the widest range of musical movements and a tonal range of up to 144 notes. There are two types of Swiss music boxes-the cylinder and the disc music box. You can find these music boxes in Waldorf shop in Hottingen, Zürich where you can choose the music box of your liking since they have a large variety available.

Audio Vinyl GmbH

Address: Stampfenbachstrasse 40, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30am–6:30pm

Price: 81.89 CHF ( 82.50 USD)

Website: Audio Vinyl GmbH

5. Traditional Swiss-wear

If you want to experience Switzerland like a true townie, buying their traditional outfits would be a great start. Despite the influences of different cultures, the traditional Swiss-wear remain distinct. Way back in the 18th Century, Switzerland experienced wealth beyond belief, allowing them to wear clothing with creative embroidery and lace-work. For women, the traditional Swiss-wear is commonly puffy around the waist with floral embroidery and a tight-sleeved top. For men, on the other hand, is a knee-length trouser with suspenders which are often leather.

Edelweiss Shop

Address: Bahnhofpl. 15, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 8:00am–10:00pm

Price: 22.57 CHF ( 22.74 USD)

Website: Edelweiss Shop

6. Handmade wooden toys

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are after a gift that your kids will love, these hand-made wooden toys will do the trick. From the hillside forests of Switzerland to your child’s toy box, these traditional hand-made wooden toys continue to be a hit up to this day. There is a wide selection that varies from planes and trains to different animal wooden toys that feature the white Swiss cross. These wooden toys and other handicrafts are available at Schweizer Heimatwerk in Uraniastrasse 1, known as Zürich’s most popular “made in Switzerland” shop. It is pocket-friendly and will surely fit your budget.

Franz Carl Weber Toy Store

Address: Bahnhofpl. 9, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 9:00am–8:00pm

Price: 19.06 CHF ( 19.20 USD)

Website: Franz Carl Weber Toy Store

7. Swiss cheese

It was known as Emmental cheese when it was first manufactured in the West Central region in Switzerland during the 14th century. The Swiss in the Emmental region kept this goodness for a large amount of time since Swiss cheese wasn’t known to the whole world until the late 18th century. Thus, the locals of Emmental created larger quantities of Swiss cheese to export it to other countries such as the United States of America, Australia, and Canada. Most people who have tasted this says that Swiss cheese is still different when experienced in Switzerland. Swiss cheese became a staple to a lot of recipes such as Cuban sandwiches, chicken cordon bleu, fondue and many more. But if you want an already prepared dish of Swiss cheese, you can visit Schweizer Heimatwerk in Uraniastrasse1, Zürich where restaurants sell this popular traditional Swiss dish called Cheese fondue.

Kick Cheese - Market Hall

Address: Limmatstrasse 231.8005 Zurich, Switzerland, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 9:00am-8:00pm

Price: 19.84 CHF ( 19.99 USD)

Website: Kick Cheese - Market Hall

8. Cowbells

Alpen Schatz Swiss cowbells or Treicheln and Glocken represent a family craft which dates back 250 years. They cherish the centuries-old traditions of the breathtaking Appenzeller region of Switzerland. Each decorative bell strap is especially well made by the descendants of the founding fathers of this alpine tradition. Just like what their ancestors did, the descendants also make sure to use the finest of Swiss organic cow leather. Additionally, each piece has alpine figures, hand carved, and tooled from Alpine brasses. These cowbells play a big part in Switzerland’s culture and tradition. The cowbells are available in Teddy’s souvenir shop, next to the church of Grossmünster in Zürich. They are small and convenient to buy since you won’t be having a hard time carrying them.

Edelweiss Shop

Address: Bahnhofpl. 15, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 8:00am–10:00pm

Price: 19.84 CHF ( 19.99 USD)

Website: Edelweiss Shop

9. Swiss watches

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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When arriving or departing from Zürich admirable train station, tourists and citizens alike often take notice of the large central clock, with its neat design and the ability to, apparently, stop time made this clock a Swiss icon that eventually, as time flies by, it has become an inspiration to some Swiss watchmakers. Its exclusive movement spreads 58 seconds over the course of one minute then the clock will appear to stop for two seconds. To theSwiss, being early, even by just two seconds, makes you on time. Swiss watches have very detailed designs that will surely fit your liking.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 32, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:00am–6:30pm

Price: 129.04 CHF ( 129.99 USD)

Website: Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique

10. Raclette maker

Raclette is another Swiss dish in which the main ingredient is Swiss cheese. It is a recipe by the shepherds and farmers who worked on the mountainsides. The farmers cooked it on an open fire, boiling potatoes and melting Raclette cheese on hot rocks. Raclette cheese is specifically for melting which makes it easier to melt around the potatoes just right. Raclette is often available in specialty shops worldwide, but if you are in Zürich, you can avail it in the Manor located in Bahnhofstrasse 75. It is affordable and will surely make your dishes more appetizing.

Weber Comestibles

Address: Forchstrasse 199, 8125 Zollikerberg, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00am–12:30pm, 3:00pm–6:30pm/ Sat:8:00am–4:30pm

Price: 19.84 CHF ( 19.99 USD)

Website: Weber Comestibles

Quality souvenirs

Zurich, the land of chocolates and quality souvenirs, is one country you shouldn’t miss visiting. It offers good sceneries, mouth-watering chocolates and cheese recipes, and a lot more. In case you don’t know what souvenirs to buy in this country, check out our list of must-buys in Zurich and have an exciting shopping experience.