Must-see shopping in Switzerland

  • Funky Chocolate Club

    Interlaken

    Run by two passionate chocoholics, Tatiana and Vladimir, the Funky Chocolate is a shop brimming with fair-trade and organic chocolate (vegan, dairy, nut…

  • Chocolaterie Walder

    Neuchâtel

    This third-generation chocolate maker, in the biz since 1919, creates dozens of different chocolates, including les éclats (Sfr9.80 per 100g) – square…

  • Freitag

    Zürich

    The Freitag brothers recycle colourful truck tarps into water-resistant messenger bags in their factory. Every item, from purses to laptop bags, is…

  • Marché du Centre-ville

    Lausanne

    The pedestrianised streets of the Old Town around the Place de la Riponne, in the foreground of the Palais de Rumine, come to life every Wednesday and…

  • Villars Chocolate

    Fribourg, Drei-Seen-Land and The Jura

    The adjacent burnt-red and caramel brick factory of this chocolatier, in business since 1901, churns out slabs of Alpine-rich Gruyère milk chocolate, and…

  • Max Chocolatier

    Zürich

    Of all of Zürich's tempting chocolatiers, Max has the edge. This chic Old Town boutique has a fabulous array of beautifully packaged bars, truffles and…

  • Max Chocolatier

    Lucerne

    For some of the most fabulous chocolate you are ever likely to taste in Switzerland, make a beeline for Max, which has carved out a name for itself in…

  • Victorinox

    Central Switzerland

    Handy and brilliantly compact, Swiss army knives can be bought at the source at Victorinox’s factory shop, 650m southwest of Hauptplatz. Karl Elsener…

  • Gabbani

    Lugano

    Look for the giant Parma hams and salumi dangling in the window of this irresistible delicatessen.

  • Michelles Cupcakes, exterior

    Michelle's Cupcakes

    Zürich

    Inspired by cupcake shops in London, Michelle’s has evolved from a market stall to a full-blown bakery selling freshly made cakes that range in flavours…

  • rrrevolve, entrance

    Rrrevolve Concept Store

    Zürich

    This sustainable-living concept store sells a sizable selection of organic, ecofriendly and Fairtrade products such as bags made from recycled materials…

  • Zürcher Brockenhaus, exterior

    Zürcher Brockenhaus

    Zürich

    A treasure trove for lovers of everything retro or vintage, this thrift store has three floors of furniture, homeware, bicycles, records, toys and…

  • Fizzen, exterior

    Fizzen

    Zürich

    Emerging Swiss brands share the racks with vintage clothes, up-cycled accessories and bits and bobs for the home at this nifty lifestyle boutique.

  • Im Viadukt

    Zürich

    In a city enamoured with reinvention and repurposing, Im Viadukt stands proud. Once a down-at-heel storage facility under stone railway bridges, it's…

  • Berg und Tal

    Zürich

    Swiss-sourced food and drink specialities from small producers fill the shelves at this artisan grocery. You'll find honey from Zürich, sausages from…

  • Favarger

    Geneva

    A veteran on the Swiss chocolate scene, this respected chocolatier has a stylish lake-facing boutique near the spot where its first factory opened in 1826…

  • Bogen 33

    Zürich

    With its sprawling interior and industrial courtyard crammed full of antique furniture, homeware and knick-knacks, this funky home-design store below the…

  • Uhren Atelier Rindermarkt

    Zürich

    In a land famous for its watches, there are bound to be a few used ones, and that's precisely the focus at this hole-in-the-wall shop. Owners Anton Beal…

  • Heidi Shop

    Graubünden

    The Heidi Shop and Information Centre in Maienfeld is the place to head to if you're into Heidi and want to purchase Heidi paraphernalia, such as T-shirts…

  • Andrea Hinnen

    Zürich

    Brilliant colours and bold patterns distinguish the work of Swiss-born, New York–trained clothing designer Andrea Hinnen. Chat with the artist herself…

  • Swiss Mountain Market

    Interlaken

    Amid Interlaken's ocean of tourist kitsch, this store stands out with its terrific selection of regional products from the Bernese Oberland. Take home…

  • Vom Fass

    Geneva

    Oil, vinegar, wine, spirits, liqueurs and whiskies are the specialities of this captivating boutique in Eaux-Vives. A rainbow of liquids sit in attractive…

  • Foifi

    Zürich

    If only every neighbourhood had such an ethically minded cafe-store as Foifi. Zero waste is the concept – bring your own bags and fill up with organic,…

  • Seealpchäs

    Northeastern Switzerland

    By Seealpsee lake, family-run dairy Seealpchäs sells delicious cheese specialities, including varieties made with wild garlic and chilli. For a glowing…

  • Flohmarkt Kanzlei

    Zürich

    Sort the treasures from the tat at Switzerland's biggest flea market, with some 300 stands selling everything from designer vintage clothes to vinyl,…

  • Flea Market

    Geneva

    Try Geneva’s twice-weekly flea market for something different. Go for a mosey on this tree-fringed square and pick up everything from second-hand books…

  • Metzgerei Mark

    Chur

    You'll find Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef or game), Rohschinken (cured ham) and all sorts of Salsiz (sausage) to salivate over at this butcher's place in…

  • Molki Lauterbrunnen

    Lauterbrunnen

    This cute speciality shop does a great selection of tangy Alpine cheeses from the region, Swiss chocolate, wine and honey. Take the opening hours with a…

  • The Barrel

    Interlaken

    Stock up on local Swiss and international craft beers at this retro-rustic store. You can find locally brewed and distilled Rugenbräu beers and whiskies,…

  • Rätische Gerberei

    Chur

    Upstairs at this shop between the train station and the Old Town are mountains of fluffy sheepskins, while downstairs are genuine cowbells for a fraction…

  • Tiger Fink

    Zürich

    Parents – as well as travellers searching for a perfect imported baby gift – will love the huge, colourful selection of kids' clothing, books and toys at…

  • Le Verre en Cave

    Geneva

    A great resource for wine lovers, with dozens of vintages from Switzerland and 10 other countries, and a 'try-before-you-buy' selection of 32 wines…

  • Landolt-Arbenz

    Zürich

    In business since 1882, this distinguished old stationery shop displays a mind-boggling collection of fine pens, inks and art supplies across its two well…

  • Bürkliplatz Flea Market

    Zürich

    Rummage to your heart's content for everything from second-hand jewellery, records, clothes and ceramics to rare antiques at the city's leading flea…

  • Bottega del Formaggio

    Lugano

    Find glorious formaggio at this Gabbani outpost – with 250 different varieties of cheese to choose from.

  • Vertical Sport

    Interlaken

    Located at the K44 climbing hall, this store sells and rents top-quality climbing gear and is run by expert mountaineers who can give sound advice.

  • Markt Bern

    Bern

    Leather, jewellery, shoes, clothing, kitchenware and gifts are among the many items on offer at this large market in the heart of the Old Town.

  • Weihnachtshaus Johann Wanner

    Basel

    Weihnachtshaus Johann Wanner is a well-known Christmas store where you can pick up beautiful festive decorations year-round.

  • Läderach

    Lugano

    Divine chocolates, divinely wrapped or sold in slabs in the case of Läderach make this a must for lovers of chocolate.

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