Bahnhofstrasse Tourist Shops

• Pricimo Score
  Tourist Trap

Overpriced souvenirs on the world’s priciest street

Bahnhofstrasse tourist souvenir shops line one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets in Zürich. While Swiss Army knife prices are controlled by Victorinox (a CHF 30 knife costs the same everywhere), everything else carries a hefty location premium.

The real trap isn’t always obvious markup—it’s pressure tactics, limited selection, and tourists not knowing local alternatives exist. Cowbells range from CHF 16 for small ones to CHF 830 for hand-decorated pieces. Generic “Swiss Made” souvenirs often aren’t Swiss at all. Staff may pressure you for tips that are already legally included in Swiss prices.

WHY AVOID: You’re paying for the Bahnhofstrasse address, not better products. Most items can be found cheaper at department stores, flea markets, or supermarkets. PRICE RANGE: 20-50% premium on comparable items.

Better alternatives: Schweizer Heimatwerk (Uraniastrasse 1) for authentic Swiss-made goods, Saturday flea markets for real cowbells, Migros for Frey chocolate (unavailable abroad), and Manor/Globus department stores for Victorinox at controlled prices.

Categories

• Shop Local

Regions

• Zürich

Location