Zürich in 5 Shops: Local Creators, Thrift Store Discoveries, and Swiss Cheese

In our 5 Shops series, we highlight our favorite independent retailers in some of the world's most vibrant cities. From bustling food markets and cozy bookshops to vintage treasures and local design studios, we've curated a diverse selection of shops where you can find truly unique items.

Zürich, the financial hub of Switzerland, is a lovely city perfect for leisurely exploration. As you wander through its picturesque Old Town or the trendy, repurposed Zürich West area, you'll encounter a delightful array of shops—from upscale fashion boutiques to brockenhaus (thrift shops) where you can uncover hidden gems amidst the clutter.

As a contributor to Dinogo Planet’s Switzerland guidebook, I’ve discovered some of the city’s finest independent shops—ideal spots for unique souvenirs and delightful finds that are easy on the wallet.

Top Spot for Souvenirs: Schweizerisches Landesmuseum

True to Switzerland's reputation for exceptional design, the history of the nation is elegantly showcased at the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum). After exploring the exhibits, be sure to visit the museum’s well-stocked shop, perfect for finding a piece of Switzerland to bring home. From an impressive selection of postcards (Sfr 2–2.50) to books and gifts, you'll also discover notable local designs, including Freitag bags crafted from recycled truck tarps and chic knits from Beige. Among the shop’s best-sellers are the Heidi illustrated books (Sfr 13.90) and the iconic REX vegetable peeler (Sfr 8.50), a must-have kitchen item in any Swiss household.

Best Local Design Store: Die Macherei

Kreis 4, once known for its seedy red-light district, has transformed with the development of the sleek Europaallee office and shopping complex, home to Google among other tenants. Embracing this trendy atmosphere is Die Macherei (The Makers), founded by architects-turned-product designers Chelsea Morrissey and Stefanie Sixt. This shop features a collective of primarily Zürich-based designers showcasing their work. Here, you can find Morrissey and Sixt’s stylish reflective Sputnik weatherproof backpacks (approximately Sfr 229) or delightful porcelain cups by Studio Sediment, adorned with illustrations by Annina Schaeubl (starting at Sfr 39). The shop also offers contemporary fashion and accessories from brands like Gaffer & Fluff, Velvet Novel, and Sode. Morrissey regularly hosts kokedama (moss ball) workshops in the shop as well.

Top Spot for Vintage/Thrift: Zürcher Brockenhaus

I absolutely adore exploring vintage shops and thrift stores. Despite being one of Switzerland's wealthiest cities, Zürich boasts an impressive number of them, with the standout being the social enterprise Zürcher Brockenhaus. Established in 1904, this three-story haven is filled with an eclectic mix of used items—everything from clothing and books to vinyl records, designer furniture, vintage shop fittings, and even taxidermy. Not all items are secondhand; shops and businesses frequently donate their unsold inventory. I picked up a plug adaptor for just Sfr 2 and even found a Swiss flag mug for the same price. The best part? The profits from the Brocki support a variety of charitable initiatives.

Top Choice for Food: Markthalle Im Viaduct

Nestled under the historic late-19th-century stone railway viaduct in Kreis 5 is the exceptional food market Markthalle Im Viaduct. Overflowing with fresh local and imported foods, this market is a culinary paradise, featuring Berg und Tal as its go-to spot for gourmet treats. Cheese enthusiasts will love Tritt Käse, offering over 180 varieties of Swiss, French, and Italian cheeses. The friendly staff encourages sampling before you buy, with the flavorful Schnebelhorn being a favorite (Sfr 3.10 for 100g). For Sfr 28 per person, they also provide a DIY fondue kit complete with cheese and bread for a lovely picnic in nearby Josefwiese park.

Top Pick for Books: The Travel Book Shop

As a fan of travel bookshops, especially those stocked with my Dinogo Planet guidebooks, I’m particularly fond of The Travel Bookshop. Located in Zürich’s Old Town, this gem has thrived for 50 years. Managed by the friendly Regula Weber since 2012, she’s eager to guide you through their wide selection of guidebooks, travel literature, and inspiring pictorials, mainly in German but also available in English and French. “We aim to cover everything,” Regula explains. If you’re gearing up for a hike in the Swiss Alps, this is the perfect spot to grab a folding map. And for a memorable keepsake from your Alpine journey, consider the wooden-framed Kümmerly & Frey 1:500,000 scale relief map of the mountains (Sfr 134).