The weird and wonderful shops of Europe

Have you been there, done that when it comes to Europe’s shopping scene?

Have you walked the lanes of London and the main roads of Milan, and now seek something new?

Well, have we got a treat for you! Zurich is one of the hottest shopping spots in Europe, and yet like a beautiful untapped resource, is not well known for its shopping prowess.

From the old town markets to the uber luxe brand names, this is the city for fresh shopping adventures. We show you how to shop Zurich 3 ways:

Looking for love luxury

The world famous Bahnhofstrasse in Zürich has made a major contribution to Zürich’s reputation as a shopping paradise. It is the first port of call for lovers of luxury. Watches and jewellery glint in the windows of Beyer, Bucherer, or Türler, and top class fashion and accessories can be unearthed at Bally, Bongénie Grieder, or Feldpausch.

And did we mention that all the top international brands can be found in most stores, with even department stores Jelmoli or Globus full of unexpected surprises.

Try these stylish settings:

The Gallery – a shopping paradise for women’s fashion, separated by style rather than brand. Meet you in the modern contemporary section!
Designer am See – located on Zurich’s left lake shore, 10 minutes’ drive from Zurich, this store offers everything from fashion to accessories for elegant, trendy women.
Boutique Roma – Roma is the boutique for clothing by international avant-garde designers like Rick Owens, Dries van Noten und Ann Demeulemeester. They feature men’s and women’s wear and take pride in traditional handicraft and exquisite materials.

Blessed with bric-a-brac

Credit: Ko Fujimura

For lovers of something a bit more unique, and with a slightly smaller price-tag, Zurich’s Old Town on the banks of the Limmat is where trend meets tradition, and a glorious fusion emerges.

At Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren, you can make the same purchases as over 100 years ago, while in the trendy shop Time-Tunnel you will find both second-hand designer pieces and a hairdressing salon.

And the Zürich label Alprausch interprets traditional Swiss items in the trend-setting store Street & Snow-Ware in a new way.

Suss out these treasure troves:

16tons – Brimming with stacks of new and second-hand vinyl records, 16tons is one of the city’s first addresses for vinyl lovers. It’s also well worth a visit if you’re hunting for some cool second-hand clothes or small pieces of vintage furniture.
Pile of Books – A gorgeous, quaint English bookshop where you’ll find tales you never knew existed.
Freitag – The Freitag brothers produce all kinds of bags made out of old truck tarpaulins and used seat belts from cars and because each tarpaulin can only be cut once, every bag is unique. The flagship store is made of 19 old freight containers stacked up to make a tower, so you can choose from hundreds of bags and accessories on four floors.

Urban baby

For the fashion-conscious, a visit is recommended to the Zürich-West & Aussersihl former industrial quarters.

Here, designers like the cult label Freitag with its bags and accessories will surprise you daily with new creations that are an international sensation.

And of course you’ll fall in love with Fabric Frontline, which is continuing in Zürich’s silk tradition, and the famous Swiss designer Tran Hin Phu, who also knows how to surprise with his exclusive fashions.

Linger in these lush locations:

DeeCee Style – leather jackets, denim jeans, funky hats, handmade shoes – all your cool urban styles can be found right here (pictured above).
Scotch & Soda – From 2012, this Netherlands store has reigned supreme in Zurich, keeping the locals and tourists trendy and on point. Casual with a hint of elegance and a dash of retro is their style.
Vestibule – Zurich’s fashion-conscious women love this boutique, which while somewhat pricey is the ultimate in hip fashion. Find designers like Alexander Wang, Forte Forte, Phillip Lim, Chloé and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

You can now win one of two double packages to Zurich – flights, 4-star accommodation, the works – and what’s more, you can take a friend!

Book any ticket on LX using any SWISS fare between October 6 and November 15 2015 and you’ll be in the running to be one of two winners to score a week in Zurich.

To enter, simply email your LX ticket numbers and agency details by 5pm on November 15 2015 with the subject line ‘Visit Zurich’ to info.au@lufthansaexperts.com.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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