The Best Markets in Zürich, from Flea to Farmers

Zürich offers numerous flea markets, with one of the best taking place at Bürkliplatz. The market is ideal if you want to rummage for eclectic rarities and antiques, as well as offering numerous second-hand jewellery items, clothing and other high-quality products. Vendors range from professional traders to spontaneous set ups. Visitors can browse these diverse stands before heading on to some mainstream shopping on the glamorous Bahnhofstrasse around the corner.

Every week the main hall of Zürich’s main train station turns into a bustling market place with various vendors selling culinary delights and fresh products from all over Switzerland. In addition to Swiss specialties, visitors can expect to find aromatic cheeses and meats. Food lovers will thoroughly enjoy wandering through the aisles and buying some tasty nibbles as well as shopping for fresh vegetables. The Bahnhofmarkt is an excellent way of discovering Switzerland’s regional cuisine and experiencing an authentic market atmosphere.

The Helvetiaplatz, located in the city’s multicultural district 4, sets the scene for Zürich’s all year round food market with 400 vendors offering an exceptional range of goods. The colorful produce includes home-grown and exotic fruits and vegetables and visitors are likely to encounter a diverse array of nationalities at this market. It is considered Zürich’s most international food market and visitors can expect to find almost anything from Greek specialties to local, organic farm produce. Additionally fresh fish, chicken and other meats can be purchased here.

The Kanzlei Flea Market is probably Zürich’s biggest and most famous flea market. Over 400 different vendors sell numerous second-hand goods from paintings, jewelry and bicycles to rarities, books and fine china. Visitors can find pretty much anything here, whether it is electronic equipment or leather bags. The market is an intriguing place to wander around. There are also plenty of places to get a coffee and refreshments.

From March to November the Rosenhof craft market comes to life and fills the square in the Old Town with eclectic treasures. In the picturesque setting vendors sell exotic as well as Swiss handicrafts such as clothes, jewelry, gem stones, leather goods, handmade pottery and antiques. The market has a distinctly bohemian atmosphere with its hippie clothing and trinkets and there are various stalls serving a range of refreshments. Many of the products are one of kind and the Rosenhof Market is a perfect way of exploring the dynamic city center.

Come September, Zürich transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with glittering fairy lights and dazzling Christmas decorations. When the temperature drops there is no need to stay hidden inside: enjoy the city’s enchanting Christmas Market and some delicious, sweet waffles and mulled wines. There are several Christmas markets throughout Zürich such as the picturesque Christmas fair in the Niederdorf square or the Christkindlimarket, one of the biggest indoor Christmas markets in Europe, located inside the main train station. A 50ft high sparkling Christmas Tree towers over the bustling aisles, which are full of all sorts of trinkets and nibbles.

With its scenic location overlooking the lake, the Bürkliplatz offers a charming market atmosphere and is filled with Swiss farmers twice a week. This market is probably one of the more pricey yet the quality of the products is unparalleled. Blooming flowers, fresh fish and regional specialties, such as Swiss cheese, are just a few of the numerous goods on offer. A wide range of the vegetables and fruits have been grown organically and will delight anyone in search of healthy and fresh ingredients. One of the biggest markets in the city, the Farmer’s Market is an excellent way to do your daily shopping.

The Mercatino Rimini Market is the place to be for Zürich’s fashion lovers and takes place at the stylish Rimini Bar during the summer months. Young Swiss and international designers sell their unique works which range from the latest trends to flea-market and vintage pieces. The market is an exciting platform for a diverse crowd from designers to artists and the young and trendy. In the evening Rimini turns into one of Zürich’s hippest open air bars.