Zurich Gourmet Tour (Self Guided), Zurich
Apart from its high-quality watches, Switzerland is famous for its unique delicacies. The secrets of their making have been preserved for centuries and passed on from father to son. In this respect, it is not at all surprising that a global banking and financial center such as Zurich can be also a haven for food enthusiasts seeking gourmet delights. On this self-guided walk, we invite you to explore Zurich as home to chocolatiers, confectioneries, and patisseries and acquaint yourself with an array of made-by-hand delicacies with inimitable flavors.
Our first stop in the heart of Zurich is Schwarzenbach Colonial Goods Shop (Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren). This establishment offers an extensive selection of spices, teas, coffee beans, and exotic ingredients from around the world.
For a more dynamic and local experience, visit Bürkliplatz Market. This bustling market is a hub of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and a wide variety of delectable Swiss specialties. It's an ideal place to savor authentic Swiss cuisine and interact with local vendors.
Sprüngli Confectionery (Confiserie Sprüngli) has been synonymous with Swiss chocolate and confectionery excellence since 1836. Here, you can indulge in luxurious chocolates, exquisite pastries, and their famous macarons. A visit to Sprüngli is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Teuscher Chocolates is another chocolate lover's paradise. Their handmade truffles and pralines are crafted with the utmost care and love of the trade. The unique flavor combinations will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
For a more exclusive experience, Prétôt Delikatessen offers a curated selection of gourmet products, including fine wines, cheeses, and prepared meat items (charcuterie) – a true haven for discerning food connoisseurs seeking the finest ingredients.
Finally, Laderach Chocolaterie is yet another place renowned for its Swiss chocolate craftsmanship. Their chocolates are made with Swiss precision and a passion for quality, making them an irresistible treat.
In Zurich, you'll find a whole world of culinary wonders waiting to be explored. So, why wait? Grab the opportunity to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a palate satisfied beyond measure.
Our first stop in the heart of Zurich is Schwarzenbach Colonial Goods Shop (Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren). This establishment offers an extensive selection of spices, teas, coffee beans, and exotic ingredients from around the world.
For a more dynamic and local experience, visit Bürkliplatz Market. This bustling market is a hub of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and a wide variety of delectable Swiss specialties. It's an ideal place to savor authentic Swiss cuisine and interact with local vendors.
Sprüngli Confectionery (Confiserie Sprüngli) has been synonymous with Swiss chocolate and confectionery excellence since 1836. Here, you can indulge in luxurious chocolates, exquisite pastries, and their famous macarons. A visit to Sprüngli is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Teuscher Chocolates is another chocolate lover's paradise. Their handmade truffles and pralines are crafted with the utmost care and love of the trade. The unique flavor combinations will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
For a more exclusive experience, Prétôt Delikatessen offers a curated selection of gourmet products, including fine wines, cheeses, and prepared meat items (charcuterie) – a true haven for discerning food connoisseurs seeking the finest ingredients.
Finally, Laderach Chocolaterie is yet another place renowned for its Swiss chocolate craftsmanship. Their chocolates are made with Swiss precision and a passion for quality, making them an irresistible treat.
In Zurich, you'll find a whole world of culinary wonders waiting to be explored. So, why wait? Grab the opportunity to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a palate satisfied beyond measure.
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Zurich Gourmet Tour Map
Guide Name: Zurich Gourmet Tour
Guide Location: Switzerland » Zurich (See other walking tours in Zurich)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Author: ellen
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Switzerland » Zurich (See other walking tours in Zurich)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Author: ellen
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren (Schwarzenbach Colonial Goods Shop)
- Bürkliplatz Market
- Confiserie Sprüngli (Sprüngli Confectionery)
- Teuscher Chocolates
- Prétôt Delikatessen
- Laderach Chocolaterie
1) Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren (Schwarzenbach Colonial Goods Shop)
If you long for a break from sightseeing in Zurich's Old Town, Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren may be a good place to stop by for a drink and some sweets. This historic gourmet grocery store and coffee roastery has its origins in the family business that was established by Heini Schwarzenbach in 1864 and by now has become one of the most recognizable and popular destinations for local foodies and tourists alike.
The historic interior and old-world charm of the place make it a unique and memorable shopping experience. Indeed, the store is known for its impressive variety of products of high-quality and superb flavor such as dried fruits, natural honey, jams, syrups, pulses, rice, wine, chocolate and sweets, and other gourmet items, not to mention great choice of coffee beans and teas sourced from all over the world.
At Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren they still roast their own coffee using only the best beans, which you may sample in their small café next door. There, along with a cup of coffee or tea, customers can also enjoy a selection of baked goods.
The historic interior and old-world charm of the place make it a unique and memorable shopping experience. Indeed, the store is known for its impressive variety of products of high-quality and superb flavor such as dried fruits, natural honey, jams, syrups, pulses, rice, wine, chocolate and sweets, and other gourmet items, not to mention great choice of coffee beans and teas sourced from all over the world.
At Schwarzenbach Kolonialwaren they still roast their own coffee using only the best beans, which you may sample in their small café next door. There, along with a cup of coffee or tea, customers can also enjoy a selection of baked goods.
2) Bürkliplatz Market
Nicknamed by the locals as “Bürklimäärt”, this cozy open-air market sits at the far end of Bahnhofstrasse, on Bürkliplatz, between the banking district and picturesque Lake Zurich. If you're keen on fresh herbs, seasonal and regional fruits and vegetables, this place is for you!
Here, under the canopy of horse chestnut trees you will find stalls laden with organic products, exotic foods from all over the globe, and many other savory delights. The market offers a large choice of fresh products, such as mushrooms and berries, different sorts of cheese, fish, fresh bread, bakery and confectionery, as well as numerous regional farm specialties.
A visit here can be easily combined with a leisurely stroll along the lake, the wonderful sight of which alone makes it well worth the while. In addition to the idyllic location, the market is also famous, not to a lesser degree, for its beautiful cut flowers and potted plants which are much popular with those eager to make a gift for their loved ones.
Here, under the canopy of horse chestnut trees you will find stalls laden with organic products, exotic foods from all over the globe, and many other savory delights. The market offers a large choice of fresh products, such as mushrooms and berries, different sorts of cheese, fish, fresh bread, bakery and confectionery, as well as numerous regional farm specialties.
A visit here can be easily combined with a leisurely stroll along the lake, the wonderful sight of which alone makes it well worth the while. In addition to the idyllic location, the market is also famous, not to a lesser degree, for its beautiful cut flowers and potted plants which are much popular with those eager to make a gift for their loved ones.
3) Confiserie Sprüngli (Sprüngli Confectionery)
Founded in 1836 by Rudolf Sprüngli, the luxury confectionery Confiserie Sprüngli is one of Zurich’s very first chocolate makers. However, the company has been renowned internationally primarily for its signature macarons, "Luxemburgerli" invented by a Sprüngli confectioner from Luxembourg. In 1892, the chocolate-producing branch of the business split off from the confectionery and now operates independently as Lindt & Sprüngli. Their assortment includes an immense range of chocolates with various fillings, pralines, and truffles, of which the most recognizable are the Grand Cru truffles.
Now in the hands of the family's sixth generation – since 1994, Sprüngli has several locations in Zurich: one in the central train station and two on Bahnhoffstrasse, at No. 21 and 67.
The Sprüngli café on Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse 21, is a traditional meeting place for the elderly ladies of Zürich's upper class. Local folklore has it that the young men who attend this café alone may signal their availability to the well-to-do females by turning over coffee spoons in their cups. But according to the company's director, this is a persistent myth reflecting Zurich's more puritanical past, when the Sprüngli café was one of the few places where upper-class women could talk to strangers without risking their reputation.
Now in the hands of the family's sixth generation – since 1994, Sprüngli has several locations in Zurich: one in the central train station and two on Bahnhoffstrasse, at No. 21 and 67.
The Sprüngli café on Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse 21, is a traditional meeting place for the elderly ladies of Zürich's upper class. Local folklore has it that the young men who attend this café alone may signal their availability to the well-to-do females by turning over coffee spoons in their cups. But according to the company's director, this is a persistent myth reflecting Zurich's more puritanical past, when the Sprüngli café was one of the few places where upper-class women could talk to strangers without risking their reputation.
4) Teuscher Chocolates
Based in Zurich and housed within a historic building dating back to 1647 in the Old Town, Teuscher Confiserie has been serving customers since 1932. The company prides itself on the top-notch quality of its offerings, crafted solely from natural ingredients, eschewing any use of chemicals, even in their sugar-free options.
In line with Swiss confectionery traditions, Teuscher not only specializes in chocolates but also offers an extensive array of pastries and cookies, handcrafting over 200 varieties of sweet treats. Among their notable creations are the Champagne Truffles, a pioneering delicacy made with champagne and buttercream, encased in a dark chocolate ganache derived from 66% cocoa. Each truffle is coated in either milk chocolate with a dusting of confectioner's sugar, or dark chocolate with a coating of unsweetened cocoa powder. Additionally, Teuscher boasts a diverse selection of chocolates, ranging from 55% to 99% cocoa content, in intervals of 11%.
The flagship store, situated on the renowned Bahnhofstrasse, epitomizes the enchanting world of Teuscher. Adorned with vibrant decorations and brimming with delightful assortments of chocolates, pralines, fruit jellies, marzipans, and exquisite truffles, it offers a welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance exudes warmth, and the staff consistently exhibit politeness and friendliness, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
In line with Swiss confectionery traditions, Teuscher not only specializes in chocolates but also offers an extensive array of pastries and cookies, handcrafting over 200 varieties of sweet treats. Among their notable creations are the Champagne Truffles, a pioneering delicacy made with champagne and buttercream, encased in a dark chocolate ganache derived from 66% cocoa. Each truffle is coated in either milk chocolate with a dusting of confectioner's sugar, or dark chocolate with a coating of unsweetened cocoa powder. Additionally, Teuscher boasts a diverse selection of chocolates, ranging from 55% to 99% cocoa content, in intervals of 11%.
The flagship store, situated on the renowned Bahnhofstrasse, epitomizes the enchanting world of Teuscher. Adorned with vibrant decorations and brimming with delightful assortments of chocolates, pralines, fruit jellies, marzipans, and exquisite truffles, it offers a welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance exudes warmth, and the staff consistently exhibit politeness and friendliness, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
5) Prétôt Delikatessen
No passionate carnivore gourmet visiting Zurich should ever pass by Prétôt Delikatessen on Kuttelgasse. The name of this street (“Tripe alley”) rings the bell and fits the profile perfectly. As for the place itself, this treasure-trove of a sausage shop offers a wide range of smoked and air-dried meats from all over Switzerland, boasting the highest quality and appealing to different tastes. The large slates on display announce all the current and seasonal specialties, and lure passers-by in their numbers. Even with your eyes closed, you can't miss it, really, as the smell of something deliciously smoked greets you at the door.
Here you will find superb Bündner and Walliser beef, Saint Galler bratwurst and smoked Röteli from Lake Zug, Saint Gallen sausage for children and Olmabratwurst from several butchers available in different sizes and tastes. There is Andouiette de veau, the wonderful inner sausage with tripe; small, spicy salice from Ticino and all kinds of saucissons raw and cooked to eat, such as thick boutefas from Welschland, dried beef and lamb from Engadine and Valais. Boiled sausages from Appenzellerland, Schüblige from Zurich and the surrounding area, plus the numerous blood and liver sausages, merguez and luganighe, are also present in rich supply. The list is almost endless.
Practically every Swiss village with a good sausage butcher is featured in this sausage paradise, which stands almost exotic amid the neighboring boutiques.
Here you will find superb Bündner and Walliser beef, Saint Galler bratwurst and smoked Röteli from Lake Zug, Saint Gallen sausage for children and Olmabratwurst from several butchers available in different sizes and tastes. There is Andouiette de veau, the wonderful inner sausage with tripe; small, spicy salice from Ticino and all kinds of saucissons raw and cooked to eat, such as thick boutefas from Welschland, dried beef and lamb from Engadine and Valais. Boiled sausages from Appenzellerland, Schüblige from Zurich and the surrounding area, plus the numerous blood and liver sausages, merguez and luganighe, are also present in rich supply. The list is almost endless.
Practically every Swiss village with a good sausage butcher is featured in this sausage paradise, which stands almost exotic amid the neighboring boutiques.
6) Laderach Chocolaterie
A symbol of quality, freshness, variety, and overall excellence, when it comes to chocolate-making, the premium manufacturer of finest handcrafted Swiss chocolate Läderach was founded in Ennenda (Switzerland) in 1962 by Rudolph Läderach. Since 2018, this family-owned business has been run by the third generation of Läderach chocolatiers, maintaining the tradition of discovery and innovation.
In 1970, Rudolf Läderach Jr. invented a revolutionary process of manufacturing thin-walled hollow balls for truffles, rendering the professional manufacture of chocolate truffles easier and significantly improving their quality, taste and texture. In 2008 the company launched a new brand “Läderach Chocolatier Suisse” timed with the opening of show confectioneries in their spacious boutiques on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich and Spitalgasse in Bern. In 2018, Elias Läderach of the the world-famous family beat 19 international competitors to win the title of World Chocolate Masters in Paris.
The inventor of FrischSchoggi (Fresh Chocolate), MaClair, Mini Mousses and other finest premium chocolates and pralines with incomparable tastes, today Läderach stands not only for finest premium products, but also for a family-minded social responsibility, fostering ecological thinking.
All Läderach chocolates are handcrafted masterpieces made of handpicked and selected ingredients, with great passion and professional handcraft ensuring their utmost quality.
In 1970, Rudolf Läderach Jr. invented a revolutionary process of manufacturing thin-walled hollow balls for truffles, rendering the professional manufacture of chocolate truffles easier and significantly improving their quality, taste and texture. In 2008 the company launched a new brand “Läderach Chocolatier Suisse” timed with the opening of show confectioneries in their spacious boutiques on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich and Spitalgasse in Bern. In 2018, Elias Läderach of the the world-famous family beat 19 international competitors to win the title of World Chocolate Masters in Paris.
The inventor of FrischSchoggi (Fresh Chocolate), MaClair, Mini Mousses and other finest premium chocolates and pralines with incomparable tastes, today Läderach stands not only for finest premium products, but also for a family-minded social responsibility, fostering ecological thinking.
All Läderach chocolates are handcrafted masterpieces made of handpicked and selected ingredients, with great passion and professional handcraft ensuring their utmost quality.
Walking Tours in Zurich, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Zurich
Creating your own self-guided walk in Zurich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walk
The Old Town, or Altstadt (in German), is the historic heart of Zurich which beats on both sides of the Limmat River that runs through it. "Zurich is a city, but Altstadt is a village" – this saying reflects the charming, small-town feel of Old Town Zurich, which stands in contrast to the more modern and cosmopolitan areas of the city.
Bordered by the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Bordered by the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Zurich's Historical Churches Tour
The history of Christianity in Zurich is duly reflected in the local churches, found here in abundance. Indeed, Christianity has been the dominant religion of Zurich for many centuries. And while, historically, the city was a center of the Protestant Reformation, today it is home to both Catholic and Protestant communities.
The Swiss Reformed Church is the largest Protestant denomination, but... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Swiss Reformed Church is the largest Protestant denomination, but... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Zurich Introduction Walking Tour
Walking around Zurich is a walk through history. The city was first officially settled by the Romans in 15 BC, who called it Turicum. But there were earlier inhabitants–evidence has been found of settlement that dates back more than six millennia. One of the oldest parts of town is Lindenhof Square, an elevated hill that was one of the earliest sites.
Today Zurich is the largest city in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Today Zurich is the largest city in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Zurich Souvenir Shopping
Zurich has no shortage of tourists, and when it comes to souvenirs, there are plenty of options available.
A popular saying goes, "When in Zurich, shop on Bahnhofstrasse." True, in terms of souvenir shopping, this thoroughfare is second to none. Another saying is that “When in Switzerland, buy Swiss-made products.”
Alongside many other things, Bahnhofstrasse is home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
A popular saying goes, "When in Zurich, shop on Bahnhofstrasse." True, in terms of souvenir shopping, this thoroughfare is second to none. Another saying is that “When in Switzerland, buy Swiss-made products.”
Alongside many other things, Bahnhofstrasse is home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Distinctively Swiss Things to Buy in Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, and although it may feel like a bustling metropolis, the tranquil essence of the Alps flows fervently through the lively cobblestone streets, the buzzing train station, and the frenzied designer boutiques. Most shops in downtown Zurich open at 9 am and close...
The Most Popular Cities
/ view all