Paradeplatz Zurich
The bustling heart of Swiss finance and a key public transport hub, surrounded by iconic architecture and near Zurich's charming Old Town.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for photos
Paradeplatz Zurich
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The bustling heart of Swiss finance and a key public transport hub, surrounded by iconic architecture and near Zurich's charming Old Town.
"A famous square in the center Zurich. It has a tram station and it is walkable to most places."
👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!
Especially during events like the Street Parade, wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from debris.
💧 Stay hydrated & protected
Carry water, wear sunscreen and a hat, especially during warmer months or events.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Swiss Banking Hub
Paradeplatz
Witness the heart of Swiss finance, surrounded by iconic bank buildings and bustling city life.

Tram Central
Paradeplatz
Experience the efficiency of Zurich's public transport at this busy tram junction, a hub of activity.
Proximity to Old Town
Adjacent to Old Town
Easily access charming medieval streets like Augustiner Gasse with its historic houses and shops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Paradeplatz
Street Parade Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!
Especially during events like the Street Parade, wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from debris.
💧 Stay hydrated & protected
Carry water, wear sunscreen and a hat, especially during warmer months or events.
💳 Zurich Card for savings
Consider the Zurich Card for free public transport and museum entries.
👜 Pack light for events
For busy events, minimize belongings to deter pickpockets.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!
Especially during events like the Street Parade, wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from debris.
💧 Stay hydrated & protected
Carry water, wear sunscreen and a hat, especially during warmer months or events.
💳 Zurich Card for savings
Consider the Zurich Card for free public transport and museum entries.
👜 Pack light for events
For busy events, minimize belongings to deter pickpockets.
☕ Enjoy a coffee break
Numerous cafes surround the square for a relaxing break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paradeplatz is a dynamic city square, lauded for its central location and role as a major transport hub. Visitors appreciate its proximity to shopping and the Old Town, though some note ongoing construction impacting views. The efficiency of the tram system is frequently highlighted.
"Fantastic place to walk and see the Swiss culture both old and modern lots o people by the lake. Good place to sit at the lake and relax."
Deepak Gharti
"A famous square in the center Zürich. It has a tram station and it is walkable to most places."
Mustafa Kurt
"Great place to walk around and explore"
Chris Shayan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paradeplatz is a major hub for Zurich's tram system, with numerous lines stopping here. It's easily accessible from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station) via tram. Many visitors also find it walkable from nearby attractions.
Absolutely! Paradeplatz is one of the most important public transport hubs in Zurich, served by many tram lines. The Zurich Card offers unlimited travel on these services.
Driving in central Zurich can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. It's generally recommended to use public transport. If driving, consider park-and-ride options outside the city center.
Yes, Paradeplatz is a pedestrian-friendly square. You can easily walk around the square and access surrounding shops and attractions. It's also a great starting point for exploring the Old Town.
From Zurich Airport (ZRH), take a train to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station), then transfer to a tram heading to Paradeplatz. The journey is efficient and well-connected.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Paradeplatz itself is a public square and does not require an entry ticket. You can walk around and experience the atmosphere freely.
As a public square, Paradeplatz is accessible 24/7. However, shops and banks surrounding the square will have their own operating hours.
While Paradeplatz is free to access, individual banks and shops have their own policies. Museums nearby, like the Kunsthaus, may require tickets, which can be covered by a Zurich Card.
The Zurich Card is highly recommended if you plan to use public transport extensively and visit museums. It covers unlimited travel and offers free entry to many attractions.
Paradeplatz itself is not typically a venue for ticketed events, but it's a central point for major city events like the Street Parade. Tickets for specific events would be purchased separately.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Paradeplatz is known for its high-end shopping, with luxury brands and flagship stores of major banks. You'll also find department stores and boutiques nearby.
Yes, the area offers a range of dining options from upscale restaurants to casual cafes and bakeries. You can find sweet treats like cookies and hot chocolate.
Several renowned chocolatiers are located within walking distance of Paradeplatz, offering a delightful Swiss chocolate experience. Augustiner Gasse is a good street to explore for this.
While known for luxury, you can find more affordable options like bakeries for pastries or grab-and-go sandwiches. Look for smaller cafes slightly off the main square.
A new cookie cafe, highly recommended for its chocolate chip miso and tahini cookies, is located just steps from Paradeplatz. They also serve hot chocolate with fresh marshmallows.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of the banking buildings, the bustling tram activity, and the surrounding architecture. The square offers a dynamic urban photography experience.
Early mornings on weekdays offer fewer crowds and softer light for photography. Evenings can be beautiful with city lights, but may be busier.
Generally, photography inside operational bank buildings is not permitted for security reasons. Focus on the exterior architecture and the lively square.
From Paradeplatz, you can often see views towards prominent churches like the Fraumünster and Grossmünster, adding to the photographic appeal.
Capture the movement of trams and people for a sense of dynamism. Consider wide-angle shots to encompass the scale of the square and its architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby, the Old Town offers more visual interest for children with its historic buildings and shops. A short tram ride can also take you to the shores of Lake Zurich, where kids can enjoy open spaces and perhaps a boat trip. The novelty of the trams themselves can be an attraction for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Leverage the Zurich Card for cost-effective public transport and free museum entries. For dining, look for bakeries and smaller cafes away from the immediate square for more budget-friendly meals. Walking through the nearby Old Town also offers plenty of free sightseeing opportunities.
🛍️ Shoppers
For a more diverse shopping experience, the nearby Bahnhofstrasse is one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets, offering a wide array of high-end boutiques and department stores. You can also find charming independent shops in the adjacent Old Town.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Swiss Finance
While the main UBS building might be under construction, the surrounding financial district still exudes an aura of wealth and influence. It's a place where global financial decisions are made, and the energy of the city's economic engine is palpable. For those interested in business and finance, a visit to Paradeplatz offers a unique glimpse into the world of international banking.
A Bustling Transportation Hub
For travelers, this means Paradeplatz is an excellent starting point for exploring other parts of Zurich. Whether you're heading to the Old Town, the lake, or museums, you can likely catch a tram directly from here. The central shelter in the middle of the square offers a convenient spot to wait for your transport and observe the city's pulse.
Gateway to Zurich's Charm
From Paradeplatz, you can easily wander into the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town), exploring its narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and historic churches. The proximity to these cultural and historical sites means you can seamlessly blend a visit to the financial center with a more leisurely exploration of Zurich's rich heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit