Zurich Switzerland

More than just a street, Bahnhofstrasse is a Swiss happening. Although it's restricted to pedestrians and trams, it's the busiest street in Zurich and -- with its exclusive designer boutiques -- one of the most expensive. It's a paradise for those with discerning taste -- and for curious window-shoppers. In December, the street comes alive with lights on all the trees and all the stores richly decorated -- it is one of the best times of the year to visit Zurich. Bahnhofstrasse leads from the Hauptbahnhof to the lake, several blocks west of the Limmat River.

Nuance is the main concessionaire at Zurich Airport, operating eight duty-free stores along with eight specialist shops.

Two-thirds of the way along the boulevard is Paradeplatz, a tram-packed little square offering some of the best people-watching in the city. It's around here that the frippery retreats and Zurich's serious money begins: the streets off Paradeplatz are home to more banks, insurance companies and top-name designer outlets than you could shake a stick at. Most major Swiss banks are headquartered around here

These eight magic letters feature on seventeen shops in all major towns and famous resorts throughout Switzerland. They point the way to a world that is unequalled in the whole of Europe. The famous five-storey Bucherer flagship store is situated in Lucerne. This store alone stocks 40,000 articles, ranging from exclusive luxury products to affordable souvenirs.

Swiss chocolate is famous the whole world over. Nestle, Toblerone and Lindt are among the giants of the industry, but for real melt-in-your-mouth quality, the best places to look are the small makers that churn out in a year what their larger competitors make in a day.

While there are many first-rate chocolatiers in Zurich, the crown must go to Teuscher. Although it now has shops around the world, it is headquartered in Zurich and a trip to one of its shops is a chocoholic's dream come true. Founded by Dolf Teuscher more than 60 years ago, it specializes in truffles, either its signature champagne truffles or its equally superb cocoa, orange, kirsch or nougat varieties.