Parade Square (Paradeplatz)

Zürich’s Parade Square, better known as Paradeplatz, is located right outside of the main train station and is one of the city’s most important junctions. Not only do many of the tram lines meet up here, but Parade Square has made itself a name as one of the world’s big financial centers. Large Swiss banks have set up their headquarters here and thus, it has become a synonym for wealth and prosperity. The square also connects to the Bahnhofstrasse, Zürich’s main shopping avenue where luxury labels fight over premiere retail space and the rich and famous come to shop.
But Parade Square wasn’t always mentioned in the same sentence as wealth and its history stands in stark contrast with today’s prestigious reputation. In fact, in the 17th century, the square was an important market place for trading livestock, especially pigs. Thus, Parade Square was known as Säumärt – pig market – for the longest time until the upswing in business and its renaming. Located at Parade Square is also one of the city’s most popular confectionery manufacturers, the Confiserie Sprüngli. At this café meets chocolate store you can enjoy tarts, cakes and everything in between or pick up some delightful macaroons from a huge display making up all colors of the rainbow.

Practical Info

Parade Square is located right in the center of Zürich next to the main train station. It is incredibly easy to get there, as many trains, trams and busses make a stop here.