If there's one street worth setting aside real time for in Zurich, it's Bahnhofstrasse, the main boulevard stretching roughly 1.4 kilometres from the central train station to Bürkliplatz overlooking Lake Zurich. This street ranks among the most refined and expensive shopping streets in the world, home to global luxury fashion boutiques, and most notably, a concentration of authorized dealers for major Swiss watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, IWC and Breitling, all set against an elegant, formal backdrop. If you're interested in buying an authentic Swiss watch, prices within Switzerland itself typically run 10-20% lower than US retail before tax refunds, and 5-15% lower than most other European markets. Don't miss Beyer Chronometrie either, Zurich's oldest watch store, which houses a wonderful small museum dedicated to the history of watchmaking.

For chocolate, Bahnhofstrasse is known for shops like Sprüngli, Läderach and Teuscher, names representing the pinnacle of traditional Swiss chocolate craft, worth trying at least once even if you're not usually a chocolate enthusiast. For general shopping and department stores, head to Globus and Jelmoli, among the city's most established large retailers. Note that opening hours in Zurich are relatively limited compared to Gulf cities: smaller shops usually close around 6:30pm Monday to Friday, while larger stores stay open until 8pm; Saturday sees relatively early closures between 5 and 6pm, and most shops are closed entirely on Sunday, so plan your shopping for weekdays.

As for packing, Zurich is a relatively elegant city in terms of general dress, so it's best to pack practical yet smart clothing suited to long walks as well as visits to upscale restaurants and shops alike. Weather in Zurich is changeable even in summer, with sudden rain possible, so carry a light waterproof jacket that folds easily into a handbag. In winter, you'll need a heavy coat, scarf and gloves, as temperatures can approach or drop below freezing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential either way, since exploring on foot between the Old Town and main landmarks is the best way to see the city. Also don't forget a European plug adapter and a small umbrella — two of the items Gulf travelers most often need yet most often forget when preparing for a European trip.