This past Saturday, I had the great fortune of happening upon the Winterthur flea-market during a…read moremeander through the city's Fussgängerzone. For those of you who are familiar with the Zurich flea-market, I'd say that the vibe of the Winterthur market is more relaxed, in general, to that of ZH's and, as a result, I found the Winti scene much more inviting. This market is, however, a bit more jumble-sale like and less antique-y than that of Zurich's market, so be prepared to see a lot of items that may have just come out of storage in one's garage like weathered board games, clothes from 'yesteryear,' an old bird cage, etc. I also like that Winterthur flea-market goers are able to pop into shops and restaurants along the streets of the Fussgängerzone and have a respite of sorts from all the stalls and other browsers before going back out there and bargain hunting some more! *Porta-loos are installed along the main drag of the flea-market for those in need. -a humane touch.

The Bürkliplatz flea market is a fun visit even if you aren't looking for anything in particular…read more It's a good place to find little trinkets if you're up for the hunt. We stopped by at around 9am on a Saturday, the market was fairly crowded with stalls selling antiques, cameras, prints, clothes, accessories etc. Even though it's a flea market things are still a little on the pricier side. We came back around 2pm and found that most of the prices in the shops had been dropped by half. The sellers are looking to make a sale before the market closes so I would recommend trying your luck a little before closing time. At the end of it all we found an antique collectible toy car, an old print, a small decorative vase and an antique mug all for 27 CHF.

Note: this review is only for coffee service at the bar…read more I've been a few times already to the bar of the Markthalle resto for a cafe crema or two and a schale. The schale is akin to a bitchin' latte a la 'third wave coffee' and, three times now, I've been very happy with both the flavor and the appearance. If you're a bit of a coffee snob, and wandering around the Markthalle (trams 4, 17, 13/Dammweg stop), then order a Schale at the bar. You'll probably be happy that you did so! During the day, there usually only seems to be one person working the bar (which is of fairly decent size) that also services the floor, so you may have a wee wait when ordering your drink.

Really unique find in Zurich during my travels. I was tired at looking at bougie and $$$ shops so…read moreI'm happy I was able to see this hidden gem. This place has small interdependently owned shops so each step you take brings you to a different shop. There is everything for everyone! There were cheese shops, Italian food, beer/liqueur, a restaurant in the back, small bakery, a section of teas, cheeses/dried meats, fish market & perfect if you wanna take a small trinket home. The night that I came in they had a small band playing in the front so it had a nice ambiance to the space. I strongly recommend to visit this place, and don't forget to bring a large bag to put in your new goodies!

I've finally found a good large farmer's market in Zürich…read more The farm stands range from wow-those-beets-just-came-out-of-the-ground to Wegmanns-style Italian oranges. Each stand's rules vary --- some are very hands-on, feel-the-fruit while others are strictly ask-and-point. Quality also seems to vary a fair amount --- but prices vary less. As with most farmer's markets, cash is easiest. Besides veggies, there usually two fish trucks, a few cheese / cured meat stands, and some smaller bakery stands. There's flowers, although I still don't see how Zürich can support this many florists. Not everything I've picked up at Helvetiamarkt has worked out --- but I finally have a source for farm-fresh kale ("Federkohl").

For 20-30 francs you can get international food serviced on real plates with real cutlery. Thanks…read moreto Benjamin B, my friends and I stopped in during the lunch hour to look around. The lay of the space is like a food court where you can eat with your eyes and choose your international food choice. From Asian, to Indian, to sandwiches, to gelato and more. There's a dish drop off when you're done. Washrooms are near one of the exits and there's even a change room for babies. Many thanks for fellow Yelper Benjamin B for recommending. The prices there are similar to restaurant, with no tip and no reservations required (because reservations are a must for most Swiss restaurants).

I know the Markthalle only as the food court that it is during the day. As such, I find it middling…read moreat best. Some of the food is decent, for sure. I like the German stand best, I think, located all the way in. But for the most part, it is just average at best but overpriced. Even simple Chinese food (and still the bad German style you're used to) costs about EUR6 for chicken with rice. There is almost no seating available during the lunch rush, and it can even be hard to find a standing-place at the high tables. With all the people rushing about and the limited space, it can be quite uncomfortable and not exactly a nice break from work. I'd say altogether I'd give this place 2.5 stars if I could. Before the prices went up last year, at least it would be 3 because I would go every once in a while. But I find now it's not even good enough as just a different place to go for lunch... and hence 2 stars. Not horrible, but there's no need to visit here.