Where to Buy Groceries in Switzerland

Buying groceries in Switzerland is easy once you understand the main supermarket chains. For most travellers, the best choices are Coop and Migros for everyday shopping, Denner for drinks and discounts, and Lidl or Aldi for lower prices. The main thing to plan around is Sunday: many regular supermarkets are closed, while shops at major railway stations and airports are often the most useful fallback.

Quick answer: where should travellers shop?

• Best all-round supermarket: Coop or Migros.
• Best for lower prices: Lidl, Aldi or Denner.
• Best for wine, beer and spirits: Coop, Denner, Lidl or Aldi.
• Best for Sunday shopping: major train stations, airports and selected tourist areas.
• Best for a quick arrival shop: airport supermarkets, railway station stores or a shop near your hotel.

Main supermarket chains in Switzerland

Coop

Coop is one of the most useful supermarkets for travellers. It has a wide selection of groceries, ready-to-eat meals, bakery items, fruit, snacks, household basics and drinks. Many Coop stores also sell wine, beer and spirits, which makes Coop convenient if you are preparing food at an apartment or chalet.

Migros

Migros is another major Swiss supermarket chain and is especially good for everyday groceries, fresh food, bakery items, dairy, snacks and household basics. A key difference for travellers is that regular Migros supermarkets generally do not sell alcohol or tobacco, so choose Coop, Denner, Lidl or Aldi if you need wine, beer or spirits.

Denner

Denner is a practical discount supermarket for drinks, packaged groceries, snacks and weekly offers. It is often smaller than a large Coop or Migros, but it can be a very good stop for wine, beer, soft drinks, chocolate, breakfast basics and simple apartment supplies.

Lidl and Aldi

Lidl and Aldi are useful if you want to keep costs lower. They are good for basics such as bread, cheese, yoghurt, pasta, fruit, vegetables, snacks, drinks and simple household products. Their locations are not always as central as Coop or Migros, but they are worth checking if you are staying outside the old town or travelling by car.

Opening hours and Sunday shopping

Opening hours in Switzerland depend on the canton, city, store format and location. Many regular supermarkets open in the morning and close in the evening from Monday to Saturday. Smaller stores may close earlier, especially on Saturdays. Always check the specific store on Google Maps or on the supermarket website before making a special trip.

Airport and train station grocery stores

For travellers, airport and railway station supermarkets are often the easiest solution. Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport, Basel SBB, Zurich HB and other major transport hubs usually have food shops that are more convenient than regular neighbourhood stores, especially on Sundays, public holidays or late arrivals.

• Use airport stores if you land late and go directly to a hotel or apartment.
• Use railway station stores if you arrive by train and need breakfast, snacks or basic supplies.
• Expect higher convenience pricing at some transport-hub locations.
• Check the exact store hours before relying on a late-night or Sunday grocery stop.

What to buy for a short stay

If you are staying in a hotel, you may only need water, snacks, fruit and breakfast items. If you are staying in an apartment, chalet or serviced residence, it is worth buying a simple first-day set so you do not need to shop again immediately.

• Water, coffee, tea and juice.
• Bread, butter, cheese, yoghurt and eggs.
• Fruit, salad, pasta, rice or ready meals.
• Swiss chocolate, biscuits and local snacks.
• Laundry tabs, bin bags and basic cleaning items for apartments.
• Wine or beer from Coop, Denner, Lidl or Aldi if needed.

How to save money on groceries in Switzerland

Switzerland is not a cheap destination, but grocery shopping can still be manageable. The easiest way to save money is to use Lidl, Aldi or Denner for basic items, compare weekly promotions, and avoid buying everything at small convenience stores near tourist hotspots.

• Buy basics from Lidl, Aldi or Denner when convenient.
• Use Coop and Migros for wider selection and central locations.
• Look for supermarket own-label products.
• Choose larger stores when possible; they usually have more choice.
• Buy picnic food from supermarkets instead of eating every meal in restaurants.

Payment, bags and practical details

Card payment is widely accepted in Swiss supermarkets. Contactless payment is common, and many stores also accept mobile wallets. Bring a reusable bag if possible, because bags are usually paid separately. Self-checkout is common in larger stores, but staffed checkouts are still available.

Best grocery plan by traveller type

• Airport arrival: shop at the airport before your transfer if you need supplies immediately.
• City hotel stay: use a nearby Coop, Migros or station store for snacks and breakfast.
• Apartment stay: do one larger shop at Coop, Migros, Lidl or Aldi after check-in.
• Sunday arrival: plan around railway station or airport stores.
• Family trip: buy breakfast and snacks from supermarkets to reduce daily costs.
• Ski or mountain trip: buy basics before travelling up to smaller resorts where choice can be limited.

Arriving by private transfer

If you book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, apartment or ski resort, think about groceries before you leave the arrival area. A short grocery stop can be useful when travelling with children, arriving late, staying in an apartment or heading to a mountain destination.