Viadukt Markthalle: Colorful Produce and Thoughts under the Arches

Zurich may not have an oceanfront harbor, but I’m determined to present our very own version of a “Crates and Cranes” quarter, because, as the Itchy Feet comic’s humorous map suggests, every European city ought to have one. 

Europaallee, right outside the main train station, didn't quite fit the bill.

Switzerland, being landlocked, doesn’t boast sprawling port districts, except for Basel. As Switzerland’s gateway to the sea, Basel handles over 10% of the country's imports via the Rhine River, with goods arriving from Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Amsterdam. The port there features towering grain silos, stacks of shipping containers, and expansive warehouses filled with petroleum products.

Zurich, in contrast, lacks a true harbor, but it offers something comparable in spirit: the Hardturm Viaduct. Spanning 1,126 meters (3,700 feet), it’s one of Europe’s longest railway bridges. 

Located in the city’s former industrial heart, it stretches across train tracks, tram lines, factory yards, and - just before reaching its end - the River Limmat.

Viadukt Markthalle: Industrial Arches, Local Flavor

In 2010, the 53 arches beneath the viaduct were transformed into an urban meeting point in Zurich-West. Today, this space - known as the Viadukt - hosts a dynamic mix of independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and the Market Hall, where local farmers and specialty food vendors sell their wares. It’s a space for strolling, shopping, and indulging in good food.

Set beneath historic railway arches, the Viadukt Markthalle has become one of Zurich’s most beloved urban destinations. Blending industrial heritage with modern flair, it’s a place where locals shop for fresh produce, sip coffee and share tapas with friends under vaulted stone ceilings. The vibe is creative yet relaxed, and each visit offers something new. 

Whether it’s craft chocolate bunnies, handmade pasta, fresh fish, a flower bouquet or simply the joy of wandering. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel part of something local and alive.

The Sticky-Note Cart: A Curious Corner of Community

Among the stalls of the Markthalle, there’s one delightful oddity that seems to exist purely for joy: a small, retro-style cart plastered with a mosaic of colorful sticky notes. At first glance, it looks like a rainbow exploded. Upon closer inspection, it reveals itself as a canvas for collective expression.

"Say it with a post-it" the only signage says. Just a rolling cart transformed into a message board for anyone with a pen and a passing thought. 

Some notes are heartfelt, others humorous or cryptic; all are anonymous contributions to a living, breathing collage of city life. The cart isn’t advertised or curated; it simply is. In an age of carefully designed experiences, it feels refreshingly unfiltered.

Here's two that stuck out to me:

The dark orange one says "sometimes we should do what makes us happy and not what makes the most sense". 

The light orange message is equally inspiring: "You wouldn't have learned to ride a bike if someone you trusted hadn't let you go."

A City of Unexpected Moments

Zurich may be known for its precision and polish, but places like the Viadukt Markthalle - and yes, even a sticky-note-covered cart - remind us that the city also has room for surprise, playfulness, and quiet connection. 

In repurposing old infrastructure with new life, Zurich-West has created more than just a trendy destination; it has nurtured a space where community can flourish in unexpected ways. Whether you're a visitor or a local, it's worth wandering off the main path.

Because sometimes, it's the little things that leave the biggest impression.

Have you ever stumbled across a small, mysterious piece of public art or a local ritual that made you pause or smile? I’d love to hear about it.

if you came by the post-it cart today, what message would you leave for visitors?