where to stay in zurich
Whether you’re in Zurich for a short business trip, a romantic weekend getaway, or a month‑long adventure, choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip. With its mix of historic charm, cosmopolitan flair, and Swiss precision, Zurich offers a range of options—from luxurious 5‑star lodgings to budget hostels and cozy Airbnb apartments.
Below we break down the city’s key neighborhoods, highlight accommodation styles, give real‑world suggestions, and share a few insider tips to help you book the best stay for your needs.
1. Zurich’s Signature Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Best For | Must‑See Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altstadt (Old Town) | Medieval streets, cobblestones, historic sites | Culture lovers & first‑time visitors | Fraumünster (Chagall windows), Grossmünster, Lindenhof |
| Bahnhofstrasse / City Center | Upscale boutiques, high‑end hotels, business hubs | Luxury & Downtown convenience | Bahnhofstrasse, Swiss National Museum, St. Peter’s church |
| Zurich West | Urban renewal, nightlife, creative hubs | Trendsetters, foodies, nightlife | Prime Plaza, Freitag Tower, Felsenegg, HD‑Café |
| Seefeld (Lake Zurich side) | Family‑friendly, lakeside scenery | Romantic escapes, water activities | Lake promenade, Lindenhof‑Park, Uetliberg mountain |
| Kreis 5/5th District (Pfaelzerstrasse) | Bohemian, multicultural, local vibe | Foodies & curious travelers | culinary terraces, street art, Weinbergbahn |
How to Choose By Location
- Shorter Commutes: City Center or Bahnhofstrasse.
- Boat‑Trip Perks: Seafeld for sun‑bathing and lake cruises.
- Hip & Trendy: Zurich West, famed for its industrial chic and restaurants.
- Historic & Easy Access: Altstadt, with ultra‑close knotting to major landmarks.
2. Accommodation Types & What to Expect
| Type | What You Get | Typical Price (per night, EUR) | Hot‑Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Hotels | 5★ or 4★ services, spa, concierge | €300–€800+ | Book early or opt for “mid‑week” pricing. |
| Mid‑Range Hotels | 3★ standard, concierge optional | €125–€250 | Look for “free breakfast” offers. |
| Boutique Hotels | Very personal style, often historic | €180–€350 | Check for “free Wi‑Fi & parking.” |
| Hotels with Family Rooms | Extra space, sometimes a kitchenette | €150–€300 | Confirm with the property if you’ll bring kids. |
| Hostels | Dorms & private rooms | €30–€70 | Choose registered hostels for safety. |
| Airbnb & Vacation Rentals | Entire apartments, local experience | €70–€250 | Verify “cleanliness” rating and host response. |
| Capsule & Micro‑Hotels | Tiny rooms, often autonomous | €40–€80 | Ideal for ultra‑budget & tech‑savvy travelers. |
A Quick Comparison Checklist
| Category | Comfort | Convenience | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | Exceptional | Near all meta | Highest |
| Mid‑Range | Good | Central or transit | Moderate |
| Budget | Basic | Often a bit farther | Lowest |
3. Top Picks By Budget
3.1 Luxury (4‑5★)
| Hotel | Why it’s unbeatable | Location | Starting Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baur au Lac | Iconic, lakeside, historic 1844 | Lake Zurich, closeness to Bahnhofstrasse | €620 |
| Dolder Grand | Ultra‑luxury spa, panoramic city views | Park in Zurich West | €520 |
| Benchmark Hotel Zurich | Modern, art‑instilled, exclusive restaurant | City center | €480 |
Pro‑Tip: If you’re staying 5+ nights, ask for a “hotel loyalty” discount or ask for a free dinner on arrival.
3.2 Mid‑Range
| Highlights | Location | Starting Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Glockenhof | Classic, decent service, near lake | Seefeld | €190 |
| Hotel St. Gotthard | Family‑friendly, boutique charm | Near Hauptbahnhof | €150 |
| Hotel City Luz | Modern design, yoga studio, walkable | Old Town | €165 |
3.3 Budget & Hostels
| Hostel | What it offers | Location | Average Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMT Zurich Hostel | Social ambiance, LAZYBar | City center | €35 (dorm) |
| Sleepy Bear Old Town Hostel | Spa & pool, on the edge of Old Town | Alpnachstrasse | €45 (dorm) |
| Hotel Rivoli | Bakery, bar, unique interior | Near Grossmünster | €30 (dorm) |
Pro‑Tip: Search for “early‑bird” or “late‑night” deals—hostels in Zurich frequently discount early check‑in or last‑minute booking.
3.4 Airbnb/Apartment
- 2‑bedroom in Seefeld: Great for families, close to the lake, house‑cleaning included.
- 1‑bedroom on Lindenhof: Offers a balcony with city view, proximity to major sights.
- Shared flat in Zurich West: Local vibe, typically cheaper, doors always open in the vibrant industrial area.
When selecting an Airbnb, read near‑complete reviews of the host and the property. Check the “House Rules”—most Zurich listings enforce “no-groups” or require ISA.
4. Transport Tips: Getting From Airport to Your Stay
| Mode | Rough Time | Rough Cost (EUR) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 10–20 mins from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to main stations. | €2.80 (single ticket) | Simple & reliable |
| Taxi | ~15 mins | €50–€60 | Direct, if you have luggage |
| Car Rental | 20–30 min in rush hour | €25–€80/day | Explorative trip outside city |
| Bike or E‑bike Rental | ~1‑1.5 h (depending on location) | €2–€3/h | Eco‑friendly & healthy |
The S-Bahn and CityBus 10/12 will take you right into the heart of Zurich—just grab a Green Card for the first 10 stops to get a free fare.
5. Insider Check‑Works
| Check‑Work | Remember |
|---|---|
| Book “Flexcancellation” | If you’re not sure about dates—Zurich’s hotels often offer free cancellation up to 24-48h before arrival. |
| Morning‑Cafés | Many hotels offer free morning coffee; this is a great way to meet other travelers. |
| Street Food and Night Markets | Explore The Terrace at vapiano or Saturday Food Market if you’re staying near Bahnhofstrasse or Zurich West. |
| Health & Safety | All high‑end hotels follow Swiss health standards—but always ask about sanitisation schedules if you’re staying in mid‑range or hostels. |
| Child Policies | Many hotels require a minimum age for children; Airbnb may bring more leeway. Check for extra beds or cribs. |
| Local SIM & Data | Consider buying a Swiss SIM; 2.5G service is usually all you need. |
6. Sample Itinerary: 4 Nights in Zurich (Middle Range Budget)
| Day | Morning | Lunch | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive & check‑in at Hotel City Luz (step outside between Old Town & Bahnhofstrasse). | Street Café in Kramgasse | Visit Grossmünster, walk up Lindenhof. | Dinner at Swiss Chichi (home‑style Swiss). |
| 2 | Breakfast at the hotel. | Lunch in Seefeld 2‑street (locals eat). | Lakeside walk, Zurich Lake ferry to Uetliberg. | Zurich West nightlife—Unewhofl or Luzernseestraße. |
| 3 | Early run to Zurich National Museum. | Use the Great Train Station’s food court (heated pairs). | Chocolate tours (Lindt, Toblerone). | Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle (classic art deco). |
| 4 | Relax in a spa at the Hotel or do yoga in front of the hospital. | Grab a take‑away from your favorite restaurant. | Visit Old Stock Exchange, walk over the promenade. | Wrap‑up dinner at a local Wedeln & Wurst; final stroll along the river. |
7. Quick Resources
| Resource | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Zurich Tourism — Official Site | Provides up‑to‑date info, city passes, and event calendars. |
| Booking.com / Hotels.com | Transparent cancellation policies & many user reviews. |
| Hostelworld | For hostels and capsule hotels; filters for “free Wi‑Fi.” |
| Airbnb | Filter for “cleanliness” and “host responsiveness.” |
| Tripadvisor | Aggregates reviews; good for traveler warnings. |
| SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) | Train schedules & city/town passes. |
8. Final Thought
Zurich is a city of precision: designed, organized, and full of efficient systems. That same focus extends to accommodation—whether you want a five‑star hotel, a board‑room‑size meeting and a city view, or just a clean dorm after a long flight.
Pick the neighborhood that best fits your purpose, stay within your budget, and let the Swiss hospitality do its best for you. Skip the tourist clichés, explore local events, and you’ll discover that even a brief stay in Zurich can feel like a long‑lasting memory.
Happy travels and cià!
