Where to Stay in Zurich?

Soon the big departure to Switzerland and you're planning to visit Zurich? If you haven't booked a hotel room yet, I suggest you read this guide to choose the best neighborhood to stay in Zurich

A global institution in the banking and financial sector, Zurich is a vibrant city, a cosmopolitan metropolis that boasts no less than 50 museums and a hundred art galleries. It charms travelers with its charming historic center, numerous shops, churches, and gourmet restaurants

If you want to make the most of your stay in Zurich, you'll need to carefully choose your base and explore the most pleasant neighborhoods, and I am here to help you with that!

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, Zurich has a timeless charm that you will enjoy discovering during your few days of vacation. But before you can explore this metropolis, you first need to look into the most interesting neighborhoods to settle down.

Generally speaking, staying in the historic center of Zurich, that is the old town, is the best option you can choose. You will be close to major sights and attractions, while enjoying restaurants, bars, shops, and a relatively lively and pleasant atmosphere.

Switzerland is a country where living is expensive, and Zurich is particularly costly. The closer you search towards the city center, the higher the rates tend to be. The idea here is to find a good compromise with an establishment that offers a nightly rate suitable for your budget while being a reasonable distance from the heart of Zurich

However, several neighborhoods remain interesting and offer quite accessible rates, especially around Zurich's Hauptbahnhof train station. This is one of the least expensive areas that allows you to stay close to the center. Otherwise, you'll need to go further out to enjoy lower rates, but in this case, I strongly advise you to stay near a tram station or a bus stop.

Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle is a warm establishment right in the city center. Close to the train station and major sight, starting at $232 per night.

The Aparthotel Familie Hungenschmidt in the Seefeld area, by the lake, is a real favorite near public transport to the city center. Starting at $253 per night.

Alexander Guesthouse is located in the old town of Zurich and offers a very good value for money since a night starts at $166.

If you are looking for the best place to stay in Zurich, staying in Altstadt should clearly be the first option to consider. This is simply the old town, the first district of the metropolis. Here you will find all the monuments and places of interest in Zurich, with plenty of activities and things to do

Overall, the historic center of Zurich is characterized by very beautiful, colorful half-timbered houses and stunning monuments and buildings with timeless architecture. It's a truly ideal base since all your movements can be made on foot.

From a lodging perspective, there are still a number of establishments available to welcome tourists in Zurich. Among them, you can find hotel rooms, guest rooms, vacation apartment rentals, and even a few hostels for those on a tight budget

If you are looking for a hotel room in the historic center of Zurich, then it is important to understand how this district is laid out. It is divided into two distinct areas on either side of the Limmat, the Swiss river that separates Zurich, commonly referred to as Lindenhof and Niederdorf.

Lindenhof is located on the left side of the Limmat; it once housed an imposing Roman fort and its central square has long been a gathering place. It's a pleasant spot with its quaint cobbled streets, cafes, shops, and restaurants serving local dishes!

Among the places to discover, we first think of its eponymous square, which offers a lovely view of the Limmat and the buildings of the historic center. The Grossmünster cathedral is an important building nearby, along with the Fraumünster church, famous for its stained glass designed by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.

If you come to Zurich for shopping, I suggest strolling down Bahnhofstrasse, a beautiful shopping street leading down to the lake that hosts luxury boutiques. Or head to the main train station in Zurich where you will find shops, stores, and more affordable accommodations.

citizenM Zürich is a 4-star establishment that features a restaurant and a bar. The rooms are tidy, with modern decor. The hotel is ideally located in the historic center of Zurich, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Rates start at $204 per night.

Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle is ideal if you are looking for a high-end hotel in Zurich! The rooms are superb, comfortable, and very stylish, starting at $232 per night. You will be close to the train station, cultural sites, and shops.

Montmartre is a beautiful luxury establishment located 400 meters from the Grossmünster cathedral, benefiting from an ideal location in Zurich's old town. The rooms are spacious, very modern with sleek decor and available from $288 per night.

Located on the right bank of the Limmat, Niederdorf is part of the Altstadt. I would recommend this as a base more for those with a flexible budget, as this part of Zurich is not cheap

Although it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Zurich, you certainly will not be disappointed to have chosen this location for your few days of vacation. Niederdorf features lovely medieval streets lined with colorful houses and refined establishments from bars to restaurants.

This is where you will find the most famous monuments of the metropolis, including the Grossmünster cathedral that I mentioned earlier. It is a superb church built in Romanesque architectural style, famous for being one of the main sites of the Protestant Reformation. For a complete experience, feel free to climb the Karl Turm tower for a panoramic view.

If you can afford to invest a few hundred euros per night in a hotel, then head to this neighborhood that promises you a wonderful stay! It has a very central location, with constant activity and a multitude of pleasures to discover both day and night

Hotel Marta offers comfortable and pleasant rooms with good value for money. Located just 5 minutes from Zurich's main train station, you will enjoy an ideal location to visit the city. A double room starts at $177, including a full and hearty breakfast.

Alexander Guesthouse is highly appreciated by travelers for its warm welcome, friendly staff, and comfortable rooms. You will be close to everything, in the heart of the old town, starting at $166 per night in a double room.

Hotel Felix is close to restaurants, shops, and places of interest in Zurich! The rooms are colorful, stylishly decorated, and comfortable. Starting at $231 per night.

Always surprising but extremely common in most European cities and elsewhere in the world, some formerly industrial neighborhoods can become the trendiest and coolest spots

Such is the case with Zurich's 5th district, Zurich West, which has undergone an incredible transformation and is now the trendiest neighborhood in the metropolis. Artistic and cultural, it's the perfect place to stay if you love music, arts, architecture, and anything design-related.

For travelers looking for the best nightlife spots in Zurich , I can easily recommend this neighborhood with its festive character as well. In addition to numerous cultural institutions, this district is filled with restaurants, trendy bars, and nightclubs to party until the morning.

Among the most popular activities in this area, I suggest you first visit the Im Viadukt Market, which is an indoor market made up of 36 arches. This place perfectly embodies the spirit of Zurich West since it was once an old railway viaduct. Besides offering a variety of food products, it also becomes a party venue once the night falls

Another interesting site is the Prime Tower, a skyscraper standing 126 meters tall with no less than 36 floors. With these dimensions, it is the second-tallest tower in Switzerland, built on an old factory site. If you have time, visit the 35th floor, to the restaurant Clouds for dining while enjoying the view!

In terms of accommodations, it should be noted that prices tend to be more interesting in the western part of Zurich compared to the historic center. Although there are more affordable options, the nightly rates remain high due to the trendy and even upscale character of this district.

Züri by Fassbind is located right in the heart of this industrial neighborhood, close to Escher-Wyss Square. Its modern and fully equipped rooms were designed by the famous architectural firm, Gigon Guyer. Enjoy a fitness center in this establishment starting at $127 per night.

Boutique Hotel Josef is a pleasant establishment that offers rooms suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Starting at $161 per night, you will stay in an elegant environment just a short distance from Paradeplatz, in perfectly soundproofed rooms for a comfortable stay.

25Hours Hotel Zürich West is located near the second-tallest tower in Switzerland, the Prime Tower. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the establishment also features a bar and a high-quality restaurant. For a night, expect rates starting at $144.

If you are coming to Zurich with family or for a romantic getaway, the Riesbach neighborhood will be the best place to stay during your visit here. It is the 8th district of the metropolis, characterized by stunning views of Lake Zurich and a green residential environment

This district is located southeast of the historic center, a highly sought-after area by the locals. By staying there, you will meet many residents enjoying the beautiful days by the water and even swimming if the weather permits... And why not you, if you visit Switzerland in the summer ☀️

For relaxation, head to Chinagarten Park, traditionally structured with pavilions, as well as Zürichhorn Park, which is a must-see in the summer with its open-air cinema. For family swimming, opt for the Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen, with leisure facilities like slides.

If you prefer cultural outings, then I can suggest visiting the Wine Museum, as well as the Zurich Tram Museum. Additionally, the botanical garden of the University of Zurich is one of the most pleasant places to see, housing no less than 7,000 different plant species.

Alma Hotel is housed in a historic building dating back to the 19th century, just a few steps from Lake Zurich and public transport. Each room features colorful, pleasant, and modern decoration, starting at $305 per night. The staff is particularly attentive and helpful.

Aparthotel Familie Hugen Schmidt is a beautiful family-run establishment located in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Zurich, Seefeld. You'll stay in a relaxing environment, just 3 minutes from the lakeside, in spacious and elegant rooms starting at $253 per night.

CITY STAY Lindenstrasse is ideally located for an evening at Zurich's Opernhaus. It offers equipped studios with a small living area and recently renovated kitchenette. For one night, expect rates starting at $286.

Due to its location in northern Switzerland, I highly recommend visiting Zurich in spring or early autumn. Not only are these considered off-peak seasons, but you will also enjoy beautiful temperatures to explore the metropolis on foot and engage in outdoor activities

However, if you are coming to Zurich to enjoy swimming, it would be better to plan your vacation during the summer season. Ideally, travel in June to enjoy lovely summer temperatures without being disturbed by the heavy tourist influx that begins in July.

Overall, consider visiting Zurich in April, May, and September

Switzerland shares a common border with France, therefore several means of transport allow you to reach Switzerland, and notably the city of Zurich

The train is undoubtedly one of the best means of transport to get to Zurich. Fast, comfortable, and not expensive in some cases, you will enjoy taking a direct route without transfers!

If you are departing from Paris, for instance, there is the TGV Lyria which offers regular round trips to Zurich, taking about 4 hours. Trains leave from Paris Gare de Lyon and pass through Dijon, you can find all offers at Trainline

If you are going for a long stay in Zurich and don't mind the drive, taking the car can be a great experience as you will see some beautiful mountain landscapes.

The most common route includes highways A5, A6, or a passage through N4 before joining the A3. Using one of these routes, you will cross the border at Mulhouse.

Now that you know where to stay in Zurich, I hope you have all the necessary information to plan the rest of your stay. If you still need help, particularly in finding must-visit places, I will try to put together a guide on what to do in Zurich as soon as possible