Where to Stay in Zurich – 5 AMAZING Areas (+map!)

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is known for yummy chocolate, high-end shopping, and beautiful architecture. Once you’ve decided to visit the city, you might be wondering where to stay in Zurich!

I have visited a couple of times and LOVED my time there (Zurich is especially pretty in the summer!). 

Read this post to learn more about the 5 best neighborhoods in the city that are the best for tourists (and why). I’ve also manually compared all the accommodations in Zurich, and I chose these five areas for walkability to the sights, tram and train access, safety, and hotel quality across all budgets. This way, you can easily decide which area to choose and which hotel/apartment to stay in!

As you might know, Zurich isn’t a cheap destination, and there aren’t many budget hotels. As a rough guide, expect around €160–180+ per night for budget stays, €180–300 for mid-range, and €300+ for luxury. Because the best-value rooms sell out fast, I’d book at least 2 to 3 months ahead for peak summer (June to August) and the Street Parade in August!

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

Here are the best hotels in Zurich Old Town, the best area to stay in Zurich for the first time:

• Best luxury hotel: Widder Hotel
• Best mid-range hotel: Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich
• Best budget hotel: Hotel Marta

---

Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

---

Here is a map of the best areas to stay in Zurich according to my recommendations:

Check out my personalized neighborhood recommendations depending on your travel preferences:

• Where to stay in Zurich for the first time: Altstadt
• Where to stay in Zurich with a family: Enge and Riesbach
• Where to stay in Zurich for nightlife: Langstrasse
• Where to stay in Zurich for a local vibe: Zurich West

Area	Price range	Why stay here	Best for
Altstadt (District 1)	€180 to 300+	Central and walkable to Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Bahnhofstrasse; widest hotel choice	First-timers, couples, luxury
Langstrasse (District 4)	€170 to 250+	Right by Zurich HB station; the liveliest bar and nightlife scene	Nightlife, one-night and transit stays
Enge (District 2)	€200 to 300+	Green and lakeside; FIFA Museum, lake swimming, and family parks	Families, outdoor lovers
Riesbach (District 8)	€200 to 320+	Along Lake Zurich; Seefeld promenade, Chinagarten, and lake baths	Couples, outdoor activities
Zurich West (District 5)	€160 to 300+	Trendy former industrial district; design hotels, dining, and nightlife	Trendy/local vibe, value

Not sure which fits your trip? Here’s a quick lookup by traveler type:

I’m traveling for…	Best area
My first time in Zurich	Altstadt
Nightlife & bars	Langstrasse
A family trip	Enge (Riesbach is a great runner-up)
A romantic stay & lake views	Riesbach / Seefeld
Outdoor activities & swimming	Riesbach or Enge
A trendy local vibe & better value	Zurich West
Just one night near the main station	Langstrasse

1. Altstadt – where to stay in Zurich for the first time

The historic Old Town of Zurich, also known as Altstadt or District 1, is the best place for first-time visitors. Essentially, this is the city center, so it’s ideally located for exploring the top Zurich attractions and enjoying stunning views of Lake Zurich. 

As for where to stay in the Zurich city center, you’ll be thrilled once you hear that all the best hotels in Zurich are situated here, so you’ll have plenty of choices. 

I’d also recommend staying in Old Town if you’re visiting Zurich in winter, especially around Christmas, as you’ll be within walking distance of Zurich’s indoor Christmas market. 

Moving on to the main attractions, you should visit at least a few museums. I suggest prioritizing the Swiss National Museum (purchase tickets on the official website), Kunsthaus Zurich, and the Zoological Museum of Zurich. 

Other spots worth your time are the Old Botanical Garden, Zurich Town Hall, and Fraumünster Church, famous for its stained-glass windows, as well as Lindenhof (map), a hilltop observation spot overlooking the Zurich city center. 

I’d also advise you to check out the upcoming events at the Zurich Opera House (Opernhaus Zürich) or head to Niederdorf, an amazing part of the Old Town with stunning architecture. 

In Niederdorf, you’ll find Grossmünster (map), an iconic cathedral with 2 towers. I highly suggest going up these towers – it’s one of the best things to do in Zurich! You’ll also come across the Cabaret Voltaire Art Center, which is often referred to as the birthplace of Dadaism. 

Zurich is a cosmopolitan city, so you’ll find plenty of luxury shopping opportunities, especially if you head to the Bahnhofstrasse. This is one of the main streets in central Zurich and one of the most expensive shopping districts in the entire world!

Now, let’s look at the recommendations for where to stay in Zurich Old Town!

Luxury (€300 and up)

• Widder Hotel – Possibly the best luxury hotel in Zurich, the Widder occupies 9 historic buildings in the Old Town, all of which have been renovated and decorated with famous artworks. 

• Baur au Lac – This 5-star hotel in Altstadt is one of the best, situated in a private park and offering spacious rooms, a fitness center, 2 on-site restaurants, and valet parking.

Mid-range (from €180 to €300)

• Bristol Hotel – A three-star hotel in Zurich’s city center offering clean and cozy rooms and room service. Guests at the Hotel Bristol can also use the library and the business center. 
• Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich – This is one of the top mid-range hotels in Old Town, with allergy-free, air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and several breakfast options. 

Budget (up to €180)

• Hotel Marta – When it comes to cheap hotels in Old Town, this hotel stands out for its clean, comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom, and an amazing complimentary breakfast.

2. Langstrasse – where to stay in Zurich for nightlife

Langstrasse is the focal point of Zurich’s District 4, situated 3 km (1.8 miles) West of Old Town. You may be surprised to learn that this is actually Zurich’s former red-light district; today, all that remains from this once-notorious district is the lively nightlife scene.

Don’t let the fact that this was once a red-light district scare you – feel free to explore the nightlife scene and visit at least one club. My top recommendation is the Plaza Club (map), a nightclub recognizable for its bold murals and multi-colored disco dance floor, set in the building that once housed Zurich’s first cinema, which opened in 1924.

If you’re looking for someplace more laid-back to grab a drink, I’ll direct you toward Kennedy’s Irish Pub, and if you’re feeling hungry, I have a couple of recommendations, too. The Bite serves excellent homemade burgers, and La Taqueria is a great place for authentic Mexican tacos. 

Once you’ve had your share of food and drinks, head to Bäckeranlage (map), an urban park that offers sprawling green lawns and hosts many concerts during the summertime. 

If you feel like shopping, you’ll have to venture out of Langstrasse. You can choose to go toward the Zurich city center and check out GLOBUS, a large department store, or browse the Bahnhofstrasse shopping strip while you’re there. (Note that Jelmoli, a longtime Zurich institution, closed for good in February 2025, and its building is being redeveloped, with the Manor department store set to move in around 2027.) You can also head to District 9 and Einkaufszentrum Letzipark, a shopping mall with plenty of stores.

And in case you’re wondering where to stay in Zurich for 1 night before you move on to other destinations, Langstrasse is the best choice. This is where you’ll find the Zurich HB train station (map), an important public transport hub connecting Zurich to many European cities. 

Luxury (€250 and up)

• 25hours Hotel Langstrasse – A modern and trendy hotel within walking distance of Zurich’s main train station, providing guests with access to a sauna, fitness center, and a gift shop. 
• Numa I Turi Apartments – Each unit at this aparthotel includes a kitchenette, dining area, bedroom, and bathroom. You can also enjoy a great breakfast for an extra charge. 

Mid-range (from €170 to €250)

• Guesthouse fürDich – This lovely guesthouse boasts bright, uniquely furnished rooms with wooden floors and an on-site cafe/bistro offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
• Greulich Design & Boutique Hotel – A chic boutique hotel near Kunsthaus Zurich, featuring contemporary rooms with heated floors. Facilities include a Thai restaurant, coffee shop, and terrace, plus bike rentals for exploring the city.

Budget (up to €170)

• City Pop 2Night – A great value stay with self-catering amenities, including a microwave, kettle, and minibar. Guests have access to a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.
• Hotel Limmathof – A 2-star hotel in a historic building that provides easy access to the Zurich main station and boasts an on-site restaurant.

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Enge – where to stay in Zurich with family

Located South of Zurich Old Town and on the coast of Lake Zurich, Enge (District 2) is a green area with a very laid-back vibe. If you’re based in Enge during your stay in Zurich, you’ll have access to plenty of fun activities, which is why this is the perfect spot for a family getaway. 

I highly recommend staying in Enge during the summer so you can make full use of the many swimming spots – the area’s main attractions. Be sure to check out Strandbad Mythenquai (map) and Seebad Enge (map) – the kids will love both of these spots!

If you like being outdoors but need a break from swimming in the lake, I recommend visiting the Sukkulenten-Sammlung Botanical Gardens, which house one of the world’s largest succulent collections, with more than 4,400 species. 

There are also many Enge parks, so make sure you pack comfortable clothes and go on to explore Rieterpark (map), Rentenwiese (map), and, of course, the Arboretum Zürich (map), the perfect place for a family picnic. 

When you visit Zurich, you shouldn’t miss out on the FIFA Museum (tickets are available online) and learn more about the history of football. However, if that’s not your thing, you can see what’s on at Tonhalle Zürich and maybe attend an orchestra concert. 

You can also visit the Museum Rietberg or head to Wollishofen, another District 2 neighborhood, and attend one of the shows at the Rote Fabrik. 

From Enge, you can also venture out to Friesenberg, a neighborhood in District 3 (Wiedikon – Sihlfeld), and go up to Uetliberg (map). This is the peak of a small mountain that provides stunning views of this fantastic city, Lake Zurich, and even the Swiss Alps on a clear day. 

Luxury (€300 and up)

• Park Hyatt Zurich – The Park Hyatt is one of the top luxury hotels in Zurich, with a health club featuring a sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, and a gym, plus a wine library and a restaurant. 

• Alden Suite Hotel – A small yet luxurious hotel where all rooms feature a hot tub and entertainment equipment, situated within walking distance of Lake Zurich and the Bahnhofstrasse. 

Mid-range (from €200 to €300)

• Motel One Zürich – This hotel offers sleek rooms with satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is served daily, and the 24-hour front desk ensures a smooth stay.
• Locke am Platz Zurich – Stay near Zurich’s top attractions in rooms with free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee makers, and workspaces. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant, bar, and complimentary bicycles for exploring the city.

Budget (up to €200)

• Residence Mutschellen – At this property, you can rent fully furnished, air-conditioned studios and apartments with free Wi-Fi. You can also use a fitness center and laundry facilities.

4. Riesbach – where to stay in Zurich for outdoor activities

Riesbach is Zurich’s District 8 and consists of 3 smaller neighborhoods – Seefeld, Mühlebach, and Weinegg. Of these 3, Seefeld is the one that attracts the most tourists due to its location along Lake Zurich and the abundance of outdoor activities (and families with small kids!). 

Spotlight: Seefeld (the upscale lakeside sub-neighborhood)

Seefeld is the quieter, more refined corner of District 8, lined with lake promenades, cafes, and some of Zurich’s nicest boutique stays, so it’s my pick for couples and anyone who wants lake views without city-center noise. If you’re after the best hotel in Seefeld Zurich, the 5-star La Réserve Eden au Lac (listed below) sits right on the water.

The main attractions in District 8 are Zürichhorn (map) – a lovely park with several swimming spots, the Chinagarten Zürich (map) – a lakeside garden with Chinese pavilions, and the University’s Botanical Garden, which boasts 3 glass domes and a pond as well as free entrance. 

If you’re still looking for spots where you can swim in Lake Zurich, the best one in Riesbach is Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen (map) – a lake bath with a paddling pool dating back to 1886. 

I believe that no stay in Zurich, Switzerland, is complete until you walk the Lake Zurich promenade (trail map) – a 4.5 km (2.7 miles) path along the lake that you can explore at any time of day or during any season of the year. 

Another visit-worthy spot in Riesbach is the Zurich Tram Museum; you’ll see trams from the 19th and 20th centuries and learn more about the history of public transport in Zurich. 

My final recommendation is to venture beyond District 8 and visit Zoo Zurich, where you can become familiar with more than 380 animal species. I suggest taking public transport, as Zoo Zurich recommends it and parking there is limited – a tram to the zoo is quick and easy from the city center.

Luxury (€320 and up)

• La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich – A 5-star hotel in an unbeatable location on Lake Zurich, La Réserve Eden offers individually furnished rooms, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop bar. 

• Ambassador Zurich – This lovely boutique hotel boasts elegantly furnished rooms, a terrace, an intimate bar, and a restaurant where you can try traditional Swiss food. 

Mid-range (from €200 to €320)

• Opera Hotel Zürich – Across from the Opera House and the lake, this chic hotel offers modern rooms with Wi-Fi and multimedia TVs. Breakfast buffet included.
• Alma Hotel – This three-star hotel, situated in a 19th-century building, has a relaxation room, a rooftop terrace, and possibly the best spa Zurich has to offer – available only to female guests.

NOTE: Riesbach doesn’t have any budget-friendly hotels, so if you’re traveling on a budget, I recommend checking out the options in Zurich Old Town or Langstrasse.

5. Zurich West – where to stay in Zurich for a trendy vibe

And finally, I have to talk about Zurich West, a part of District 5! As you can probably guess, this area is located West of the city center, 3 km (1.8 miles) away, or about 20 minutes by public transport. Although originally an industrial area, this is one of the trendiest spots in Zurich.

I’m going to start my list of recommendations with a cool spot for a fun night out – X-TRA House of Music. This is a music venue hosting a variety of cool concerts and parties, but make sure to get tickets in advance – you don’t want to miss out! 

During your stay in Zurich West, I highly recommend you check out one of the nearby restaurants. Kitchen Republic is a fusion restaurant with a lively ambiance, while Frau Gerolds Garten is an amazing eatery set in an outdoor urban garden, and the best place to eat home-style cuisine.

I also suggest you check out a couple of museums in Zurich West: the Museum für Gestaltung showcases contemporary art exhibitions, while the Swiss Finance Museum covers the history of the Swiss financial industry (and it’s more fun than it sounds). 

My last 2 suggestions will give you some quality outdoor time. First up, a visit to Josefwiese (map), a park with a playground and picnic areas. Then, a day at the Flussbad Oberer Letten (map), a riverfront swimming spot where you can cool off on a hot summer’s day. 

There are definitely more affordable options in the area, so if you are traveling on a budget, this might be your place: 

Luxury (€300 and up)

• Renaissance Zürich Tower Hotel – This upscale hotel offers 24-hour room service, concierge services, and access to a 24/7 gym and business center. 
• Züri by Fassbind – If you like to stay at hip hotels, this one’s for you, boasting modern rooms, a terrace, an on-site coffee shop, and a sauna. 

Mid-range (from €160 to €300)

• THE FLAG Zürich – A modern hotel and serviced-apartment stay with individually designed rooms and lofts, kitchenettes, and daily breakfast.
• 25hours Hotel Zürich West – A quirky, design-driven hotel in Zurich’s cool West district. It has bright, air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a rooftop sauna, and a lively bar.

Budget (up to €160)

• Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle Zurich – A design-forward stay in the western Altstetten district, with bright, modern rooms (each with a free iPad and a Nespresso machine), a top-floor sun deck, an on-site restaurant and bar, and free bikes for getting around. The tram into the center takes about 20 minutes. Good to know: breakfast and parking are extra.

👑 Luxury price:	€350
💵 Mid Range:	€200
🛏️ Budget:	€160
📍 Best area:	Altstadt
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Widder Hotel
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Bristol Hotel
👛 Best budget hotel:	Hotel Marta

BONUS: Best accommodation options near Zurich Airport 

If you are coming to Zurich for a short period, arriving late at night/early in the morning, or simply need to be close to the airport for an easy departure, then you are in luck! There are a few hotels near Zurich Airport (ZRH) that offer this ease of arrival/departure! 

Getting between the airport and the city is quick and easy: Zurich Airport (ZRH) sits about 10 km from the center, and direct trains run to Zurich HB (the main station) in roughly 10 to 15 minutes, several times an hour. If you’d rather skip the train with luggage, or you’re arriving late, you can book a private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups for a fixed, door-to-door price.

So let’s check out the best Zurich hotels near the airport:

• Luxury (€€€): Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport Circle – This hotel is ideally located within the airport circle and boasts modern rooms, a spa with a sauna, and an on-site restaurant. 
• Mid-range (€€): Hotel Welcome Inn – One of the best hotels near the airport, offering free parking, an on-site fitness room, and rooms with a work desk and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. 
• Budget (€): Capsule Hotel – This budget hotel is within walking distance of Zurich Airport and provides accommodation in capsule rooms, as well as access to a shared bathroom and a bar.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Zurich?

The best time to visit Zurich depends on what you’re after, but summer (June to August) is the liveliest. This is when the lake is warm enough for swimming at spots like Strandbad Mythenquai, the city’s festivals are in full swing, and the famous Street Parade takes over the lakefront in August. It’s also the priciest, busiest season for hotels, so book early.

For thinner crowds and lower room rates, come in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). The weather is mild, the parks are gorgeous, and you’ll have the Old Town’s cobbled lanes much more to yourself.

If you love a festive atmosphere, December is magical in Zurich. The city’s Christmas markets light up the Old Town and the main station, though you’ll want warm layers and an early hotel booking, as the holidays fill up fast.

Best Day Trips from Zurich

Zurich makes a brilliant base for the rest of Switzerland, with fast, scenic trains to some of the country’s biggest highlights. Here are four day trips worth building into your stay:

• Lucerne (about 50 minutes by direct train) – a postcard-perfect lakeside town with a wooden chapel bridge and mountain views all around.
• Rhine Falls (about 50 minutes by train) – Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where you can stand on viewing platforms right above the water or take a small boat out to the rock in the middle.
• Interlaken (about 2 hours by train) – the gateway to the Bernese Oberland and its snowy peaks, lakes, and mountain railways.
• Uetliberg (about 20 minutes on the S10 train from Zurich HB) – Zurich’s own mountain, with a short walk up to a lookout tower and sweeping views over the city, lake, and Alps on a clear day.

FAQs about where to stay in Zurich

Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of this Zurich neighborhood guide. By now, you’ve probably decided where to stay in Zurich and have started adding stops to your itinerary. 

But if you’re not sure yet, here are my 2 favorite hotels in Zurich, both situated in Old Town: 

• Widder Hotel – An upscale hotel in a central location, and a gourmet restaurant 
• Bristol Hotel – A comfortable hotel with modern rooms and friendly staff

Before I finish up, I have to warn you that the best hotels sell out super-quick. So, book in advance and secure your stay in Zurich!

If you have any more questions, please leave them in the comment section below; I will reply as soon as possible!

Have an unforgettable stay in Zurich, Switzerland!

Yulia

---