Where to stay in Zurich: best areas and hotels

At the outset, you should know that staying in Zurich is expensive. In fact, it is the second most expensive city in Europe, only behind Oslo and sixth in the world. We corroborate it! It has more hotels than others cities of Switzerland and it is still the most expensive. But do not worry! We tell you the best areas and hotels to stay in Zurich so you can choose the one that best suits you. Furthermore, we leave you 25 things to do in Zurich so you can enjoy this beautiful city.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH: BEST AREAS AND HOTELS

1. The historic center, the best area to sleep in Zurich

Sleep in the historic center of Zurich It’s a fantastic idea. There’s nothing like sleeping in District 1! In it Old town many of Zurich’s tourist attractions are concentrated. Among them, the majestic Grossmünster. But we must clarify that, within the historic center of Zurich, there are two different areas.

The most interesting is Niederdorf. It is east of the Limmat River and is one of the liveliest parts of Zurich. There is a large number of bars and restaurants. And the cobblestone streets are beautiful! In addition, it is a car-free zone, completely pedestrian. Ideal for walking at night and being surprised by the beauty of its facades. Definitely It is one of the most picturesque areas to stay in Zurich. Of course, in Niederdorf, the offer is more limited than in other parts of the historic center.

The other part of the old town is on the west side of the river, the neighborhood is called Lindenhof. It is famous for its hill, which bears the same name and offers beautiful views of the city, it is special at sunset. This area is more commercial than the previous one and there is more hotel offer.

In any case, if you sleep in In the historic center of Zurich you will be close to everything. And most importantly, the train station is a 5-minute walk away, from there you can go to any part of Switzerland. If goods the most comfortable area to stay in Zurichit is also the most expensive. It is almost impossible to find a hotel in District 1 for less than €100 per night. Convenience is paid for. And in Switzerland much more!

The best accommodations in the Altstadt:

The historic center is the best area to stay in Zurich because…

✅ It is the most picturesque and lively area
✅ It is close to the main attractions and the train station
❌ It is the most expensive neighborhood to stay in Zurich

2. Seefeld, a special area to stay in Zurich

If you are looking for something special, we recommend sleeping in Seefeld. It is located on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich. It’s a lovely area! Although it is usually crowded in summer, it is one of the best areas to unwind in Zurich. Being able to walk along the shore of the lake before going to sleep is a scene from a movie. And experience an evening sitting on a bench listening to the musicians? One last!

Besides, It’s a pretty convenient area to stay in Zurich.. You will be able to get everywhere on foot with ease. And if you don’t want to walk, in Bellevue you can take the trams you want that will take you to the central station or any part of the city. The downside to staying in Seefeld is that the hotels are quite expensive.

And if you are looking for even more tranquility, try sleeping in Enge. It is a neighborhood located on the west shore of the lake. It is a residential area, quite far from tourists, but the hotel offer is less.

Good options in Seefeld:

Seefeld is the best area to stay in Zurich if…

✅ You are looking for accommodation in a quiet area of ​​Zurich
✅ You want to be well connected to get around on foot or by tram
❌ Accommodations in Seelfeld are expensive

3. Kreis 5, a cheap and interesting area to stay in Zurich

District 5, known as Kreis 5, It was one of the areas we liked the most in Zurich. At the beginning of the century it was a rather ugly and unsafe industrial area. In fact, it was uninhabitable. But today it has become another attraction of the city of Zurich. The old factories have given way to offices, residential spaces, shopping centers and interesting art galleries.

So the neighborhood has completely changed. At Kreis 5 you can see the Prime Tower, the second tallest building in Switzerland. It is an interesting viaduct that has been transformed into a shopping center and numerous art galleries. It is a very different neighborhood from the rest, so It is a special area to stay in Zurich.

The good news is their prices. Being a little away from the historic center, you will find cheaper hotels. But that won’t be a problem. We slept there and It took us 10 minutes by tram to reach the Altstadt. On the other hand, being a completely new neighborhood, the hotels are also new. So At Kreis 5 you will find modern accommodation with great value for money.

The best hotels in Kreis 5:

Kreis 5 is the best area to stay in Zurich for…

✅ Find new accommodation at a good price in Zurich
✅ Stay in a modern area
❌ It is a little far from the historic center

4. Aussersihl, an alternative for party animals

The city’s 4th district, known as Aussersihl, It is one of the most interesting areas to sleep in Zurich. Before it was the best-known red light district in Switzerland, but over the years the panorama has changed a lot. A couple of nightclubs still exist and prostitution is common in the area. But at the same time you will find very interesting bars where you can enjoy the nightlife of Zurich.

The advantage of sleeping in Aussersihl is that the hotels are cheaper than in the Altstadt. Although it still carries part of its bad reputation, it is not an unsafe area. But you better not trust yourself!

In addition to the party we believe that It is a practical area to stay in Zurich. In 15 minutes on foot you will be in the heart of the city. Langstrasse is the main artery of the neighborhood. Aussersihl is considered the multicultural area par excellence. So let’s hope you enjoy its atmosphere!

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Our recommendations at Aussersihl:

Aussersihl is the best area to stay in Zurich if…

✅ You want to be in the area with the most life and nightlife
✅ Are you looking to save a few euros on your accommodation in Zurich
❌ It has a bad reputation because it used to be the best-known red light district in Switzerland

5. Oerlikon, halfway between Zurich and the airport

Zurich’s 11th district has also changed a lot in recent years. The area is known as Zurich Nord, because it is located north of the historic center. As a curiosity, Oerlikon was an independent town until 1934, when it was merged with the city of Zurich. Many companies have their headquarters there. It is even home to the Hallenstadion, the largest stadium in Zurich where many events are held. In addition, many parks, houses and hotels have been built in recent years. The area has been completely transformed!

So in Oerlikon you will find a wide variety of accommodation. And the best part is that they are cheaper than in the city center. If your priority is saving, it is a good option. Don’t think that Oerlikon is far from the center, on the contrary, In just 15 minutes by tram you will be at Zurich central station.

Another advantage of sleeping in Oerlikon is its proximity to the airport. From there you will be halfway between the city and the airport. In the area there are supermarkets, restaurants and other facilities within your reach. Definitely, one of the best areas to stay in Zurich.

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Good accommodations in Oerlikon:

Oerlikon is the best area to stay in Zurich if…

✅ Are you looking for super cheap accommodations to stay in Zurich?
✅ You want to be close to the airport
❌ To get to the historic center you will have to take the tram

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH

Next, we will answer a few questions to summarize which are the best areas and hotels where to stay in Zurich. If you have any other questions write us a comment.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Zurich?

Both Aussersihl and Oerlikon are cheap areas to stay in Zurich. Although you should consider that they are not in the center of Zurich. Aussersihl is a 15-minute walk away, while Oerlikon is the same time away by tram. But in neither case will this be a problem, so it is a good alternative. where to stay in Zurich.

Best area to stay in Zurich for special stays or honeymoons?

If you are traveling to Zurich to celebrate a special occasion, we recommend sleeping in Seefeld. The area has a calm atmosphere and we cannot fail to mention the impressive views it has. It is located on the shores of Lake Zurich, so there is nothing like starting and ending the day with this landscape. Plus, it’s close to everything and you can easily walk wherever you want. That, yes, you must consider that this It is an expensive area to stay in Zurich.

Where to stay in Zurich to party?

Looking for a bit of partying in Zurich? Then, exterior It will be the best alternative for you. This area is known for its nightlife, although also for its bad reputation because it used to be the red light district of the city and the best known in Switzerland. But you can rest assured, because things have changed today. There are a large number of bars that you can visit at night. Aussersihl is a 15-minute walk from the center of Zurich.

In short, what is the most recommended area to stay in Zurich?

If you have a high budget, We recommend staying in the historic center of Zurich. The atmosphere is lovely! But it is the most expensive areaso you should consider it. There you will be close to the main attractions from the city and you won’t have to travel too much.

In case this alternative is not so convenient for you, you can stay at Kreis 5. It is a modern area and relatively close to the center, you just have to take the tram and you will arrive in 10 minutes. The best part is that the accommodations are new, but affordable.

LOCATION OF THE BEST AREAS AND HOTELS TO STAY IN ZURICH

In the following interactive map you will find marked the best areas and hotels to sleep in Zurich.