Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland: 4 Areas & Hotels

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Planning a trip to Zurich and wondering where to stay? You’re in the right place!

After exploring this beautiful Swiss city from every angle, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best areas and hotels in Zurich. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, chasing vibrant nightlife, or looking for a quiet lakeside escape, we’ve got you covered.

Zurich is known for being pricey, but the good news is that its excellent public transportation and super walkable Old Town make getting around a breeze, so there’s actually no need to splurge on a central hotel if you don’t want to!

It’s time to find your perfect base in Zurich—let’s dive in!

Where to Stay in Zurich Map

Overview of the Best Areas To Stay in Zurich

Zurich is often ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world, and that includes the cost of accommodations. The good news is that the city has an excellent public transportation system, so you don’t need to pay top dollar to stay centrally.

Trams, buses, and trains are fast, reliable, and well-connected across all neighborhoods. However, if you choose to stay in the historic center, you’ll find that most major sights are easily walkable.

• Altstadt (District 1) – This is Zurich’s historic Old Town, and it’s packed with charming streets, major landmarks, and cozy cafés. Motel One Zürich offers stylish, affordable comfort right in the heart of it all.

• Langstrasse (District 4) – Once Zurich’s red-light district, this vibrant neighborhood is now a hub for nightlife, cool bars, and international eats. City Pop 2Night Zürich City is a modern and convenient place to stay near all the action.

• Seefeld (District 8) – A peaceful, upscale lakeside area that’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter and more refined base. CITY STAY – Kieselgasse offers chic apartments just a short stroll from Lake Zurich.

• Enge & Wollishofen (District 2) – A family-friendly area close to both the city center and the lake, offering a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to nature. Residence Mutschellen provides comfortable apartment-style stays ideal for longer visits or traveling with kids.

Where to Stay in Zurich

Altstadt

“Altstadt” is German for “Old Town”, so you can probably guess that this area is the historic heart of the city! Even though, as we mentioned, staying in the center isn’t strictly necessary, we do absolutely love spending time amongst its winding streets, beautifully preserved medieval buildings, and atmospheric old squares. 

We think that Altstadt is ideal for first-time visitors, as well as short stays, and anyone who wants to be within walking distance of Zurich’s top sights. Speaking of which, the area is packed with must-see landmarks, including some of Europe’s most famous churches. There’s Fraumünster, which is famous for its stunning Chagall windows, the Grossmünster, and Peterskirche, which is home to the largest clock face in Europe.

But it’s not all about churches, here. Some of Zurich’s best photo spots are also tucked into the Old Town, including the picturesque Münsterbrücke and Rathausbrücke, offering postcard-perfect views of the river, Lake Zurich, and even the distant Alps on a clear day! And between sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of cozy cafés, boutique shops, and inviting restaurants to enjoy.

Of course, all of this charm comes at a price. Altstadt is one of Zurich’s most expensive areas, but if you’ve got the budget for it, we think it’s an excellent place to stay.

Pros

• Convenient central location with lots of major sights
• Charming area with scenic river views

Cons

• One of the most expensive areas in Zurich
• Can be busy during peak tourist seasons

Luxury – $$$

Located just steps from Zurich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse, Boutique Hotel Seidenhof is a stylish and comfortable base in the heart of the city. The hotel features modern rooms equipped with cozy seating areas and sleek private bathrooms. Some rooms even include kitchenettes, which are perfect for longer stays.

Families will appreciate the spacious family rooms, and I think that all travelers will enjoy the easy access to top attractions like Lindenhof, Paradeplatz, and the Fraumünster! Standard double rooms here start between €375 and €565 per night.

Check prices for Boutique Hotel Seidenhof here!

Mid-range – $$

Motel One Zürich offers stylish, affordable accommodation right in the heart of the city. It’s located just a short walk from major sights like Grossmünster, Zurich Opera House, and the Swiss National Museum, so it’s a fantastic base for exploring Zurich’s top attractions, shopping streets, and restaurants! 

The rooms here are modern, with super comfy beds, and I love the chic terrace with its teardrop-shaped cabanas. The sleek hotel bar is also the perfect place to unwind with a drink after a busy day of exploring everything that the Swiss capital has to offer. Queen rooms here start between €180 and €500 per night.

Check availability and book your stay at Booking.com!

Budget – $ 

Pop Up Hotel Krone Zürich is a fun, affordable option for travelers who want to stay right in the middle of Zurich’s lively Old Town. Set in a historic building, this no-frills hotel offers simple, clean rooms with all the basics you need for a comfortable stay. Rooms vary from private options to more budget-friendly shared setups, making it a flexible choice for solo travelers, couples, or groups.

And in terms of location, this hotel couldn’t be better! You’ll be just steps from the Limmat River, charming cafés, and major sights like Grossmünster and Lindenhof. If you’re planning to spend your days out exploring and just need a cozy place to crash, this is a perfect pick. Prices here start from around €200 per night.

Check availability for this budget stay here!

Related Read: Looking for some fun activities in Zurich? Check out our 7 favorite things to do here!

Langstrasse

Langstrasse, located in Zurich’s vibrant District 4, is one of the city’s most colorful and eclectic neighborhoods. Historically, it was the city’s red-light district, and locals still call it “Chreis Cheib,” which means “animal cadaver”. Don’t worry, though, as this is a (mostly) affectionate nickname! 

Langstrasse has a fascinating past, and every corner is full of stories. What we love about this area is that it’s a real melting pot where lots of different cultures, scenes, and generations come together, making it a fascinating place for travellers who crave energy with a little edge. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back coffee shop or a wild club, there’s something for everyone.

As mentioned, Langstrasse was once gritty and rough around the edges, but the area began transforming in the mid-2000s. Creative hubs like Im Viadukt market and Frau Gerolds Garten opened up, injecting fresh life into the area, and today it’s probably Zurich’s coolest area.

If you want to experience the best of Zurich’s nightlife, this is the place to stay, as Langstrasse is filled with a mix of laid-back bars, lively nightclubs, and craft cocktail lounges. 

Another big perk of staying here is that the accommodation tends to be more affordable. So if you’re looking to explore Zurich’s more authentic, unpolished side, then Langstrasse is the ideal area for you.

Pros

• A vibrant, multicultural area with great nightlife
• One of the more affordable parts of Zurich

Cons

• Can be noisy at night, especially on weekends
• Parts of the area still feel a little rough around the edges

Luxury – $$$ 

25hours Hotel Langstrasse is a super stylish hotel just a short walk from Zürich Hauptbahnhof, the city’s main train station. It makes a great base for day trips out of the city as well as exploring everything that Langstrasse has to offer.

Inside, the hotel offers beautiful, open-plan rooms and fantastic amenities such as a sauna and gym. The on-site restaurant is also pretty fantastic, and if you opt for the breakfast buffet, it’s a real treat. There’s even a terrace open for the warmer months if you want to soak up the sun!

Rooms here generally range between €275 and €375 per night.

Check availability and reserve your stay here!

Mid-range – $$ 

City Pop 2Night Zürich City is a bright and modern apartment in the heart of Langstrasse. It’s air-conditioned and features a cozy bedroom, a modern bathroom, and a kitchenette for convenience.

There’s also a mini market right downstairs, which is handy. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants nearby, and the historic center is within easy reach via Zurich’s excellent public transport system.

Whether you want to explore the vibrant nightlife of Langstrasse or take a stroll through the charming Old Town, everything is just a short trip away! This apartment normally costs between €175 and €250 per night.

See current rates and book your stay here!

Budget – $ 

Guesthouse fürDich offers fantastic value for money! It’s just a 15-minute bus or tram ride from Zürich Hauptbahnhof, so it’s a convenient base for getting around the city. The Bäckeranlage Tram Stop is also just a short walk away. 

Meanwhile, the rooms are bright and cozy, each with unique furnishings and wooden floors. Some rooms here have a private bathroom and others share facilities, so you can find a room that suits your budget perfectly. There’s also an on-site café and bistro, offering delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Rooms here can start as low as €140 per night.

Check availability for Guesthouse fürDich here!

Related Read: To make sure you make the most of your time in Zurich, follow our expert 2-day itinerary!

Seefeld 

Seefeld is, in a word, the upscale choice for those looking to experience the more refined side of Zurich. It’s situated along the shores of Lake Zurich, and it’s known for its serene lakeside parks, charming promenades, and affluent atmosphere. If you’re looking for a fairly peaceful area with lush green spaces and cultural landmarks, Seefeld is the best place to stay.

There’s plenty to do here, including visiting the Le Corbusier Pavilion and the Museum of International Art Bellerive. It’s also home to upscale restaurants and boutiques, perfect for luxury lovers who enjoy fine dining and high-end shopping. For some unbeatable views of the city, take a stroll over the Quaibrücke Bridge and watch boats sail in and out of the lake.

The district offers a mix of modern architecture and historical charm, making it ideal for leisurely walks along the lake or through its elegant streets. But our favorite part of this area is the cultural mile along the lakeshore, which provides a variety of sculptures and galleries to explore.

The area is also in close proximity to the city center, so it’s ideal for travelers who want a sophisticated environment while being close to the top landmarks. However, it’s not for the budget-conscious among us, that’s for sure!

Pros

• Elegant area known for luxury 
• Plenty of cultural landmarks and upscale dining options
• Scenic walks and lakeside views

Cons

• Expensive area
• Not much to offer in the way of nightlife

Luxury – $$$ 

Boutique Hotel NI-MO offers a classy stay in Seefeld, just a short walk from Lake Zurich’s promenade and the Opera House. And as if that weren’t enough, this charming hotel is surrounded by a variety of boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

Meanwhile, the rooms themselves feature contemporary design with parquet floors, functional furniture, and modern bathrooms. One of our favorite things about this property is that it includes a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning—yum!

Plus, with Stadelhoden close by, you can easily reach Zurich’s Central Station in about 10 minutes by tram. From there, Zurich is your oyster! Rooms here typically cost between €300 and €370 per night.

Check prices and secure your luxury stay here!

Mid-range – $$

CITY STAY – Kieselgasse offers modern, self-catered accommodations with a convenient location just 1.2 miles (1.8 kilometers) from the Old Town. Each apartment is equipped with a cozy living room and a fully-equipped kitchen, which can definitely help you save money on eating out. However, there’s a restaurant right next door if you do want to eat out. 

The apartment is simple but cozy, and the bathroom has a sleek, modern vibe. Overall, this is a really comfortable home base in Zurich’s classiest neighborhood! A one-bedroom apartment typically costs between €250 and €350 per night.

Browse room choices for this Zurich stay at Booking.com!

Budget – $ 

Seefeld Residenz is a basic but comfortable and convenient option for those looking to stay in Zurich’s most upmarket area. It may be fairly simple, but it’s close to the area’s top restaurants and boutiques, so if you’d rather spend your vacation budget on shopping and fine dining than luxury digs, this is an excellent choice.

It’s just a 6-minute walk from the Zurich Opera House and 18 minutes from Kunsthaus Zurich and Grossmünster on foot. Each studio is equipped with its own kitchenette, TV, and private bathroom. Laundry facilities are available for an extra charge, too. Apartments here start at €200 per night, and you can snag a good deal by booking in advance.

Check prices and availability for Seefeld Residenz here!

Enge and Wollishofen

Located along the quieter western shore of Lake Zurich, Enge and Wollishofen offer a peaceful alternative to the busier Seefeld district. Both are part of Zurich’s District 2 and perfect for visitors who want to spend their days relaxing by the lake. We love heading over to swim at Mythenquai beach or sprawl out on the grassy lawns of Landiwiese—it’s pure summer bliss.

Enge is known for its beautiful green spaces like Belvoirpark and Rieterpark. Rieterpark, Zurich’s largest park, is the spot for slow, scenic walks and relaxed picnics, while the nearby Rietberg Museum adds a cultural bonus with its stunning non-European art collection and colorful rotating exhibitions. Belvoirpark, with its manicured gardens and historic villa, feels like stepping straight into a storybook.

Just a little farther south, Wollishofen has a more residential, local feel. It’s home to leafy lake promenades, cozy cafes, and some of Zurich’s best outdoor swimming spots, like Strandbad Mythenquai. In summer, the whole area comes alive with pop-up bars, casual lakeside restaurants, and a fun, festival-like atmosphere.

Both Enge and Wollishofen are ideal if you’re after a laid-back, local experience. It’s a little farther from the center, but Altstadt is still just a quick tram ride away.

Pros

• Peaceful atmosphere
• Scenic area with beautiful parks and swimming spots
• Authentic, local vibe

Cons

• Not as many options for shopping and nightlife
• A bit further from the old town

Luxury – $$$ 

Glärnischhof by TRINITY offers a plush lakeside stay. The rooms are bright and spacious, and the huge bathtubs are perfect for a relaxing soak. I also love the fact that breakfast is included, so you can enjoy eggs, bacon, juice, pastries, and fresh fruit every single morning. After all, you’ve gotta fuel up before you go sightseeing! 

This gorgeous hotel would make the perfect base for a romantic stay, but it’s just as suitable for families. The FIFA World Football Museum, Tonhale concert hall, and old botanical garden are all right nearby, so it’s the perfect location if you want a mix of culture, relaxation, and outdoor beauty. Rooms here typically cost between €350 and €650 per night.

Check availability and book your luxury stay here!

Mid-range – $$

Residence Mutschellen is a great value hotel just a 10-minute walk from Lake Zurich. It offers comfortable studios that feel like a real home away from home. There’s air-con, free WiFi, an on-site fitness center, and a lovely garden with a furnished terrace. 

There’s also a restaurant and grocery store within walking distance, and Sihlcity Shopping Center is less than a mile away. All in all, this is a great spot for a relaxed city break. Studios here cost between €150 and €250 per night.

Book your stay at Residence Mutschellen here!

Budget – $ 

VISIONAPARTMENTS Waffenplatzstrasse is a great value stay. These apartments are bright and modern with parquet and marble floors, sleek bathrooms, and comfortable living areas. The senior apartments even have their own private terrace!

The location is fantastic too, with Museum Rietberg just a short walk away. Meanwhile, Paradeplatz, Fraumünster, and Grossmünster are less than 20 minutes away via public transport. Belvoirpark is also just an 11-minute walk away, so you’ve got easy access to one of Zurich’s most scenic green spaces.

Junior apartments here usually cost between €100 and €210 per night, and you get the best rates by booking in advance.

Browse available rooms for this budget stay here!

Other Activities to do While in Zurich

Once you’ve settled on where to stay, it’s time to dive into everything that makes Zurich such a dream to explore. From epic mountain adventures to chocolate-filled cruises and cozy food tours, this city has no shortage of ways to make your trip unforgettable.

Here are some of the absolute best things to do in Zurich to soak up its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and sweet treats along the way!

• Ride to the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch – This day trip to Jungfraujoch was hands-down one of the coolest things we did! We rode the cogwheel train up to Europe’s highest railway station, explored the Ice Palace, and stood in awe on the Sphinx Observatory deck—all surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks.

• See Zurich by land, lake, and air – This three-in-one Zurich tour lived up to its name! We explored the city’s historic streets, cruised across Lake Zurich, and even soared over the rooftops on a cable car. It was the perfect way to experience Zurich from every angle in one afternoon.

• Taste fondue and wine on a tuk tuk – Touring Zurich by electric tuk tuk while feasting on bubbling cheese fondue and sipping wine? Yes, please! This cozy food tour gave us a fun, super local glimpse of the city, with plenty of delicious bites along the way.

• Cruise the lake and dive into chocolate heaven – This combo tour hits two major Zurich highlights in one easy trip! We started with a relaxing boat cruise across Lake Zurich, then headed straight to the Lindt Chocolate Factory outlet for sweet samples (and souvenirs!) we couldn’t resist.

• Explore Zurich’s highlights on a small-group city tour – For a great overview, this small-group city tour was spot on. Our guide shared cool local stories as we visited top sights like the Bahnhofstrasse, the university district, and the Old Town, making it a fun and easy way to get our bearings.

Renting a Car in Europe

Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.

We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

• Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
• Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
• Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
• Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
• Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
• Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

After cruising across Lake Zurich, tasting fondue on a tuk tuk, and riding to the “Top of Europe,” you’ll definitely want the perfect place to recharge. In Zurich, location really matters—whether you’re craving the historic charm of Altstadt, the laid-back lakeside vibes of Enge and Wollishofen, or the upscale calm of Seefeld. We hope this guide helps you find the best base for your trip!

Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out all our Switzerland blogs here or browse a few of our favorite guides to start planning!

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