Hotels in Zurich: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 9 August 2026 · 193 real hotels
Zurich rewards guests who pick the right neighborhood for their rhythm. The Old Town (Altstadt) and the lakeside districts suit first-timers and culture seekers, while Langstrasse offers a grittier, more creative energy closer to nightlife and independent restaurants. For airport convenience without sacrificing comfort, Glattbrugg and Rümlang provide solid four-star options at a more accessible price point.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viadukt Apartments ★★ | Zurich | ★ 3.6 | 107 €/nuit |
| Apartments Swiss Star University ★★★ | Zurich | ★ 3.3 | 122 €/nuit |
| Swiss Star Longstreet ★★★ | Zurich | ★ 3.2 | 132 €/nuit |
| VISIONAPARTMENTS Zurich Wolframplatz ★★★★ | Zurich | ★ 3.6 | 147 €/nuit |
| INSIDE FIVE City Apartments ★★★★ | Zurich | ★ 3.8 | 155 €/nuit |
| ibis budget Zurich Airport ★★ | Glattbrugg : à 7,1 km de Zurich | ★ 4.1 | 156 €/nuit |
| Hotel Kernhof Self Check-in ★★ | Langstrasse | ★ 2.5 | 158 €/nuit |
| LivingTown Lofts Zurich ★★★ | Altstetten | ★ 4.4 | 161 €/nuit |
| VISIONAPARTMENTS Zurich Cramerstrasse 8-12 ★★★ | Zurich | ★ 3.5 | 162 €/nuit |
Zurich sits at the northern tip of Lake Zurich, ringed by forested hills and bisected by the Limmat River. It consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities, which means two things for travelers: infrastructure works flawlessly, and costs reflect that quality. A tram ride is punctual to the minute, the tap water is clean enough to refill a bottle anywhere, and the restaurant scene runs from market-stall sausages to Michelin-starred tasting menus within a few blocks of each other.
What surprises most visitors is how compact and walkable the center actually is. Bahnhofstrasse, the Niederdorf lanes, and the Rennweg antique strip can all be covered on foot in a single morning. The lake promenade stretches further and invites slower afternoons. Choosing where to base yourself is therefore less about distance and more about the atmosphere you want when you step outside your door each day.
Which area to stay in Zurich?
- Altstadt (Old Town, both banks): The historic core, ideal for first-time visitors who want medieval guild houses, the Grossmünster towers, and the main shopping artery of Bahnhofstrasse within a short walk. Expect premium prices and lively daytime crowds.
- Langstrasse (District 4): Zurich's most culturally mixed and after-dark-oriented quarter. Street art, concept stores, casual wine bars, and some of the city's most talked-about restaurants make it a strong pick for travelers who want urban texture rather than postcard scenery. The Greulich Design and Boutique Hotel and City Pop 2Night both sit here.
- Hottingen (District 7, Zurichberg hillside): A residential, quieter district east of the center, climbing toward the forested Zurichberg. The Dolder Grand occupies a commanding hilltop position here, connected to the city by a funicular. Best suited to guests prioritizing seclusion and panoramic views.
- Altstetten (District 9): A western residential district well served by tram lines into the center. More affordable than the core, with a local neighborhood feel. LivingTown Lofts offers apartment-style stays here, practical for longer visits or families.
- Glattbrugg and Rümlang (near Zurich Airport): Technically outside city limits but connected by S-Bahn in under 15 minutes. The Radisson Hotel and Suites Zurich and IntercityHotel Zurich Airport make this corridor sensible for early flights, transit travelers, or anyone attending trade fairs at Messe Zürich.
- Europaallee and Hauptbahnhof area: The zone immediately around the central station is the city's transit hub and a practical base for day trips to Lucerne, Basel, or Bern by direct train. The Crowne Plaza Zürich sits in this broader corridor, offering reliable four-star comfort with easy rail access.
Good to know
- Use the ZVV network card included with your hotel: Most Zurich hotels provide a free ZVV Guest Card that covers unlimited tram, bus, and S-Bahn travel within the city zones. Confirm this with your property at check-in, as it removes nearly all need for a rental car inside the city.
- Book early for trade fair and conference weeks: Zurich hosts major events at Messe Zürich (Art Basel satellite fairs, Orbit, Zurich Film Festival) that push room rates sharply upward and reduce availability across all categories. Checking the events calendar before finalizing dates can save a meaningful amount.
- Arrive at Zurich Airport and reach the center in 10 minutes: The Airport train station is located directly under Terminals 1 and 2. A direct train (S2 or S16) reaches Zurich Hauptbahnhof in approximately 10 minutes. No bus transfer, no traffic variability.
- Summer (June to August) is peak season but also the best lake season: Swimming in Lake Zurich from the public Badis (open-air lidos) is a genuine local ritual and free or very cheap. Temperatures are warm and daylight is long. Winter (December to February) sees lower hotel occupancy outside the Christmas market period and can yield better rates.
- Budget realistically for dining and incidentals: Zurich is consistently one of Europe's most expensive cities. A sit-down lunch at a mid-range restaurant typically runs 25 to 40 CHF per person. Supermarkets (Migros, Coop) are a sensible fallback for breakfasts and snacks, and most are a short walk from any central hotel.
What to know about hotels in Zurich?
What is the best area to stay in Zurich for first-time visitors?+
The Old Town (Altstadt) on both banks of the Limmat gives first-timers the shortest walk to the major landmarks, the lake promenade, and Bahnhofstrasse. The area around Hauptbahnhof is equally central and adds the advantage of instant rail connections for day trips. Both zones carry higher price tags, so booking in advance is worthwhile.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?+
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and more stable hotel rates. Summer is excellent if swimming in the lake and outdoor dining matter to you. December brings the well-regarded Christmas markets, particularly around Hauptbahnhof, but prices rise and rooms sell out quickly.
How do I get from Zurich Airport to the city center?+
A direct train from the airport's underground station reaches Zurich Hauptbahnhof in roughly 10 minutes, with trains running several times per hour from early morning until after midnight. Taxis are available but expensive. The train is by far the fastest and most cost-effective option for most travelers.
What is a realistic budget for a hotel in Zurich?+
Based on current availability, budget and apartment-style options start around 107 to 161 euros per night (such as Viadukt Apartments or LivingTown Lofts). Solid four-star properties in or near the city run from roughly 180 to 245 euros per night. Luxury and landmark hotels like The Dolder Grand move well above 900 euros per night. Zurich does not have a cheap accommodation tier by European standards.
Is it worth staying near Zurich Airport rather than in the city center?+
It depends on your itinerary. Properties in Glattbrugg and Rümlang, such as the Radisson Hotel and Suites Zurich and the IntercityHotel Zurich Airport, are practical and competitively priced, and the S-Bahn puts you in the city center in around 15 minutes. If your trip involves an early departure or a single overnight before a flight, this corridor is a smart choice. For a multi-day city visit, staying closer to the center saves commuting time and gives better access to Zurich's walkable neighborhoods.
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