Stay in Zurich’s Old Town for charm, Seefeld for the lake, and Zurich West for nightlife.
If you are asking where to stay in Zurich, you want fast, trusted guidance. I’ve stayed across the city—from quiet lakefront lanes to buzzing nightlife blocks—and I know what actually works. This guide gives clear picks, price cues, and real tips so you can book the right base the first time.
How to choose where to stay in Zurich: a quick framework
Finding where to stay in Zurich is easier when you match area to purpose. Think about time, budget, and pace.
Use this simple filter:
- If you want classic sights and short walks: stay in the Old Town.
- If you want lake views and calm nights: book in Seefeld or Enge.
- If you want cool bars and design hotels: pick Zurich West or Langstrasse.
- If you want easy airport or fair access: choose Oerlikon or near Zurich HB.
- If you want space for a family: consider Wollishofen or Zurichberg.
My rule after many trips: keep travel time short. In Zurich, a 5–10 minute tram ride can change your whole stay.
Best neighborhoods where to stay in Zurich
Choosing where to stay in Zurich starts with the right district. Here are the top areas and what they offer.
Old Town (Altstadt: Niederdorf and Lindenhof)
You stay here for storybook lanes, churches, and the river. It is perfect for first-timers and couples. It can be lively at night, so ask for a quiet or courtyard room.
Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz
You get luxury shopping, calm streets, and quick tram links. It suits short high-end stays. Prices are premium.
Seefeld
This is lake life with style. You get promenades, parks, and easy swims in summer. It is quiet but close to the center.
Enge
Close to the lake and business zone. Great for families and business guests. The vibe is upscale but relaxed.
Zurich West (Kreis 5)
You get converted factories, art spaces, and food halls. It is ideal for nightlife and creative stays. Trams reach Zurich HB fast.
Langstrasse (Kreis 4)
This is lively, diverse, and full of bars. It is best if you like late nights. Pick higher floors and good windows for less noise.
Oerlikon
Fast access to the fairgrounds and the airport. Trains reach Zurich HB in minutes. Prices are fair for the city.
Wiedikon and Sihlfeld
A local feel with cafés and bakeries. Good for longer stays and lower rates. Trams make it simple to move.
Wollishofen and Zurichberg
Wollishofen is by the lake, calm, and family friendly. Zurichberg sits on a hill with green space and views. Both are good for rest and room to breathe.
Pro tip from the road: I once stayed in Niederdorf on a Friday. The lane was lively past midnight. Since then, I ask for a courtyard room when I book in the Old Town.
Where to stay in Zurich by trip type
Match your plan to the area and save time and stress. This is the fastest way to decide where to stay in Zurich.
For first-timers:
- Old Town or near Bahnhofstrasse for easy walks to main sights.
For couples:
- Seefeld or Old Town for romance, lake walks, and small cafés.
For nightlife:
- Zurich West or Langstrasse for bars, clubs, and late eats.
For families:
- Enge, Wollishofen, or Zurichberg for space, parks, and calm nights.
For business:
- Enge, Bahnhofstrasse area, or Oerlikon for fast transit and quiet rooms.
For a layover:
- Airport hotels at The Circle or Oerlikon for quick trains.
Price ranges and what you get
Zurich is pricey, but you can plan well. Knowing where to stay in Zurich by budget helps set fair expectations.
Typical nightly rates for two:
- Luxury: 500–1,200+ CHF. Expect lake or river views and top service.
- Upper-mid: 300–500 CHF. Boutique style and great locations.
- Mid-range: 200–350 CHF. Clean, modern rooms near trams.
- Budget: 120–200 CHF. Compact rooms, good value in outlying areas.
- Hostels: 40–80 CHF per bed. Simple and social.
- Apartments: 180–400+ CHF. More space and kitchens; good for families.
Extra costs:
- City tax is small per person per night. Check your booking fine print.
- Breakfast often costs extra. Compare rates with and without it.
Tip: Book early for summer weekends, Street Parade, and Christmas markets.
Hotel and stay picks by budget and area
These are reliable choices based on location, value, and stay quality. Use them as a starting point when deciding where to stay in Zurich.
Luxury and iconic:
- Baur au Lac, Paradeplatz area. Classic, lake-edge gardens, discreet service.
- Widder Hotel, Old Town. Historic houses, design rooms, quiet lanes.
- Storchen Zurich, Old Town riverside. Bridge views, elegant and central.
- Park Hyatt Zurich, near Bahnhofstrasse. Modern luxury and calm.
- La Réserve Eden au Lac, Seefeld. Lake views and striking design.
Upper-mid and boutique:
- B2 Hotel, Enge. Rooftop thermal baths and a library lounge.
- Sorell Hotel St. Peter, Old Town. Stylish and quiet.
- Marktgasse Hotel, Old Town. Boutique charm near cafés.
- Opera Hotel or Ambassador, Seefeld. Steps from lake and opera.
Design and lifestyle:
- 25hours Hotel Langstrasse, Kreis 4. Bold design, near Zurich HB.
- 25hours Hotel Zurich West, Kreis 5. Fun vibe by the Viadukt.
- Placid Hotel Zurich, Altstetten. Modern rooms, good value on weekends.
Reliable mid-range:
- Motel One Zürich, Selnau. Solid, central, and sharp price point.
- Central Plaza Hotel, Central square. Quick trams and river views.
- Sorell Hotel Seefeld, Seefeld. Quiet, near the lake.
- Zürich Marriott Hotel, near the river. Larger rooms, good for points stays.
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, opposite Zurich HB. Old-school service, soundproofed rooms.
Budget and hostels:
- Meininger Hotel Zürich Greencity, Leimbach. Newer, budget-friendly.
- Zurich Youth Hostel, Wollishofen. Lake access and strong value.
- Oldtown Hostel Otter, Old Town. Basic rooms in a prime location.
Airport and fair access:
- Radisson Blu Zurich Airport, in-terminal. Zero transfer stress.
- Hyatt Regency or Hyatt Place, The Circle. New and convenient.
- Courtyard Zurich North, Oerlikon. Close to fairgrounds and trains.
Personal tip: I book B2 for work trips when I want a calm base and a great spa. For quick weekends, I go 25hours Langstrasse or a boutique in the Old Town.
Safety, noise, and common mistakes to avoid
Zurich is very safe. Still, good habits help. This matters when you choose where to stay in Zurich.
What to know:
- Station area and Langstrasse can feel busy late at night. Stay aware.
- In the Old Town and Langstrasse, request a quiet room or higher floor.
- Many old buildings have small elevators or none. Pack light or confirm access.
- Summer events bring crowds. Book early and expect busy nights.
Mistakes I see often:
- Booking far from a tram line. Aim for 3–5 minutes on foot.
- Ignoring weekend noise. Ask about room position before you confirm.
- Booking without AC in July and August. Check amenities.
Getting around: transit tips for smart stays
Transit makes where to stay in Zurich very flexible. You can sleep in calm areas and still get downtown fast.
Key tips:
- Zurich HB is the hub. Most trams and trains connect there.
- The airport train takes about 10–12 minutes to Zurich HB.
- The Zurich Card includes city transit and museum perks. It can save time and money.
- Zone 110 covers central Zurich and counts as two zones on passes.
- Trams are frequent. Plan to be within a few stops of your main sights.
I plan stays by travel time, not distance. If a tram gets me to the river in 8 minutes, that is a win.
When to book and dates that change prices
Timing matters when you work out where to stay in Zurich. Rates jump for big events and holidays.
Busy periods:
- May–September for lake season and long days.
- August for Street Parade, one of Europe’s biggest dance events.
- Late November–December for Christmas markets and lights.
- Late September–early October for Zurich Film Festival.
- April for city festivals and marathon weekend.
- Züri Fäscht happens every few years in July. The city sells out.
Book 6–12 weeks ahead for peak months. For major events, go even earlier. For winter weekdays, last-minute deals can appear.
Frequently Asked Questions of where to stay in zurich
What is the best area for first-time visitors?
Stay in the Old Town or near Bahnhofstrasse. You can walk to top sights, and trams make day trips easy.
Is Zurich West safe for tourists at night?
Yes, it is generally safe and lively. Use normal city sense and pick a hotel close to a tram stop.
Where to stay in Zurich for lake views?
Choose Seefeld or Enge for the best access to the lake. Many hotels there offer rooms near promenades and baths.
Is Langstrasse too noisy to stay?
It can be on weekends. Book higher floors, request a quiet room, and bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
Where to stay in Zurich for an early flight?
Pick The Circle at the airport or Oerlikon. You will have a short transfer and less stress in the morning.
Is the Old Town worth the price?
Yes if you value charm and time savings. You can walk to landmarks, which is great for short stays.
Where to stay in Zurich on a budget?
Look at Oerlikon, Wiedikon, or Altstetten. You get lower rates and quick trams or trains into the center.
Conclusion
Choosing where to stay in Zurich shapes your whole trip. Pick an area that fits your pace, your budget, and your plans, and you will save time while enjoying the city more. Think of your hotel as your launch pad: close to a tram, quiet when you need it, and near what you love.
Now it is your turn. Shortlist two areas, check a few hotels from this guide, and book with confidence. If this helped, share it with a friend or leave a comment with your own Zurich stay tips.
