Where to stay in Zurich: best areas and neighborhoods

Zurich is one of the most important cities in Switzerland, first for population and an important financial center. It is divided into 12 districts, called Kreis in Swiss German. Each district, in turn, is composed of a variable number of neighborhoods. The central district is Kreis 1, which includes the Altstadt, the best neighborhood to stay in; other districts of tourist importance are Kreis 2, 4, 5 and 8. Let's see below which neighborhoods to prefer within these districts.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

If you're short on time, skip the boring research - we've already done the dirty work for you! Here are our top-rated picks for any budget, tried and tested.

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: Zurich is a safe city, as is all of Switzerland. There are therefore no real areas to avoid, just pay a little attention in the evening as in all destinations, without venturing into dark and unfrequented alleys. From a tourist point of view, we advise you not to stay in neighborhoods too far from the center.

If you are traveling to Zurich for the first time or have little time available, the best solution is to stay in the Altstadt, i.e. the historic center. Inside you have a double choice, the Lindenhof area if you are looking for tranquility, while Niederdorf if you want to enjoy the nightlife.

If you are traveling as a family, choose Seefeld or Enge. These two neighborhoods are located on the shores of the lake and both are full of wonderful parks and green areas. In summer they are also very popular for the various establishments on the waterfront.

If you are looking for nightlife and fun, opt for Industriequartier and Aussersihl. Just north of the Altstadt, these are the two nightlife districts of Zurich. The first is the old industrial district, now full of clubs and with a more relaxed nightlife, while Aussersihl is the real entertainment center of the city, with numerous underground clubs, cocktail bars and ethnic restaurants. These are also two excellent neighborhoods to save money, with lower costs compared to the Altstadt.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&bs and hostels in Zurich. Discover our tips and book on Booking

If you are in Zurich for work or as a day stopover to other destinations, consider staying near the airport. You can find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com

Altstadt (Kreis 1), best for first-timers

Foto di Thomas Wolf.

• Pros: Central location, historical atmosphere
• Cons: Higher prices compared to other neighborhoods, can be touristy.
• Main attractions: Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Swiss National Museum, Lindenhof hill.
• Average prices: from €90,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

The Altstadt, or the historic center of Zurich, is certainly the best area to stay. Here are the main attractions of the city, such as the Fraumünster and Grossmünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Surely, the Altstadt is especially recommended if you are visiting Zurich for the first time or if you are staying for one or two nights. If you are looking for a quieter area, choose Lindenhof, developed on a hill in the historic center, here the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful. If you are looking for some fun, opt for Niederdorf and Bahnhofstrasse, full of lively clubs and even in the evening.

Finally, staying here you can get around on foot. The main attractions are all close to each other, as are the other neighborhoods. The Altstadt also houses the Zürich Hauptbahnhof, the central railway station.

• What to do: City tour + climb the towers of Grossmünster, admire the Chagall windows at Fraumünster, and window-shop along the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse.
• Where to eat: For an iconic Zurich experience eat at Haus zum Rüden; instead, for a romantic dinner, go to Soul | Creative Kitchen Bar
• Where to drink: Enjoy a classic coffee or an aperitif at the KWEER or visit the Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar.

Why I love it: Walking through the medieval alleys of Niederdorf feels like being in a giant, open-air museum with a modern heartbeat.

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from €90,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Seefeld (Kreis 8), the lakeside district

Foto di Roland zh.

• Pros: Lakeside location, green and tranquil, family-friendly.
• Cons: Quieter in the evening, can be pricier than budget areas.
• Main attractions: Chinagarten Zürich, Zürichhorn park, Sechseläutenplatz square, Zürich Opera House, lakeside promenades.
• Average prices: from €100,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Seefeld is the neighborhood overlooking the eastern side of the lake. Surrounded by greenery and popular in summer, this area extends from the wonderful Sechseläutenplatz square, where the Zürich Opernhaus is located, and is home to attractions such as the Chinagarten Zürich and Zürichhorn park.

Given its tranquility and large green areas, this is a neighborhood especially recommended for families. Quiet even in the evening, during the day you can discover the large parks and relax on the lakeside promenade, where you will find establishments such as the Seebad Utoquai and Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen.

Given its location, you can get around both on foot and by public transport. The entire neighborhood is crossed by tram lines 2 and 4, as well as numerous buses. In the northern part is the Tiefenbrunnen railway station, while along the lake shore you will find the ferry terminal.

• What to do: Relax at the Chinese Garden, take a dip in the Seebad Utoquai (a historic bathing lido), and visit the Pavillon Le Corbusier.
• Where to eat: For high-end Mediterranean cuisine with a chic crowd, go to Razzia or Miracle
• Where to drink: Sip a cocktail with a sophisticated vibe at Gainsbourg Bar & Event Location, or grab a casual drink at Seefeldbar by Enzo

Why I love it: It’s the ultimate spot for a 'promenade'—nothing beats the lakeside breeze and the view of the Alps in the distance.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €100,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Enge (Kreis 2), the best choice for families

Foto di Roland zh.

• Pros: Green oasis, family-friendly, relaxing atmosphere, close to the center.
• Cons: Quieter nightlife compared to other areas
• Main attractions: Rietberg Museum, FIFA Museum, lakeside promenades and parks.
• Average prices: from €110,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

On the opposite shore of the lake from Seefeld you will find the Enge neighborhood, also a small green oasis just a short walk from the center. This residential area, in addition to wonderful parks, also houses some interesting attractions such as the Rietberg Museum and the FIFA Museum.

Just like Seefeld, Enge is a neighborhood suitable for families. Very quiet and with a relaxing atmosphere, here too along the shore you can find several establishments, such as Seebad Enge and Strandbad Mythenquai. The area is also full of wonderful parks that stretch along the lakefront.

Finally, staying here you can get around on foot or by public transport. In this case, the neighborhood is served by tram lines 5, 6, 7, 8 and 13, as well as several buses. Right in the heart of the neighborhood, you will also find the Zürich Enge railway station.
 

• What to do: Visit the FIFA Museum (a hit for kids!), explore the botanical treasures of Rieterpark, and swim at the Strandbad Enge.
• Where to eat: For a family-friendly atmosphere with great Italian classics, go to Don Leone; for a beautiful view choose the Samigo Amusement
• Where to drink: Enjoy a sunset drink at Garibaldi Bar or have a quiet beer at Barfly’z

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €110,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Industriequartier (Kreis 5), the trendy district

Foto di Simon Aughton.

• Pros: Modern and eclectic, trendy clubs and bars, good for budget travelers.
• Cons: Not as centrally located, requires public transport to reach Altstadt
• Main attractions: Prime Tower, Freitag Tower, art galleries, boutiques.
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

The Industriequartier is the modern and eclectic neighborhood of Zurich! It is located north of the Altstadt and the central railway station and is a former industrial area, now completely redeveloped! Among the attractions not to be missed are the Prime Tower and the Freitag Tower, but the neighborhood is still full of small art galleries, boutiques and shops.

Industriequartier has a lively soul, both day and night, constantly evolving, and for this very reason it is an area recommended for younger people or those who want to enjoy the evening in clubs. You will find lounge bars with wonderful views, clubs of all kinds and (also with live music). But not only that: it is a good area to save money compared to the historic center.

Finally, staying here you will have to get around by public transport. The Prime Tower, for example, is a good 30 minutes walk from the Altstadt. The area is served by tram lines 4, 8, 13 and 17 and several bus lines. It also houses the Zürich Hardbrücke railway station.
 

• What to do: Climb the Freitag Tower made of shipping containers, shop under the arches of Im Viadukt, and see the vertical garden at Frau Gerolds Garten.
• Where to eat: For a high end lunch or dinner go to Clouds, for a quiet and social lunch go to Viadukt.
• Where to drink: Have a beer at the legendary Big Ben Westside, or enjoy the night at Venice Bar

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Aussersihl (Kreis 4), best for fun and nightlife

Foto di Martin E. Walder.

• Pros: Nightlife hub, multicultural atmosphere, good for budget travelers, close to Altstadt.
• Cons: Can be noisy at night, fewer traditional tourist attractions within the neighborhood itself.
• Main attractions: Langstrasse (nightlife street), proximity to Altstadt.
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Finally we recommend Aussersihl, the nightlife district. It is a multicultural neighborhood, full of ethnic and international clubs and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are no particular attractions, but you will be very close to the Altstadt.

Given its liveliness, especially in the evening, Aussersihl is ideal for young people. Here are some of Zurich's most famous clubs, such as the Plaza Club or the Kanzlei, one of the pillars of nightlife in the city. Furthermore, it is also an excellent neighborhood to save money: here accommodation has cheaper prices than in the historic center.

Finally, staying here you can get around on foot or by public transport. If you stay in the easternmost part of the neighborhood, just cross the Sihl canal to find yourself in the Altstadt. The whole neighborhood is then crossed by tram line 8 which leads directly to the center.
 

• What to do: Explore the design shops around Langstrasse, visit the Kasernenareal for cultural events, and dance until dawn in the city's best clubs.
• Where to eat: For an incredible lunch, go to Ristorante Pergola and enjoy the amazing italian cuisine of Osteria Santo Bevitore
• Where to drink: Try a creative gin cocktail at Flux Bar, or enjoy the relaxed, alternative atmosphere at NORDEN Bar

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Zurich

Zurich is a destination that can be visited at most with a 3-day itinerary. For this reason the best solution is to stay in the city: as we have seen, there are several neighborhoods to choose from and offer different experiences, also suitable for different budgets.

In the event that, instead, you want to spend a holiday between city and nature, or perhaps visit Zurich in winter for winter sports, you could consider alternatives in the surrounding area. There are several small towns nearby to choose from based on your needs:

• Richterswil (28 km / 25 min): overlooking Lake Zurich, it is an excellent base for both enjoying the beauty of the lake and reaching the surrounding mountains, such as the Höhronen, Etzel or Wildspitz. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the mountains. Connected to Zurich by direct train (28 min) - compare accommodation on booking
• Baden (23 km / 25 min): small town framed by hills and famous for its spas. Also ideal for reaching Mount Lägern. Recommended for those who want to relax in the middle of nature. Connected to Zurich by direct train (13 min) - compare accommodation on booking
• Zugo (35 km / 35 min): town overlooking the shores of the lake, it is located between some of the most beautiful mountains in the Zurich area, such as the Wildspitz and the Rooterberg. Ideal for those who want to combine a holiday between nature and culture. Connected to Zurich by direct train (23 min) - compare accommodation on booking
• Quarten (70 km / 50 min): town overlooking the lake and at the foot of Flumserberg, one of the most famous ski resorts in Switzerland. Ideal for those who love winter sports and travel in winter. Connected to Zurich by direct train (1 h) - compare accommodation on booking

Zurich accommodation price map

Guide to the areas of Zurich

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, divided into 12 districts (Kreis in German) each with its own unique character. These districts are further divided into neighborhoods. For tourists, understanding the main districts is key to choosing the best place to stay.

Culturally and for tourism purposes, Zurich can be broadly divided into these key areas, based on the most relevant districts for visitors:

• Altstadt (Kreis 1): The historic heart of Zurich, featuring the Old Town with its charming streets, iconic churches, and the Lindenhof hill. This is the most central and traditionally touristic area.
• Seefeld (Kreis 8) & Enge (Kreis 2): Lakeside districts offering green spaces, parks, and lake access. Ideal for families and those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere near the water.
• Industriequartier (Kreis 5) & Aussersihl (Kreis 4): Trendy and vibrant districts just north of the Old Town, known for nightlife, modern culture, and a more budget-friendly accommodation options.

Cool Things to Do in Zurich

• Lake Zurich Boat Trip: Enjoy a scenic boat tour on Lake Zurich to admire the city skyline and surrounding landscapes. Book a boat trip here.
• Day trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken: Zurich is mainly famous for its beautiful surroundings. You cannot visit the city without taking part in a day tip to Grindelwald and Interlaken. More info here.
• Day trip to Heidiland: remember the famous little girl from the tv show? You can become young again by visiting the famous village. Book your trip here.
• Visit the Switzerland National Museum: it's the most important museum of the country, basically a dive into its past and culture. More info here.

Travel Tips for Zurich

• Safety: Zurich is one of the safest cities in the world. However, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night in busier areas and avoid walking alone in completely deserted areas.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) offers warm weather perfect for lake activities. Spring and Autumn are also pleasant with fewer crowds. Christmas markets in December are magical.
• Local Currency: Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to have some cash for smaller establishments and markets.
• Public Transport: Zurich has an excellent and efficient public transport system. Consider purchasing a Zurich Card for unlimited travel and free or discounted entry to many attractions. Trams, buses, and trains are reliable and safe.
• Tipping Etiquette: Service charges are usually included in restaurant and café bills in Switzerland. While not mandatory, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated.

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