Where To Stay In Zurich: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Zurich may be known for Swiss watches, chocolate, and eye-watering prices, but there is much more to the city than that. We find it surprisingly easy to get around, too. The city has 12 districts, or Kreise, and each one feels a little different.

Stay in the Old Town and you can step out into narrow medieval streets, grand churches, and the busy lanes of Niederdorf. Prefer something more modern? Zurich West has turned old industrial buildings into restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural spaces.

Langstrasse brings a livelier mix of international food, nightlife, and local hangouts.

Then there are the quieter spots by Lake Zurich. Seefeld and Enge are great if you want lake views, green spaces, and a more residential feel without being far from the action.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best neighborhoods in Zurich and what makes each one worth considering.

In this travel guide:

Altstadt

Best area for: history, shopping, picturesque

Altstadt is where you want to stay if this will be your first visit. Spanning both sides of the Limmat River, this Old Town packs centuries of history into a super walkable area. Medieval guild houses line the alleys, and historic towers anchor the skyline.

Grossmünster and Fraumünster dominate the view, and Chagall’s stained glass windows inside Fraumünster completely blew us away. Just across the water, Lindenhof Hill gave us the best vantage point for photos of the city roofs. History buffs will dig the Kunsthaus for world-class art or the Cabaret Voltaire, where the wild Dada art movement was born back in 1916.

The Altstadt’s main promenade is called the Niederdorf, filled with local businesses and pedestrians. In the summer, outdoor markets with local goods and fresh produce fill the streets.

While you’re here, the Lindt Chocolate Factory is a must-see, especially for chocolate connoisseurs.

For breakfast, grab coffee and flaky croissants at Café Schober, a cozy spot that feels like a trip back in time. For lunch, hit up Sternen Grill near Bellevue for their legendary St. Galler bratwurst with spicy mustard. When dinner rolled around, book a table at Zunfthaus zur Waag. Their Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in a rich cream sauce with crispy rösti) is hands down our favorite meal.

Late at night, the area shifts energy. Local bars fill up, and the reflections of medieval buildings dance on the river water.

Best place to stay in Zurich Altstadt

Widder Hotel. Address: Rennweg 7, 1. Zurich Old Town – City Center, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.

Langstrasse

Best area for: nightlife, hipster, diversity

Langstrasse feels very different from the postcard version of the city. This is Kreis 4, just west of the Aldstadt, and the area has a rougher, more international character. Langstrasse was once known mainly for its red-light district, but these days it is just as famous for its bars, restaurants, clubs, and late-night food.

Turkish, Italian, Portuguese, Indian, and Middle Eastern restaurants sit next to cocktail bars and tiny shops. It is also one of the most multicultural parts of Zurich. The atmosphere changes a lot from one block to the next.

During the day, we’d check out the Kanzlei flea market near Helvetiaplatz, especially if we happened to be there on a Saturday. Bäckeranlage is another good spot when we wanted to escape the traffic for a bit. For a proper look at Zurich’s creative side, we’d also head toward Im Viadukt, where old railway arches have been turned into shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

Food is a big reason to stay here. We’d grab a coffee at Flavour Coffee & Plants, then come back later for dinner. Palestine Grill is a fun option for something casual.

At night, Langstrasse really wakes up. Bars and underground clubs keep the street buzzing well into the early hours.

Best place to stay in Langstrasse

25Hours Hotel Langstrasse. Address: Langstrasse 150, Aussersihl, 8004 Zurich, Switzerland.

Zurich West

Best area for: culture, trendy

Zurich West used to be all industrial smoke, gears, and heavy machinery. Decades ago, factory workers ran the place. Now it is easily the coolest, most energetic neighborhood in the city. The transformation from gritty industrial zone to creative hub is wild.

You can still see the neighborhood’s roots in the architecture. High-end boutiques, galleries, and cafes occupy former warehouses and railway arches. We spent hours exploring the Im Viadukt, a shopping street built directly underneath a 19th-century railway bridge. Right next to it sits Frau Gerolds Garten, an open-air beer garden made from old shipping containers. It is the ultimate spot for evening drinks and local street food.

If you like contemporary art, head straight to the Löwenbräukunst complex. It is a former brewery that now houses world-class contemporary art museums and galleries. Design fans should check out the Museum für Gestaltung nearby.

For coffee, stop by ViCAFE at the Viadukt for a fantastic flat white. For dinner, check out Restaurant Viadukt. They serve incredible seasonal Swiss dishes, and the atmosphere inside the old stone arches is hard to beat.

Do not skip this side of town. It shows a totally different, ultra-modern side of Switzerland.

Best place to stay in Zurich West

25Hours Hotel Zurich West. Address: Pfingstweidstrasse 102, Escher Wyss, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland.

Enge

Best area for: waterfront, upscale, parks

As an oasis from the chaos of the city center, Enge is filled with swimming opportunities, lovely parks, and beautiful gardens. Due to its prime lakeside location, Enge is a popular destination for swimmers and water-lovers in the summer.

The neighborhood was once a separate farming village and only became part of Zurich in 1893.

One of our favorite spots is Rieterpark. It’s Zurich’s largest park, with more than 70,000 square meters of lawns, trees, and paths. The park is also home to the Museum Rietberg, housed in a former villa and known for its impressive collection of non-European art. You can easily spend a couple of hours here before heading downhill toward the lake.

For something more active, we’d head to Seebad Enge. This lakeside bathing spot is popular with locals and has a distinctly summery feel. The views across Lake Zurich are pretty hard to beat.

Enge also has some interesting history tucked between its apartment buildings. Wealthy Zurich families built grand villas here in the 19th century, and several historic estates and gardens are still around today.

When we need coffee, Quai Café on Mythenquai is a handy stop near the lake. You can grab a coffee, sit outside, and watch the city drift by.

Best place to stay in Enge

B2 Boutique Hotel. Address: Brandschenkenstrasse 152, Enge, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland.

Riesbach

Best area for: upscale, lakeside 

With an abundance of green space and easy access to Lake Zurich, Riesbach is ideal for those who love the outdoors. Also known as District 8, located in the southeast area of Zurich, this neighborhood is a primarily residential area.

Back in the day, this area was mostly vineyards and quiet farming villages. Everything changed in the late 19th century when Zurich built the lake promenade. Wealthy residents moved in, building grand villas and turning Riesbach into an elegant, laid-back neighborhood.

You can spend hours just walking along the Seepromenade. We always grab a coffee at Monocle Café and head toward Seebad Utoquai for a dip in the lake. If you prefer green spaces, the Chinese Garden near Zürichhorn is a peaceful retreat given to the city by Kunming. Right next to it sits the Pavillon Le Corbusier, an eye-catching building made of colorful glass and steel. It is the famous architect’s final creation and now operates as a museum.

For breakfast, head straight to Cafeteria ZAM for fresh pastries and great espresso. When lunch rolls around, drop by Fischer’s Fritz down the lake for incredible fresh fish and casual outdoor seating right on the water. For dinner, reserve a table at Restaurant Blindekuh. You eat entirely in the dark, served by visually impaired staff. It completely changes how you experience food and stands out as one of the most memorable meals you will have in Zurich.

Best place to stay in Riesbach

Signau House & Garden Boutique Hotel. Address: 6 Signaustrasse, Seefeld, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.

Where travel critics stay in Zurich

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Zurich? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Zurich.

Budget

Pension fürDich

“Crawling distance from the pubs and clubs of sleazy-cool Langstrasse, Pension Für Dich is a popular cafe and concert venue with an 18-room pension. Most rooms have parquet floors, vintage furniture and flamboyant wallpapers.” — New York Times.

Address: Stauffacherstrasse 141, Aussersihl, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland.

Mid-range

Marktgasse Hotel

“Located in the heart of the cobblestone streets of Old Town, this boutique hotel smartly blends its 15th-century history with modern minimalism. The rooms vary in size and are individually decorated, but all are done in a pared-down style with lots of white linen and pale wood.” — Fodor’s.

Address: Marktgasse 17, City Centre, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.

Luxury

Baur au Lace

“Most of the rooms have been given contemporary twists – oversized photographs and original art works, swirly carpets and padded leather headboards for the beds – though there are still a few classic suites left, wonderfully chintzy and stripy, and largely unmodernised.” — CN Traveler.

Address: Talstrasse 1, 8024 Zurich, Switzerland.

FAQ: Zurich hotel tips

Best time to visit Zurich

The best time to visit Zurich is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the city experiences pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 25 °C (59 – 77 °F).

This is an ideal climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. The warm weather also brings numerous festivals and events to the city that showcase local culture and cuisine.

However, if you are a winter sports enthusiast or enjoy a winter wonderland setting, visiting Zurich between December and February can be an equally rewarding experience.

During these months, the city transforms into a snowy paradise with opportunities for skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities in the nearby Alps. The Christmas period also brings festive decorations and markets to the city which add to its charm.

Best things to do in Zurich

There are plenty of things to do in Zurich and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Zurich:

Zürich: 4-Hour City Tour by Ferry, Cable Car and Coach

Get to know Zürich and its surroundings on a 4-hour extended city tour. Visit the Old Town with its churches, walk along the beautiful River Limmat, then ride on the aerial cable car for a breathtaking view over Lake Zürich and the snow-covered Alps! Price: $65. More info.

Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Tour from Zurich

Experience Mount Titlis’ dramatic summit on a full-day excursion from Zurich. First, explore Old Town Lucerne on a short orientation drive through the city and then explore independently. Travel to Engelberg, a resort cradled by the Swiss Alps, and ascend to the summit of Mount Titlis for breathtaking Alpine vistas. Price: $186. More info.

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours

The most popular 2-hour guided walking tour through Zurich’s historic old town offers fascinating insights into the city’s colorful history. Price: $27. More info.

More things to do in Zurich

Deciding where to stay in Zurich

As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Zurich so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.

Top 5 areas to stay in Zurich

• Altstadt
• Zurich West
• Enge
• Langestrasse
• Riesbach

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Zurich is important. Whether you stay in City Center, Zurich West, Enge, Langestrasse or Riesbach, all those neighborhoods are great areas for your stay.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Either way, you’ll have a great time in Zurich!

Zurich overview

More Zurich tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Zurich:

Best hotels in Zurich

Best hostels in Zurich

Boutique hotels in Zurich

Luxury hotels in Zurich

Cheap hotels in Zurich

Sustainable hotels in Zurich