We list the best hotels in Zurich as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with thousands of guest reviews, and we only listed places with at least a 4 out of 5-star rating.
Best cheap hotel in Zurich: Hotel Marta
Best boutique hotel in Zurich: B2 Boutique Hotel
Best luxury hotel in Zurich: Baur au Lac
“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.”
“Old meets new at the luxurious and quirky Widder, made up of eight adjoining medieval houses, and named after the 13th-century Augustinian monastery once located here.”
“Opened in 2015 in Zurich’s historical quarter, Marktgasse Hotel has 39 rooms done in airy, elegantly minimalist style (white fabrics, blond wood) along with a bright, lively café; dark, sleek bar-restaurant; library; and hammam.”
Featured in 36 Hours in Zurich by The New York Times.
“Nestled between forests and a golf course and perched on a hill above Lake Zurich, The Dolder Grand majestically overlooks the financial center of Switzerland. From the lake’s shore, the hotel is a notable feature, looking palatial in its surroundings.”
“Set in a lovely garden, this former silk factory and noble family’s mansion contains 32 tastefully appointed rooms and is a stone’s throw from the Kunsthaus.”
“Away from the city centre (but next door to Google’s European headquarters), this hip boutique hotel in a renovated brewery abounds in seductive features, including a stupendous rooftop thermal pool”
“Kameha Grand Zürich is a wild and witty antidote to its industrial Glattpark surroundings. Don’t be fooled by its boxy, glass-and-steel exterior — once you step inside the unique property, you’ll be warmly welcomed by managing directors Benedikt Theisen and Stefan Wurm and their helpful team.”
“This sleek boutique hotel is a hidden gem in a quiet but trendy part of town, and it’s just five minutes by tram from the city center. The former industrial building it’s in has an elegant grey-blue facade; the interiors exude calm through minimalist decor, pure lines, and neutral color schemes that were created by the Swiss artist Jean Pfaff.”
“With a cracking location only steps from the train station and the shops of Bahnhofstrasse, this stylish five-storey hotel offers friendly service and a host of welcoming touches. The 26 rooms come in an assortment of sizes (from 15 to 35 sq metres), with luxurious wallpaper, wall hangings, parquet floors, retro furniture, DVD players and iPod docking stations.”
“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.”
Featured in 36 Hours in Zurich by The New York Times.
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Fodors, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors, CN Traveler, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Forbes, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times
The best areas to stay in Zürich are: City centre, Langstrasse, West, Enge, Riesbach. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in Zürich. It gives a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each neighborhood.
Zürich is very expensive but If you're looking for an affordable hotel, then book Hotel Marta. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Zurich.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Zürich, you should check out B2 Boutique Hotel. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts. For more cool hotels, check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Zurich.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Zürich, then go for Baur au Lac. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. For more 5-star hotels, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Zurich.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Zürich? Check out Old Town Hostel Otter. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our short list of the best hostels in Zurich, it's based on thousands of reviews from backpackers.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $180 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $250 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Zürich hotel then you can expect to pay around $550 per night.
Let's start the day with some good food. The B2 Boutique Hotel is an excellent option if you're looking for a Zürich hotel offering great breakfast. Recent guests have given great ratings for the breakfast service at this hotel.
If you're looking for a romantic hotel in Zürich, then check out Widder Hotel. The hotel has great reviews by couples and has been recommended by leading travel experts.
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
Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is situated on the Limmat River. As the financial capital of Switzerland, it’s no surprise that Zurich is sometimes referred to as the most expensive city in the world. Top-notch chocolate, high-end shopping, and world-class luxury are just a few of this city’s highlights. Despite Zurich’s extravagance, it has won several awards as one of the most liveable cities, boasting plenty of green spaces, cleanliness, and excellent public transportation.
The first inhabitants of the area date back to prehistoric times, but Zurich truly began to flourish in the 1300s, when it joined the Swiss Confederation. By the late 1700s, textile manufacturing was driving the economy of Zurich, but this eventually was replaced with small-scale industry. Zurich became involved in the banking industry in the 1800s. In this area, the financial sector developed in response to the demand for capital by the railroads. By the end of the 1900s, Zurich was the center of Switzerland’s finance and banking industry.
Zurich might be a significant financial hub, but that doesn’t mean it is strictly business. This city has several vibrant festivals every year. The Sechselauten takes place in April and includes a ceremonial burning of a snowman. In September, you can go to Knabenschiessen, a sharpshooting contest for young people. The Zurich Carnival takes place in the winter, and in August, you can enjoy dancing and techno music at the Street Parade.
Located on the base of the Swiss Alps and right next to Lake Zurich, Zurich’s location is unparalleled. The shores of Lake Zurich are dotted with mansions, as snow-capped mountains create a stunning backdrop. Due to the mountains and lake access, outdoor activities abound. Hiking, biking, and swimming are just a few of the highlights you can enjoy around Lake Zurich. Uetliburg, Zurich’s home mountain, is easy to get to and has stunning views of the city, lake, and the Alps in the distance.
The Old City, or Altstadt, is filled with local businesses and historic buildings. The eastern side of this neighborhood features a pedestrian area with charming cafés and boutiques by day, along with fantastic restaurants and nightlife in the evening. The western side of the Altstadt is where you will find the only public park within the city walls: Lindenhof Hill. This park is a lovely outdoor space with some of the city’s best views.
Zurich is home to over 100 art galleries and 50 museums, 14 of which were designed specifically for children. Enjoy the Swiss National Museum, Cabaret Voltaire, or prehistoric art collections. Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s central shopping hub, is home to exclusive shopping and a pedestrian-only zone. Don’t forget to admire Zurich’s architecture and landmarks. Grossmunster and St. Peter’s Kirche are impressive, must-see structures with remarkable architecture and ornate stained-glass windows. Fraumunster, also known as the Women’s Church, was exclusively built for wealthy women in the 9th century.
Rich history, vibrant attractions, and fantastic nature areas are just a few reasons to visit the lively city of Zurich. From snowy mountains to elegant art galleries, there’s something here for everyone. We recommend you read our guide about the best areas to stay in Zurich to get an even more in-depth understanding of the city.
If you like our list of hotel recommendations for Zurich above, then we suggest that you also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Geneva or our shortlist of the best hotels in Vienna.