Where is the best area to stay in Zurich?
By David Harrison. Sep 12, 2022
The best area to stay is Niederdorf. The compact, Old Town of Zurich, sits alongside the eastern bank of the Limmat River. Its windy, pedestrianised, streets are full of lovely restaurants, bars, boutiques and artist studios. Some of the city’s oldest buildings are here, including Grossmünster, a church which dates back to the 1100s. The waterside, central location, full of tasty places to dine and drink, make it an attractive place to base yourself on a visit to the city and in easy striking distance to the lake and the rest of Zurich.
Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest city, set alongside a stunning lake and surrounded by mountains, is an enchanting place, steeped in history, but with a creative, youthful feel. The city, famous for being an international financial centre, is an all year round destination where the lake comes alive in summer and the streets become a festive wonderland in winter. It boasts top restaurants, buzzing nightclubs and a quality of life which is the envy of many around the world. With easy access to the high peaks of the Alps, it’s the perfect place to base yourself when visiting Switzerland.On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Zurich, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Zurich, you may also be interested in where to stay in Geneva or where to stay in Basel.
Niederdorf, the best area to stay in Zurich
First Time / Near Train Station / Old Town
This area, a 5-minute walk from the city’s busy main train station, is the perfect place to soak up Swiss history, culture and architecture. Many of its bustling streets are car free and packed with independent shops and restaurants, meanwhile the area remains lively at night too, with many popular bars throughout the historic area. Nature is at the heart of everything in Switzerland and this attractive district is shrouded by hills to its east and the clear waters of the Limmat River to its west.
Despite being slap bang in the middle of the city, the area can still feel peaceful, and Lake Zurich is only a 5-minute walk to its south. With many listed buildings and historic monuments, it’s the perfect location to shop by day, drink by night and still make the most of the natural beauty in the region. A 15-minute drive and train ride to the airport.
Other areas to stay in Zurich
Lindenhof
Shopping / Business / Luxury Hotels
This area sits just opposite Niederdorf on the western bank of the Limmat River. Like its western neighbour, it boasts many attractive historic buildings, including the 1,000-year-old Fraumunster Church. It’s also one of the city’s main shopping districts and home to many luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Versace and a vast array of jewellery stores. Switzerland is famous for its watch and clock making, and here you can find some of the best examples of the country’s craftsmanship.
Among the rows of famous chain stores are a number of big office developments, many linked to the city’s world-famous financial industry. This area is sophisticated with a number of fine dining restaurants and cocktail bars, but like Nierderdorf it’s close to the city’s nearby lake and the surrounding forested hills. Great links to the city’s main train station, which is also based here, and only a 15-minute drive or train ride to the airport.
Industrial Quarter
Nightlife / Young Crowd
The industrial quarter is Zurich’s hipster hangout, north of the city centre - old warehouses have been converted into cool music venues, street food spaces and lively bars. The area is awash with street art, with tall murals adorning full buildings and many smaller pieces throughout the streets. Along with a popular covered market hall, the area also boasts one of the city’s most famous nightclubs, called Hive, which attracts DJs from around the world. The neighbourhood sits alongside the city’s busy network of train lines and houses cool event spaces including Frau Gerolds Garten, a collection of shipping containers which have been turned into restaurants, cafés and bars.
In the warmer months, a man-made surfing centre operates, where you can have a drink while watching people take to the water. About a 30-minute walk from the city’s main train station, but with regular train and tram connections to the centre and a 20-minute train ride to the airport.
Aussersihl
Nightlife / Drinking & Dining
This area, south of the main train station and just north of the city centre, is one of the best places to dine in the city. The streets are packed with world cuisine - from Tibetan to Peruvian - along with coffee roasteries and busy bars. The area’s Langstrasse is one of the busiest party streets in the city and has a notorious reputation for wild impromptu events. Certainly not as peaceful as some of the other areas, but if it’s life you’re looking for, then this is the neighbourhood to find it.
Alongside the bustling bars and restaurants, there are also a number of ultra-modern office developments, where many thousands of people work each day. A central location, in walking distance from the city’s main train station, but also close to the historic heart, cool industrial quarter and a 20-minute walk to the peaceful shores of Lake Zurich.
Airport
Travellers / Business
Zurich’s airport is one of Europe’s major international transport hubs - with more than 750 flights every day, serving destinations around Europe and the rest of the world. It’s based in the city’s north, only a 20-minute drive or train ride to the city centre and just slightly further to Lake Zurich. It also has a major train station, with services to the city centre and other parts of the country.
The surrounding area has seen a large amount of development in recent years, particularly big office blocks and hotels, to serve the city’s booming business community. There’s also a large shopping complex attached to the airport and its train station. In close proximity to the countryside and a number of large woodlands. A good place to stay for flight connections, but also a decent escape from the bustling streets in the city centre.
Seefeld
Water Sports / Drinking & Dining / Culture
One of the most attractive locations in the city, sitting on the eastern bank of Lake Zurich. It has a long attractive promenade down the lakeside with great spots to swim and many waterside cafés and bars. In the warmer months it’s a hive of activity with runners, cyclists and people enjoying the beautiful views over the lake and towards the high peaks of the Alps. The city’s Opera House is based in this area, and a grand square spans out from it.
The area also has great drinking and dining options, along with a number of fashion stores. It’s a highly desirable place to live, due to the natural beauty surrounding it, and there are many apartment developments in the area as a result. There are also a number of stunning green spaces by the water. Only a 5 minute walk to Niederdorf and 15 minutes to the main train station, but with good tram connections too.
Our recommended hotels in Zurich
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in ZurichNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
