Where to stay in Zurich — pick the right hotel, book in 3 clicks
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and a global financial centre, yet it has the charm of a small town you can explore on foot all day. The old town, Altstadt, on both banks of the Limmat river, is full of medieval cobbled lanes, spired churches and cafes. At the edge of the city lies crystal-clear Lake Zurich, with the Alps visible on clear days, while Bahnhofstrasse is one of Europe's most luxurious shopping streets.
Why stay in Zurich
The Altstadt old town
Medieval cobbled lanes on both banks of the Limmat, full of guild houses, cafes and boutiques, a pleasure to wander all day.
Lake and river
Take a boat across Lake Zurich, or swim at a badi (riverside bathing spot) that locals love in summer.
Bahnhofstrasse shopping
A luxury, car-free shopping street running from the train station to the lake, full of designer brands and Swiss watches.
Chocolate and coffee
The home of fine Swiss chocolate; both Spruengli and Lindt have museum factories where you can taste.
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Local dishes to try in Zurich
- 1🍳
Zurcher Geschnetzeltes
Thinly sliced veal in a creamy mushroom and white-wine sauce, served with Rosti, the signature dish of Zurich.
📍 Local dish - 2🥔
Rosti
Grated potato fried crisp into a cake, a classic Swiss side eaten with egg or cheese.
📍 Local dish - 3🧀
Cheese fondue
Cheese melted in a hot pot for dipping chunks of bread, warming for winter and found at Swiss restaurants across the city.
📍 Swiss dish - 4🍫
Luxemburgerli
Soft mini macarons from Spruengli, a famous sweet treat synonymous with Zurich.
📍 Dessert - 5🍺
Local beer and wine
Swiss craft beer and wine from vineyards around the lake, sipped in the bars of the Niederdorf quarter after dark.
📍 Drinks
- 1⛪
Grossmunster
The twin-towered church that symbolises the city and the cradle of the Swiss Reformation; climb a tower for views of the city and lake.
📍 Altstadt - 2🌹
Fraumunster
A church with stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall, so beautiful you have to see them in person.
📍 Altstadt - 3🛍️
Bahnhofstrasse
A luxury, car-free shopping street from the central station to the lake, full of designer brands and watch shops.
📍 City centre - 4🏞️
Lake Zurich
A clear, long lake you can tour by boat; on clear days the Alps form the backdrop.
📍 Edge of the city - 5🌆
Lindenhof
A terrace on a hill in the old town, a free and peaceful viewpoint over the city rooftops and the Limmat river.
📍 Altstadt - 6🍫
Lindt Home of Chocolate
A chocolate museum with a giant chocolate fountain and unlimited tasting, on the lakeshore just outside the city.
📍 Kilchberg
Things to do in Zurich
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Zurich — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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3 Zurich hotels our team picked for you
Selected from real reviews — one per budget tier, each with a score and instant 3-site price comparison
★ 9.4Luxury
★ 9.3LuxuryThe Dolder Grand
#2 hilltop luxury resort · largest spa in Central Europe
★ 9.3Luxuryโรงแรมแนะนำทั้งหมดในZurich
ครบทุกระดับงบ — คัดจากคะแนนรีวิวจริง พร้อมเทียบราคา 3 เว็บ
Park Hyatt Zurich
#4 Modern luxury · the widest rooms in the city
La Reserve Eden au Lac Zurich
#5 luxury boutique · Seefeld lakefront
Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich
#7 station location · opposite Zurich HB
Marktgasse Hotel
#10 old-town boutique · 15th-century building in Niederdorf
B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa
#9 design boutique · old brewery building
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🚆 Getting around Zurich
VBZ trams
A tram and bus network covers the whole city and runs very punctually; buy tickets at the automatic machines at every stop.
Walking in the old town
The Altstadt and Bahnhofstrasse are all within walking distance; the city is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Hauptbahnhof central station
Switzerland's largest rail hub, with easy onward connections to Lucerne, Bern and across Europe.
Zurich Airport
The country's largest airport, with a direct train into the city in just 10 to 15 minutes, very convenient.
Where to go next near Zurich
GenevaHome to the UN headquarters and the famous Jet d'Eau fountain, on the shore of Lake Geneva with views of the Alps and Mont Blanc.
See this city's guide →
BernThe capital many people forget — a UNESCO-listed medieval old town wrapped by the emerald Aare River and lined with covered arcades.
See this city's guide →
LucerneA classic lakeside town with the Chapel Bridge, the stone Lion Monument, and views of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi.
See this city's guide →
InterlakenA resort town between two lakes — the gateway to the Jungfrau massif, adventure activities, and the start of the railway up the Top of Europe.
See this city's guide →Frequently asked — where to stay in Zurich
How many days do you need in Zurich?+
Two days is about right for the city: wander the old town, shop Bahnhofstrasse and take a lake boat. With more time, use Zurich as a base for day trips to Lucerne or the Rhine Falls.
Is Zurich expensive, and how can you travel on a budget?+
Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world. You can save by buying a ZurichCARD for transport and museums, having set lunch menus, and refilling from the public drinking fountains found all over the city.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?+
June to September is warm enough to swim in the lake, while December brings Christmas markets and pretty lights across the city, ideal for a winter atmosphere.
Ready to book your Zurich stay?
Start with the 3 hotels our team picked, or search all 3 sites — always compare before booking