Hotels in Zurich

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Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is a global centre for finance and banking, yet it is also a beautifully maintained city that offers a high quality of life and stunning natural surroundings. The city is defined by the tranquil waters of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, which flows through the heart of the historic old town, Altstadt.

You can wander along the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, or explore the charming guild houses and cobblestone streets of the old town. With world-class museums, excellent public transport, and the picturesque setting of the Lindenhof hill offering city views, Zurich is a sophisticated, efficient, and beautifully elegant city.

Choosing your hotel in Zurich depends on your desire for central convenience, a historic setting, or a more lively, modern atmosphere.

The Altstadt (Old Town) is the best area for first-time visitors. Staying here places you in the historic core, close to the beautiful churches like the Grossmünster and Fraumünster, and the banking district. This area is great for walking, full of unique shops and charming traditional inns.

The area around Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) and Bahnhofstrasse is highly practical. Hotels here offer unmatched convenience for transport and are ideal for shoppers. This area also provides easy walking access to the Old Town and the lake.

For a more youthful, vibrant, and slightly more affordable base, the Langstrasse district, west of the main station, is an increasingly popular option. Known for its lively atmosphere, diverse bars, and trendy restaurants, it offers a contrast to the old town elegance and is still within walking distance of the centre.

Zurich is served by Zurich Airport (ZRH), with excellent and fast train connections directly into the Hauptbahnhof. The city's tram and bus networks are superb. Most areas are easily explored on foot, and many hotels offer free transport passes, making it very easy to navigate the city.

To secure a competitive hotel rate in Zurich, a city known for its high costs, you must strategically avoid the main business and conference periods. Mid-week prices are often higher than weekend rates due to the city's status as a finance hub.

For the best value, aim to book a stay that includes a weekend night, as hotel prices often drop on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays when business travellers leave. A unique way to save is to take advantage of the university holiday periods, especially over Christmas and the summer break, when the large student population is away and accommodation availability is higher. By consistently seeking out weekend deals and booking well in advance, you can mitigate the city's overall high cost.