Quick Zurich Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Zurich? Here are a few ideas to help you get started, from things to do to places to stay.
Things to do in Zurich:
Hotels in Zurich:
- Hotel St. Josef (for the Old Town)
- Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter Zürich (for the historic centre)
- Baur au Lac (for a lakeside luxury stay)
- EMA House Hotel Suites (for suite accommodation)
- Storchen Zürich (for a riverside setting)
Zurich is compact enough to explore on foot and by tram, but your choice of neighbourhood still shapes the trip. Would you rather wake up among the Old Town streets, near the station or beside the lake?
Here is a closer look at the areas, plus five hotels to help you find your own favourite base.
Where to stay in Zurich: an overview
For a first trip, the Old Town places churches, cafés and the Limmat within easy reach. Around Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the main station, arrivals and day trips are particularly convenient.
For lake walks, consider Seefeld or Enge. Zurich West has a more contemporary character and good tram connections. Check the exact address before booking.
Old Town and Niederdorf: best for a first visit
The Altstadt is the Zurich many visitors picture: lanes around Grossmünster, historic buildings and a riverside walk along the Limmat. Niederdorf adds restaurants, shops and an evening atmosphere.
Leave time to wander towards Lindenhof, then cross the river to explore the other side of the centre. If you prefer an introduction with a guide, a walking tour is an easy place to start.
Near Zurich main station: best for train travel
Staying near Hauptbahnhof makes sense if you arrive with luggage or plan to visit Lucerne, the Rhine Falls or other Swiss destinations. Europaallee, west of the station, offers restaurants and access to the rail network.
Check which side of the station your hotel is on and how the walk feels with luggage. The Old Town is also close enough to explore.
Seefeld and Enge: best for the lake
Seefeld stretches along the eastern side of the lake, near the Opera House and lakeside promenade. Enge is on the western side, with parks and another perspective across the water.
Both areas work well if your ideal Zurich morning begins with a walk by the lake. Check tram connections to the places you want to visit.
Zurich West: best for a different side of the city
Former industrial buildings give Zurich West a different feel from the Old Town. The area around Viadukt has shops and places to eat, while tram and rail connections make it possible to reach the centre.
Choose the exact street with your evening plans and transport needs in mind.
The places
Five Hotels to Consider in Zurich
Here are five places to start your search.
Zurich · for the Old Town
1. Hotel St. Josef
Hotel St. Josef sits near Zurich’s Old Town, making it a practical starting point for walks along the Limmat and around Niederdorf.
Check rates & availabilityZurich · for the historic centre
2. Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter Zürich
Near St. Peter’s Church, Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter puts the streets of the historic centre within easy reach.
Check rates & availabilityZurich · for a lakeside luxury stay
3. Baur au Lac
Photo by Malhaar123 on Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Baur au Lac is set in a private park near Lake Zurich, with the city centre and lakeside promenade close by.
Check rates & availabilityZurich · for suite accommodation
4. EMA House Hotel Suites
EMA House Hotel Suites offers suite accommodation near the city centre, a useful option for a longer stay or travellers who appreciate extra space.
Check rates & availabilityZurich · for a riverside setting
5. Storchen Zürich
Storchen Zürich overlooks the Limmat in the Old Town, with historic streets and the river close at hand.
Check rates & availabilityLive availability
Explore more stays in Zurich
Choose your dates in the map to compare live Booking.com options around Zurich.
Prices and availability are supplied inside the Stay22 map and can change with dates, guests and room availability.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
A few answers to help you feel ready for your trip.
How many days should I spend in Zurich?
Two or three days give you time for the Old Town, the lake and a few museums. Add a day if you want to explore farther afield.
Is Zurich easy to explore without a car?
Yes. The centre is walkable and trams, trains and boats connect many places; check current timetables and ticket zones.
What currency does Zurich use?
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF). Check payment methods with individual vendors.
Is Zurich suitable for families?
Yes. The lake, museums, parks and easy train connections offer a good mix; check opening times and age requirements before booking.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?
Summer suits lake activities, while spring and autumn are good for walks. Winter brings Christmas markets and seasonal events.
Should I book activities ahead?
Reserve experiences that matter to you, particularly during busy periods, and check cancellation and weather policies.
Can I take day trips from Zurich?
Yes. Rhine Falls, Lucerne and Rapperswil are popular options. Train schedules and seasonal services vary.
Where should I stay on a first visit?
The Old Town is convenient for sightseeing, while the main station is useful for train arrivals and day trips.
Keep exploring
More Zurich guides
Plan the rest of your trip with our other Zurich guides.
Useful resources
Check the official sources for current opening details, access and events.