Hotels in Zurich

Zurich Hotels

Think of Zurich and most people will mention the bankers, clean streets and wealth. This may be true – it’s still Switzerland’s financial heartland with prompt, spotless public transport and designer shops gleaming with 4 figure watches – but a vibrant cool undercurrent has bustled up in recent years. Hip bars, trendy restaurants and a completely over the top carnival-type annual Street Parade make Zurich one of Europe’s most interesting cities. If you prefer old-style traditions, don’t worry it’s still there, too.

Things to see

These days Zurich’s diversity can be seen throughout the city’s various districts, whether you fancy rubbing shoulders with the wealthy elite buying designer outfits in Bahnhofstrasse, dancing the night away with hip young things in ‘Zuri-West’ – the city’s once industrial quarter, now home to a burgeoning nightlife scene – or admiring the historic old quarter’s meandering streets and historic sites. Don’t miss strolling up to the Lindenhof - once a Roman fort and now a prime spot for city-wide views – while nearby St. Peter Church is renowned for its huge 16th century clock faces. Kunsthaus Zurich is an art lover’s mecca. This impressive gallery is arguably Switzerland’s best, home to Gothic pieces, works by some of the country’s finest painters, as well as Italian and Flemish examples. Before you go, you have to spend some time enjoying the city’s food, from pretty-as-a-picture high-end chocolates to the inevitable creamy gooey fondue.

Hotels in Zurich

Zurich’s one of those places where you can really enjoy the finer things in life. The list of luxury 5 and 4-star hotels is seemingly never-ending. Of course, the Swiss aren’t flashy, so accommodation is modestly opulent rather than over the top glitzy. You might find yourself checking into a traditional high-end Zurich hotel where suited porters open the doors and bell boys take your luggage, or you could head to a modern upmarket hotel brimming with clean lines, neutral warehouse-style decor and unfussy furnishings. The city does have less expensive chain hotels as well as a handful of youth hostels.

Where to stay

It’s a cliché, but with such diversity across the city, there really is a place for everyone. The west side of the city tends to be the more commercial area, centred on Bahnhofstrasse – Zurich’s famous shopping street brimming with designer boutiques and department stores. Further west, Langstrasse is an edgy vibrant area with diverse cultures, packed dance bars and a bohemian undercurrent. Niederdorf’s wealth of cobbled streets, café culture and cool nightlife are perfect if you fancy tradition mixed with a cosmopolitan vibe, while hip and happening Zuri-West is the spot for young urbanites.

How to get to Zurich

International flights arrive at Zurich Airport from many UK and European cities. The airport is renowned for being the epitome of Swiss efficiency. From there it’s a quick 15 minute train ride to Zurich Hauptbahnhof – the main central station tucked at one end of Bahnhofstrasse. If arriving by train from Europe or elsewhere in Switzerland, you’ll also be likely to arrive at this station. Coaches also stop at Zurich from many European and Swiss cities. Extremely efficient, safe and modern tram, train and bus routes crisscross the centre making it a joy to travel by public transport throughout the city.