Zurich, Switzerland is everything you’ve heard it to be. It’s charming, scenic, culturally diverse, trendy, full of interesting museums and galleries, and EXPENSIVE. Yes, the economic capital of Switzerland and a major player on the world’s economic stage isn’t cheap to visit.
If you’re traveling through Zurich on a backpacker’s budget, consider staying in a cheap hostel. Hostels cut costs by eliminating in-room luxuries and sometimes private bathrooms. Instead, TVs and other amenities are provided in a common area.
Zurich is a pedestrian-friendly city and not very large. The city and all of Switzerland also have a very efficient transportation system. If you book a hostel near a train station, the travel possibilities are almost endless. So book one of these best hostels in Zurich and use the money you save to splurge on other adventures.
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Oldtown Hostel Otter
Some backpackers prefer hostels with a quieter atmosphere while others would rather stay in more of a party hostel. If you’re more like the latter, you’ll like Oldtown Hostel Otter. It’s in the middle of town near all the action and in a building above a trendy bar, the Wueste. You can enjoy a great night at the bar and easily meet new people.
You’ll be within walking distance of lots of things to see and do. Lake Zurich is only 200 meters away, and the opera house, art museum, and renowned Odeon are a 5-minute walk away.
The hostel dates back to 2016 when the legendary Hotel Otter changed its lower floors into dormitories. The top floors remain hotel standard. The private rooms still have the same services with the addition of a common area with lockers and a kitchenette. The shared kitchen has a fridge, oven, and microwave so you can prepare your own meals. Coffee and tea are available around the clock.
Oldtown Hostel Otter is located at Oberdorfstrasse 7, 8001 Zurich. Reservations can be made online.
Zurich Youth Hostel
This hostel is located a little further out from the middle of town if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s in a well-preserved 1960s building on a tree-lined street a stone’s throw from Lake Zurich. It’s easy to get to from the airport and Wollishofen train station, and perfect for an exciting day around the city. A few excellent museums are within walking distance.
A variety of room types are available. All of them are bright and surround a sunny inner courtyard. Fresh linens are provided and Wi-Fi is free. You can also book seminar rooms for banquets and meetings.
Zurich Youth Hostel has a 24-hour reception area, and there is no curfew so no worries about late-arriving trains.
- Address: Mutschellenstrasse 114, 8038 Zurich
- Phone: +41 43 399 78 00
Friendly Hostel Zurich
Stay at the Friendly Hostel Zurich and use the money you save on accommodations to go shopping on the famous Bahnhofstrasse located only 100 meters away. Other nearby attractions include Grossmünster, Bellevueplatz, and Lindenhof. It’s 12 kilometers from Zurich Airport and a 12-minute walk from Zurich Central Station.
Each unit at the hostel comes equipped with an electric kettle for coffee and tea. You can stay connected with free Wi-Fi. You’ll have shared access to a modern, clean bathroom with a shower.
All units in the hostel are equipped with an electric kettle and the use of a refrigerator. Each room at the Friendly Hostel Zurich has access to a shared bathroom with a shower. Select rooms have a terrace with city views.
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- Address: Strehlgasse 3, 8001 Zurich
- Phone: +41 78 897 96 96
Green Marmot Capsule Hotel Zurich
Budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and cozy are the words to describe this unique Hostel. Based on Japan’s pioneering answer to difficulty finding green and affordable accommodations, the Green Marmot is Zurich’s first capsule hotel. It’s designed for the traveler on the go who simply needs a place to rest their head.
Snuggle into your own private capsule on a thick mattress underneath organic Egyptian cotton sheets. You’ll be as safe as a marmot in its den. The capsules are air-conditioned and have super-fast Wi-Fi, a folding table, and a mirror. Separate men’s and women’s bathrooms have showers and lockers.
There are no onsite amenities because the hostel’s excellent location provides them all. Pay less and reduce your carbon footprint. The Green Marmot is located at Schifflände, Rössligasse 26, 8001 Zurich. Reservations can be made online.
Stay2Night City Center Hostel
Located just 11 kilometers from the Zurich Airport, this hostel is perfect for the budget-conscious, busy traveler on the go. It’s in the midst of Zurich’s most vibrant part of town where you’ll be having most of your fun away from the hotel. Some notable nearby landmarks include the Fraumünster and the Swiss National Museum.
You’ll make new friends easily with the comfortable shared rooms and spacious kitchen and lounge area. The shared bathrooms are spotless and have a convenient shower. Meals are available but not included in the price.
Stay2Night is located at 60 Kernstrasse, District 4-Aussersihl, Zurich. Reservations can be made online.
Viktoria Budget Hostel
This hostel is very budget-friendly and in an excellent location. The property is less than 6 kilometers from Zurich Central Station, the Swiss National Museum, and ETH Zurich. The Zurich Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
All of the guest rooms are adult-only and include a TV, bed linens, a shared bathroom, and a hairdryer. Chat with other guests and create long-lasting friendships in the shared lounge, garden, and terrace. Guests have access to a kitchenette with a coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, and washing machine. There is a designated smoking area, and lockers are available.
You’ll find several great places to dine nearby. Check out the Mediterranean food served at Restaurant Rapido.
Viktoria Budget Hostel is located at 75 Ackersteinstrasse, Höngg, 8049 Zurich. Reservations can be made online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zurich a good destination for backpackers?
Numerous hostels located across the city and superior public transportation make Zurich a good destination for backpackers.
Are hostels in Zurich better than hotels?
It depends on the individual traveler. Hostels are cheaper than hotels and meeting people is easier. However, you may have to share facilities such as bathrooms with others.
Why is booking a room in a hostel cheaper than in a hotel?
Hostels are cheaper than hotels because the savings on unneeded luxuries are passed on to guests.
