Zurich is a beautiful city, there is no denying it. Sat on the shores of Lake Zurich at an altitude of 408 meters (1,339 feet) above sea level on the northern end of the Swiss Alps, its surrounding landscapes are stunning.
Zurich is also the largest city in Switzerland with a population of close to half a million people and Zurich Airport serves as the main international hub for the country. It is safe to say when visiting Switzerland, chances are you will land at Zurich Airport and be wondering where to stay in Zurich.
Zurich and Switzerland overall are generally more expensive to visit than most places in Europe and one of the biggest costs is accommodation which begs the question, are there any cheap hotels in Zurich city centre worth staying at? That is what we are here to find out.
When planning a trip to Zurich, Switzerland, finding affordable accommodation in the city center can be a challenge.
However, there are several cheap hotels in Zurich City Centre that offer budget-friendly options without compromising on comfort and convenience.
From cozy guest houses to modern hostels, these accommodations provide a comfortable stay at affordable prices. Let’s take a look at some of the best cheap hotels in Zurich’s City Centre so that you can find an affordable place to stay.
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Hotel Limmathof

One of the best-located cheap hotels in Zurich’s city centre is Hotel Limmathof. Sitting in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town and just a few mins walk from Zurich Central Station you can be at the hotel in less than 15 minutes via train from Zurich Airport.
As it goes with most cheap hotels in Zurich, the rooms are pleasant, comfortable, and are equipped with all you need such as wifi, private bathrooms, and a work desk. One thing this hotel does not have is air conditioning, but it does have fans for hot summer days.
You can start your day with a continental breakfast at the hotel’s charming café and if you are looking for a place for lunch or dinner, the hotel’s historic 100-year-old restaurant “Weinstube 1923” with its traditional vegetarian and vegan Swiss cuisine plus local wines and beers is a great place to start.
Hotel Limmathof sits right across from the Limmat River and everything the Old Town has to offer as well as Lake Zurich is within walking distance of the hotel. The area also has a fun nightlife plus an excellent restaurant and bar scene to boot.
Rooms start at around $150 a night, which might not sound like the price of cheap hotels, but it is the case when it comes to cheap hotels in Zurich.
CitizenM Zurich

CitizenM Zurich is one of the more trendy but cheap hotels in Zurich and it is situated in the city center so you can do all your sightseeing on foot and get to the airport in less than 30 minutes via public transport.
CitizenM is renowned for having high-tech rooms and with their app, you can adjust anything from the blinds to the lights, temperature and even control the TV all from your phone.
The rooms are designed with modern décor and feature amenities such as large beds, rain showers, blackout blinds, fluffy pillows, wifi, and lots more.
You can also enjoy the 24-hour bar and a cozy living room area during your stay, where you can order snacks too.
With its convenient location, citizenM Zurich provides easy access to popular attractions, including the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, the Swiss National Museum, Zurich Old Town, the Limmat River, and Lake Zurich too.
As far as budget hotels in Zurich go, these do not sound like cheap hotel rooms and they are priced at about $200 a night, so they are not cheap hotel rooms on a global standard but reasonable in Zurich. Think of it as an affordable luxury city resort rather than a cheap hotel.
Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich

Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich is a boutique hotel in the center of Zurich and is certainly one of the top budget hotels in Zurich but it will not feel like a cheap hotel when you are staying in it.
The hotel is built inside one of Zurich’s first cinemas and takes this into its stride with its decor which is very Hollywood-esq. Think velvet and art nouveau which is the main theme of the 24-hour bar downstairs which also serves up some great food too.
The rooms are also decorated in a Hollywood style and come with a large, comfortable bed, a rain shower, and fluffy towels to ensure maximum comfort during your stay and free Wi-Fi, of course.
Located in District 1 of Zurich, all the best sights of the city are a short walk away including the famous art museum Kunsthaus Zurich and the Old Town too.
Being one of the top budget hotels in Zurich means it is actually not that cheap to stay in and rooms are around $225 a night.
EasyHotel Zurich City Centre

EasyHotel Zurich City Centre is without a doubt one of the best cheap hotels in Zurich when it comes to affordability with prices around $100 a night, which is close to half the cost of other budget hotels in Zurich.
The rooms are very much no frills but they have all you need to enjoy your stay in Zurich. The beds are comfortable, all rooms have a private ensuite bathroom, plus air-conditioning, and even a window so you get some natural light too.
Wifi and TVs are also included in all the rooms for free but there are no breakfast facilities so you will have to find a nice coffee shop to head to in the mornings.
Located a 10-minute walk from the train station and a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, you will be staying in the thick of things and be able to explore everything Zurich has to offer. The public transport links are also excellent and you can pretty much be anywhere in Zurich within 20-30 minutes.
When it comes to affordability and location this is one of the budget hotels in Zurich that is hard to beat.
Hotel Adler Zürich

Hotel Adler Zürich is a charming budget hotel located in the heart of Zurich’s Niederdorf neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and historic buildings.
This cheap hotel is close to everything from the train station to the Old Town and the banks of the Limmat River are just a few mins away on foot.
The rooms are cozy and very comfortable all coming with free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, and they come decorated with stunning art on the walls. You can choose from a single room all the way up to a suite and while most rooms come with a private bathroom, some of the most affordable ones have a shared bathroom.
The hotel also has a traditional Swiss restaurant where guests can enjoy local cuisine and eat the delicious included breakfast.
Prices start at around $175 pp per night but can go down to $125 or lower when sharing with your partner or friend.
With its central location, Hotel Adler Zürich is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife and is a great place to stay.
Hotel Bristol

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Hotel Bristol is another of the good budget hotels in Zurich city center. It is just a few steps away from Zurich’s main train station and a short walk from Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, the Old Town, and the Limmat River, which makes visiting Zurich and its sights very easy.
There is a large range of rooms available from singles to doubles and up to quadruples for families and larger groups who want to stay together. All the rooms are super and come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast buffet to start the day on a good note. It also has meeting rooms as well as services such as laundry, luggage storage, and more.
Rooms start at around $130 pp per night for a single and go up from there. It might not be the cheapest hotel in Zurich but it’s a pretty good deal with regards to location and the modern rooms that come with it.
Oldtown Hostel Otter

Oldtown Hostel Otter is probably the best cheap hotel in Zurich when it comes to affordability vs location.
Being a hostel, you have the option to stay in dorms or you can book one of the private rooms that come with a private bathroom, all are very affordable and prices are only available on request.
The hostel sits above a trendy bar which is great for meeting people and is just a 5-minute walk from Lake Zurich, the art museum, and the opera house. You could not be more conveniently located for visiting Zurich and seeing all it has to offer such as Grossmünster and Lindenhof Hill.
The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, free tea and coffee plus a cozy lounge area. If you want to see Zurich on a budget, this is THE cheap hotel in Zurich to book.
Alexander Guesthouse Zurich Old Town

The Alexander Guesthouse Zurich Old Town is another solid option for a cheap hotel in Zurich, although its prices are on the higher side of the budget if you know what I mean. Rooms go from $170 a night, but you do get some luxury and a great location in the city centre.
It is centrally located in Zurich Old Town meaning a lot of the best things to see and do plus the train station is within walking distance.
The guesthouse features comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms with en-suite facilities. You will also have access to free Wi-Fi and a communal kitchen.
Green Marmot Capsule Hostel

Green Marmot Capsule Hostel provides a unique and affordable accommodation experience with its capsule-style rooms while also being in an ideal location to explore Zurich from.
Each capsule is equipped with a comfortable bed, personal reading light, and power outlet. The hostel offers shared bathroom facilities and provides free Wi-Fi to guests.
As you might expect, the rooms here are very affordable and go for about $70 each making it one of the most affordable hotels in Zurich we have come across so far.
The hotel is conveniently located a stone’s throw away from Lake Zurich, the Limmat River, the Old Town, Art Museum, and lots more which makes exploring Zurich’s city centre very easy.
Pop Up Hotel Krone Zürich

Pop Up Hotel Krone Zürich provides very simple rooms that are nicely decorated. All the rooms are private and come with a work desk, sink, hanger for clothes, and a comfortable bed. All rooms have a shared bathroom that can be found in the corridor.
There is free WiFi across the hotel as well as a communal lounge area where guests can relax and socialize.
Located in the Old Town on the banks of the Limmat River it is in a good location to experience all the great things Zurich has to offer.
Pieces are only available on their website and range from $100 to $150 a night depending on the time of year and room you choose.
Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind

Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind is a budget-friendly hotel located in Zurich’s trendy District 4. The rooms are cozy and stylishly decorated, offering amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
The hotel also features a chocolate-themed bar where guests can indulge in Swiss chocolate delights. With its convenient location, Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind is close to restaurants, bars, and the vibrant nightlife of Zurich.
It is right next to the Old Town and the Limmat River and within walking distance of a lot of the great sights Zurich has to offer. Prices start from around $200 per night.
Zurich Youth Hostel

Zurich Youth Hostel is a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking affordable accommodations in Zurich City Centre.
The hostel offers a range of room types, including dormitory-style rooms and private rooms with shared facilities. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, and a cozy lounge area.
The hostel also provides bike rental services for exploring the city. With its central location, Zurich Youth Hostel is within walking distance of Zurich’s main attractions, including Lake Zurich and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.
Prices begin at around $60 per night for a dorm or $100 a night for a private room.