There is something magical about a city nestled between the Alps and wrapped in an embrace of clear waters. Zurich is a special city – its skyline is a mix of old church tops and EPIC mountain peaks… ready and waiting to invite you in!

Zurich is packed with green spaces, delicious food and rich culture. Whether you’re up for roaming around the ancient streets, marvelling at timeless museum pieces or hitting the mountains – there is something for every traveller in this exciting little city. 

Whilst beautiful, Zurich is seriously expensive. Staying in an Airbnb can therefore help you save a bit of cash… if you do it properly….

Luckily, you have me! Rather than letting you trawl through the 100s of options, I’ve decided to help you out. I’ve collated a list of my top 15 best Airbnbs in Zurich. Whether you’re after a place to crash, a charming homestay, or even a luxury apartment, I’ve got you covered.

So, let’s dive into the BEST Airbnbs in Zurich.

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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Zurich

OVERALL BEST VALUE AIRBNB IN ZURICH
Sweet and Cosy Apartment in City Center of Zurich
OVERALL BEST VALUE AIRBNB IN ZURICH

Sweet and Cosy Apartment in City Center of Zurich

  • > $$
  • > Lovely Balcony
  • > Central Location
  • > Pets Allowed
BEST BUDGET AIRBNB IN ZURICH
Mini Musiker Zimmer Zurich
BEST BUDGET AIRBNB IN ZURICH

Mini Musiker Zimmer

  • > $
  • > 2 Guests
  • > Great location
  • > Downstairs bar with folk music
OVER-THE-TOP LUXURY AIRBNB IN ZURICH
Luxury Downtown Penthouse Apartment Zurich
OVER-THE-TOP LUXURY AIRBNB IN ZURICH

Luxury Downtown Penthouse Apartment

  • > $$$$$$$
  • > 12 Guests
  • > Free parking
  • > Great for big groups
FOR SOLO TRAVELERS IN ZURICH
Cozy & private room in downtown hip area!
FOR SOLO TRAVELERS IN ZURICH

Cozy & private room in downtown hip area!

  • > $
  • > Cool Neighbourhood
  • > Friendly Hosts
  • > Stylishly Designed
IDEAL DIGITAL NOMAD AIRBNB
STAYY The River
IDEAL DIGITAL NOMAD AIRBNB

STAYY The River

  • > $$$
  • > 4 Guests
  • > Fast Wi-Fi
  • > Great views of the river

The Top 15 Airbnbs in Zurich

Sweet and Cosy Apartment in City Center of Zurich | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Zurich

Sweet and Cosy Apartment in City Center of Zurich

Let’s kick off with a stylish Zurich apartment in a great location for you and up to 3 mates. Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the train station, this cool little pad is also surrounded by great restaurants, bars, and attractions. You can’t really go wrong with this cosy apartment which is why it’s my top pick. If you’ve had a long journey, take a few minutes to relax once you arrive with complimentary free tea and coffee!

And if it’s been a really long journey, relax back into the king bed for a quick nap before you head out exploring!

Mini Musiker Zimmer | Best Budget Airbnb in Zurich

Mini Musiker Zimmer Zurich

Finding budget accommodation anywhere in Switzerland itself can be pretty damn tricky as it’s one of the most expensive countries in the world! But this cool short term rental in Zurich will certainly save you a good wad of cash. It’s located in the heart of Alt-Züri and you might even make a few new friends when you’re staying here; the accommodation regularly hosts musicians who play in the cult Aelpli Bar.

If you’re on a really tight budget you might wanna look at my guide to the best hostels in Zurich.

Luxury Downtown Penthouse Apartment | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Zurich

Luxury Downtown Penthouse Apartment Zurich

Looking for the most luxurious apartment in Zurich? This one has to be up there – and it’s great if you’re planning a big birthday or a family celebration. There’s space for up to 12 guests! The downtown penthouse consists of two duplex penthouses, with king and double beds throughout! There are three flat-screen TVs with Netflix, perfect for watching a movie together as a family in luxurious and spacious surroundings!

Cozy & private room in downtown hip area! | Perfect Zurich Airbnb for Solo Travellers

Cozy & private room in downtown hip area!

This place gives you a real sense of Zürich’s international, lived-in side—vibrant but not overwhelming. It’s a mix that works: social when you’re up for it, private when you’re not. Works well for solo travellers looking to keep things affordable, and the two hosts are solid—friendly, switched-on, and ready with local tips that feel like they’re coming from a mate.

You’ll have full access to the shared spaces in the apartment, including a proper kitchen that’s fully stocked, a relaxed living room with everything from board games to multimedia gear, and a bright, spotless bathroom where you can actually unwind with a proper soak after a full day out in the city.

STAYY The River | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Zurich for Digital Nomads

STAYY The River

What do you want from a Zurich apartment as a digital nomad? Well, a comfy bed is always a plus so you can wake up refreshed for a day of work. And where will you do it? Well, a coffee maker to get you started and then a desk to knock out whatever you’re doing at the laptop-friendly workspace, connected to fast Wi-Fi. Plenty of light and a great view is a bonus and thankfully, you’ll get all of those things here!

There’s a kitchen too, so schedule some breaks to rustle up some food – or more importantly, brew another pot of coffee to keep you focused!

More Epic Airbnbs in Zurich

Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Zurich!

Studio in Zurich’s vibrant trendy district | Best Airbnb in Zurich for Nightlife

Studio in Zurich's vibrant trendy district

Langstrasse is home to not only some of the best nightlife in Zurich but the entirety of Switzerland. If you planning on doing some serious partying in Zurich, then stay in Langstrasse and avoid the cost of a taxi home.

This gorgeous apartment has enough space for you and a mate or partner to paint the town red and come back to somewhere comfy and cool. There’s plenty to quell your hangover the next day too. There’s a fully equipped kitchen where you can whip up something to soak up the alcohol, before enjoying a movie or your favourite series on Netflix!

Sophisticated apartment in the heart of Zurich | Best Short Term Rental for Couples

Sophisticated apartment in the heart of Zurich

Manoel’s place has a calm, thoughtful vibe that makes settling in easy. He’s included a few low-key but genuinely helpful touches—things like a dehumidifier and self-care bits like hand cream that you don’t realise you’ll need until you do. The apartment sits in a quiet area, but it’s still within easy walking distance of the station, so getting around isn’t a hassle.

Inside, everything’s spotless and spacious, with all the basics covered without going overboard. The bed’s comfortable, the bathroom’s well-kept, and the living space has enough room to stretch out without feeling cramped. The kitchen setup makes self-catering simple if you’re not keen on eating out every meal. Public transport’s right outside, which makes it dead easy to get around the city. Manoel’s recommendations are on point too—especially useful if you’re still getting your bearings in Zürich.

Central apartment district 5 | Best Homestay in Zurich

Central apartment district 5

A fabulous way of keeping your costs down and having an authentic experience at the same time is by staying with a local. With that in mind, here’s the best homestay in Zurich! Just a few minutes from the main train station, you’ll be delighted with the central location. It’s also near some of the best bars, restaurants, and nightlife – ask your host where he goes, and he’ll be able to give you the best local tips and insider knowledge!

If you need to check-in outside the stated timings, get in touch with your flexible and accommodation host.

Cozy room in the heart of Zürich | Runner Up Home Stay in Zurich

Cozy room in the heart of Zürich

Lea’s a clear and responsive host who keeps things simple. Her instructions are easy to follow, with photos that take the guesswork out of arrival. The place itself is spotless. The room’s spacious, bright, and the bed’s genuinely comfortable—not just something that looks good in photos. It’s in a solid location too, walking distance to everything central without feeling overly busy.

There’s a small kitchen with plenty of fridge space and all the basics—crockery, cutlery, and more condiments than you’ll probably use. If you’ve actually got time to cook, it’s all there. The whole setup feels clean and put-together without trying too hard, and you’ve got good cafés and shops just around the corner.

Boutique designer apartment | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Zurich

Boutique designer apartment

This apartment adds a touch of luxury to your time in Zurich. It’s right in the centre, with easy access to the Limmat, the lake, Paradeplatz, and Bahnhofstrasse. You’re close to everything, including trams and trains, but tucked away on a quiet side street so you get the convenience without the chaos. The area’s packed with reliable restaurants, and there’s a bar literally out the back door if you don’t feel like wandering far.

The loft layout gives you two separate sleeping spaces—upstairs and down—with more than enough room for a small family to stay comfortably without feeling on top of each other. It’s a solid base to come back to after a long day out exploring or city-hopping by train. The café just down is ideal for a slow start and a strong coffee before heading out again.

Downtown Penthouse Apartment | Best Airbnb in Zurich for Families

Downtown Penthouse Apartment

It can be difficult finding the perfect place to stay with the family – especially if there are quite a few of you! No worries here though – this awesome Zurich Airbnb can comfortably fit 6 of your nearest and dearest – and an extra 2 as well in case the 3rd cousins decide to tag alone! It’s right in the centre of town, so you won’t have far to walk for visiting the sights and attractions. A real bonus if you’re travelling with young kids! That said, this flat is perfectly equipped to handle the demands of families of a variety of ages!

The Staghorn | Best Airbnb in Zurich for a Group of Friends

The Staghorn

Tucked out in nature with wide-open views of Lake Constance and nothing but pastures around, this spot gives you the kind of peace and privacy that actually lets everyone unwind. It’s remote enough to feel like a proper escape, but you’re still only a short drive from Stein am Rhein’s old town and everything happening around the lake and the Rhine.

The garden outside’s wild and open, plsu there’s a yoga deck if you feel like stretching things out in the morning—mats are already there. There’s even a grill setup for those big BBQs with the gang. Come evening, there’s a firepit with plenty of wood stacked nearby, so you can sit back, watch the flames, and take in a sky full of stars without any city light drowning them out.

Luxury downtown two bed apartment | Best Airbnb in Zurich City

Luxury downtown two bed apartment Zurich

Zurich has plenty of great apartments in its downtown area, so forgive us for showing you a couple more of my favourites. Sorry, not sorry! One of the reasons that I love this Zurich Airbnb is the hot tub – something that you won’t find in too many apartments here. The outdoor dining area and view of the park opposite are also a couple of clinchers with this awesome spot!

Cosy and Spacious Downtown Studio | Another Great Apartment in Zurich City

Cosy and Spacious Downtown Studio Zurich

I promise this is my last offering in Zurich’s bustling downtown! This cosy and spacious apartment is a real home away from home – ideal for a couple. Although it’s a great central location, the neighbourhood is quiet, and you’ll benefit from a good night’s sleep. It’s pretty trendy too! There’s no TV, but that’s just one more excuse to head out and get to know this lovely city!

Dufour City Centre Studio | Top Value Airbnb in Lucerne

Dufour City Centre Studio Zurich

If you don’t want to be in the hustle and bustle of Zurich, Lucerne is a great option nearby, with regular connections that make the 45-minute journey. It’s a good idea to be close to Lucerne’s central station, so it’s a good job I’ve found this place for you! This comfy studio offers great value and it can accommodate up to 4 guests. The best part? You get a 20% discount on the bakery below the apartment!

Budget backpacking hard? Why not check out my favourite hostels in Lucerne too?!

Don’t Forget Your Zurich Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Zurich Airbnbs

So, that concludes my list of the best Airbnbs in Zurich. Hopefully, you’ll have picked out something that perfectly matches your budget, taste, and travel style. Also, if you’re in a big group, there should be something for you too!

As you can see from my extensive list, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to private rooms and apartments in Zurich. Whether you want to stumble home after a night out on Langstrasse, get a local experience in a homestay, or splash the cash on a luxury apartment, Zurich has it all!

If you feel I’ve given you too much choice and you’re still scratching your head, don’t fret. Just plump for my favourite Airbnb in Zurich – Sweet and Cosy Apartment in City Center of Zurich. It effortlessly blends value, style, and a great location together. You won’t regret it!

All that’s left now is for us to wish you an awesome trip – whichever Zurich Airbnb you decide to stay in!

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