If you’re planning on heading off to the chic Swiss city of Zurich, then you are going to want to read our guide to the best hostels in the city. Cosmopolitan, creative and charming, the centre for Swiss economy and education has a whole lot to offer visitors.
Known to be a beautiful city, surrounded by mountains and the famous Lake Zurich the thing about Zurich is that it’s a pretty (VERY) expensive place.
But, don’t you fret. Even in the high-cost city centre, there are places that are affordable. Take a look at our selection of the best hostels in Zurich, with some of the best budget hotels in Zurich thrown in so you can enjoy your trip without worrying too much about money.
We’ve found a place to stay that’s perfect for everyone in the stylish Swiss city.
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Zurich
- Best Overall Hostel in Zurich – Youth Hostel Zurich
- Best Hostel in Zurich for Solo Travellers – Oldtown Hostel Otter
Best Hostels in Zurich
Youth Hostel Zurich – Best Overall Hostel in Zurich
It doesn’t get much better than this when it comes to cool hostels in Zurich. Located in a historic area of the city, the hostel’s communal areas are all popping colours and dark wood, whilst the rooms, although simple, are bright, modern and clean.
There’s a great free breakfast served up every morning – always a plus for us – and there’s also a hostel bar for when you want a drink or two in the evening. It’s really simple to get around the city using the tram network from here, and the huge amount of beds on offer all add up to make this the best overall hostel in Zurich and of our fave hostels in all of Switzerland.
Oldtown Hostel Otter – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers
This cool Zurich hostel was recently a hotel, but in recent years it’s had a bit of a changeup and decided to become a funky little hostel which we reckon is a great idea. The best hostel in Zurich for solo travellers, downstairs is a vibrant cafe where you can grab a free breakfast and hang out with some cool kids whilst upstairs are the dorm rooms.
Set in the heart of all of the action in the city, there are all sorts of bars and restaurants just around the corner – plus many of the city’s top sights are in walking distance from the hostel.
City Backpacker – Best Cheap Hostel in Zurich
Super close to loads of the best attracts in the city, this is the best cheap hostel in Zurich. Sure the rooms might be a little basic and lack a little pizzazz, but if you’re looking for an affordable stay you can’t go too wrong with this Zurich backpackers hostel.
There’s a communal kitchen so you can make yourself meals to keep your food costs down. You can also save on any public transport costs as many of the tourist sights are easily reached on foot, which we think makes this the best cheap hostel in Zurich.
City Backpacker is one of our favourites in Zurich but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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View on Osprey View on REIBest Cheap Hotels in Zurich
Sometimes there isn’t always a hostel that suits you and your travel needs, or maybe you want to stay somewhere with a little more privacy than a hostel with a dorm, but still want that vibrant hostel atmosphere. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best cheap hotels in town so you really can find the best place to stay in Zurich for your trip.
Olympia Hotel Zurich
This place might be a little away from the main sights, but with a tram stop just up the road, if you’re looking for a slice of luxury this might be the hotel for you. A top Zurich hotel, the rooms here are large and – as it’s an old building – there some cool historic design elements.
You can enjoy the huge free breakfast that’s dished up every morning and then take a walk around the area’s many parks. We think this is one of the best budget hotels in Zurich for couples.
ibis Zurich Adliswil
The well-known hotel chain offers some great rooms at a low cost. A recommended budget hotel in Zurich, when you stay in a hotel like this you know that you can expect a certain level of service and cleanliness. And price…
The hotel is across the road from a tram stop which means its simple to travel anywhere in Zurich. Rooms come in a selection of sizes, so if you’re with a group of mates you can all stay together, and enjoy the free breakfast in the morning too.
Gasthaus zum Guten Glück
Well, this place is so cool that we just want to live there. Decorated with trendy parquet floors and all of the stylish lamps, cool armchairs and retro mirrors you could ever want, staying here is like an Instagram dream… but it’s a budget hotel!
One of the coolest budget hotels in Zurich, the rooms are airy and light and comfy. Plus, with the restaurant and bar downstairs, there’s no losing out on a funky hostel vibe at this top budget hotel in Zurich.
Easy Hotel Zurich
With small, compact rooms, this hotel isn’t going to be winning any awards for luxury, but if you’re looking for a straightforward, affordable stay in the city, this is a top budget hotel in Zurich.
Rooms are clean and tidy and come in a selection of sizes – all of which come with private bathrooms (big plus). The auto check-in service means no hassle and is quick and easy for a short stay in the city.
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Rigihof Zurich
Grab yourself a bargain with this top hotel in Zurich. The rooms on offer are decorated in luxury furnishing, with beds that are the ultimate in comfort and a desk so you can catch up on work if you need to. Located in the buzzing university district, there’s a load of places to eat and drink nearby.
We think this is easily one of the best budget hotels in Zurich for couples. Downstairs there’s a bar where you can grab a drink and a spot of dinner, too.
Zurich Center Oerlikon 2
More like staying in an Airbnb than a hotel, this top budget hotel in Zurich offers really good value for money. For one thing, you pay for a room which is much bigger than most hotel rooms; with that, you get a lounge area as well as a kitchen.
It feels like the ideal hotel in Zurich for couples who want more privacy but want to feel the vibrancy of the city. The train station is located really close to the hotel so that it’s simple to travel around the city.
Zurich Center Oerlikon 2 is one of our favourites in Zurich but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
The Guest’s House
This place may look a little basic, but it’s a lot nicer than you might first think. Rooms are really reasonably priced and there is a good free breakfast thrown in a too which makes it one of the best budget hotels in Zurich.
A little out of town, some rooms have views of the nearby mountains, whilst the local tram stop will whizz you into the city centre in no time at all. And, if you’ve come by car, there’s free parking which saves on high parking costs in the city.
The Guest’s House is one of our favourites in Zurich but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Zurich Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Zurich
So, even though Switzerland has a reputation for being pretty pricey, there are still places you can stay. There’s the perfect place for everyone, from budget boutique offerings ideal for couples to simple bargain beds in hostels for backpackers.
Some of the best places to stay offer a free breakfast so you can keep costs low, while others have amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
And, even after reading our roundup of the best hostels in Zurich, you still can’t make your mind up on where to stay, just check out our best overall hostel in Zurich – Youth Hostel Zurich.
FAQ about Hostels in Zurich
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Zurich.
How much does a hostel cost in Zurich?
On average, hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect to pay around $60 and $119+ per night.
What are the best hostels in Ibiza for Zurich?
Top-rated by couples due to its central location, Krone Zurich Pop Up Hotel is an ideal hostel for couples in Zurich.
What is the best hostel in Zurich near the airport?
Capsule Hotel – Alpine Garden Zurich is the best hostel near Zurich Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Zurich
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!
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More Epic Hostels in Switzerland and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Zurich.
Planning an epic trip all across Switzerland or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Zurich has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Now its time to get planning your Zurich itinerary.
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Switzerland for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Zurich covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Zurich if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Zurich before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
