Switzerland, nestled in the heart of Europe, is a landlocked country known for its fairytale-like beauty. Its varied topography offers lush green meadows, shimmering lakes, and snow-capped mountains. However, when people think of Switzerland, their first impression is often luxury. Are there budget hostels in this country? The answer is yes, and to make things easier for you, I will introduce some top hostels in Zurich and a few economic hotels below.
10 Best Hostels in Zurich, Switzerland
Finding affordable accommodations is a top priority for budget-conscious travelers. Luckily, Zurich has plenty of hostels to choose from. To make your choice easier, I’ve handpicked a list of top hostels in Zurich that offer great value for your money.
Among these options, two are my favorites: Zurich Youth Hostel for its warm hospitality and great amenities, and Oldtown Hostel Otter for its affordability and cleanliness.
For those of you watching your wallet, we also have 4 budget hotels on our list that are just as good as hostels. So if you’re looking for cozy and affordable accommodations, be sure to check out these hotels too!
3 Best Hostels in Zurich, Switzerland
Short on time? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with my top three picks for the best hostels in Zurich, Switzerland.
ACCOMMODATION COMPARISON TABLE
Let’s take a look at the starting prices for these top hostels in Zurich. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on factors such as room type, travel dates, number of guests, and other considerations.
| Accommodation | Price |
| Zurich Youth Hostel | $160 |
| Oldtown Hostel Otter | $130 |
| Best Western Hotel Spirgarten | $130 |
| Green Marmot | $120 |
| ibis Zürich Messe Airport | $120 |
| Friendly Hostel Zürich | $120 |
| Hotel Gregory | $120 |
| MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity | $110 |
| Stay2Night City Center Hostel | $75 |
| Viktoria Budget Hostel | $50 |
Zurich Youth Hostel
Just 80 meters from the Jugendherberge Bus Stop, Zurich Youth Hostel is located on the site where a school cabin once stood back in 1936. Today, it offers a spacious retreat with modern infrastructure, a diverse culinary experience, a cozy bar, Wi-Fi access, and a spacious lounge area with flat-screen TVs and billiards. With a 24-hour reception and snacks available round the clock, the comfort of guests is paramount.
The youth hostel is just a stone’s throw from the lakeshore and is an ideal starting point for leisurely afternoons by the water, for exploring the vibrant city of Zurich, or for an exciting visit to the zoo. Guests also have access to a bicycle storage room, laundry facilities, and a souvenir store selling Victorinox pocket knives, among other things. Zurich main station is only 20 minutes away by streetcar and the Morgental stop is just 500 meters from the hostel. For culture enthusiasts, the Rote Fabrik Cultural Center, where concerts and theater performances take place, is only a 15-minute walk from the Youth Hostel. All these advantages make this accommodation one of the best hostels in Zurich.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Zurich Youth Hostel
Oldtown Hostel Otter
Oldtown Hostel Otter, paired with its famous Wüste Bar, embodies a stylish haven for the young and young-at-heart within Zürich’s historic Old Town. Positioned just 300 meters from both the Zürich-Stadelhofen train station and the scenic lake, this hostel offers a variety of accommodations. Guests can select from dormitory rooms or individually furnished private rooms, all of which include access to a communal lounge equipped with a convenient kitchenette and luggage storage. Furthermore, wireless internet is accessible throughout the entirety of the Oldtown Hostel Otter.
Surrounded by a vibrant array of dining establishments, bars, fashionable boutiques, and international galleries, the Otter Hostel serves as an exceptionally convenient base for exploration. Within a short walk, visitors can easily reach notable attractions such as the Kunsthaus Art Museum and the Opera House, both just a 5-minute stroll away. Additionally, the renowned Café Odeon is conveniently located in proximity. For those arriving by air, Zurich Airport is just 9 kilometers from the Oldtown Hostel Otter, ensuring seamless connectivity for travelers. When it comes to the best hostels in Zurich, tourists shouldn’t overlook this accommodation.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Oldtown Hostel Otter
Green Marmot
Green Marmot is Zurich’s first capsule accommodation, conveniently located just 200 meters from Grossmünster, offering comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation. Inspired by Japanese innovation, Green Marmot offers a pioneering solution for travelers seeking a convenient place to stay in one of Zurich’s prime locations. The hostel features shared bathrooms with showers and free WiFi, while some rooms offer stunning city views. Guests can enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned rooms and relax on the cozy terrace. Some rooms boast balconies with picturesque river views.
Situated within walking distance of Kunsthaus Zurich, Paradeplatz, and Bahnhofstrasse, the property provides easy access to Zurich’s key attractions. Nearby attractions like Fraumünster, Bellevueplatz, and Zurich Opera House offer plenty of opportunities for exploration. For travelers arriving by air, Zurich Airport is just 12 kilometers away from Green Marmot Capsule Hotel Zurich, ensuring convenient access to and from the accommodation.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Green Marmot
Friendly Hostel Zürich
Nestled in the heart of Zürich, within a mere 300 meters of Bahnhofstrasse, Friendly Hostel Zürich offers a welcoming ambiance with a terrace, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. Its proximity to Grossmünster, the Swiss National Museum, and Bellevueplatz adds to its allure. Each room at the hostel is thoughtfully furnished, and guests can enjoy captivating city views from rooms featuring shared bathrooms. Additionally, a fridge is provided for added convenience.
Conveniently situated, Friendly Hostel Zürich is close to key landmarks such as Paradeplatz, Fraumünster, and Main Railway Station Zurich. Zurich Airport is just 11 kilometers away, ensuring easy access for travelers. The property is also near popular attractions like Kunsthaus Zurich, Zurich Opera House, and ETH Zurich, making it an ideal choice for those seeking the finest hostels in Zurich.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Friendly Hostel Zürich
Stay2Night City Center Hostel
Nestled in the vibrant city of Zürich, Stay2Night City Center Hostel offers a comfortable and convenient stay with its terrace and free WiFi. The hostel provides additional amenities such as a shared kitchen, concierge service, and currency exchange to enhance guests’ experience. Each room boasts a wardrobe, and bed linen is provided in the shared bathrooms.
Perfectly situated just 1.4 km from Bahnhofstrasse and 1.5 km from Paradeplatz, guests enjoy easy access to Zürich’s key attractions, including Grossmünster (1.9 km), Bellevueplatz (2.4 km), and ETH Zurich (2.7 km). Nearby points of interest, including Main Railway Station Zurich, Swiss National Museum, and Fraumünster, offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Conveniently, Zurich Airport is only 11 km away, ensuring seamless travel for guests.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Stay2Night City Center Hostel
Viktoria Budget Hostel
Viktoria Budget Hostel in Zürich offers exclusive accommodation for adults, complete with a charming garden, shared lounge, and inviting terrace. Conveniently located within proximity to key attractions, the property is approximately 5.3 km from the Swiss National Museum, 5.5 km from the Main Railway Station Zurich, and 5.6 km from ETH Zurich.
Guests can enjoy free WiFi access and the convenience of a shared kitchen. Each well-appointed unit at the hostel is equipped with a TV and a kitchen for added convenience. For those looking to explore the city further, the Zurich Exhibition Hall is just 5.9 km away, while Paradeplatz is approximately 6.6 km from Viktoria Budget Hostel. For those looking for affordable and comfortable hostels in Zurich, this accommodation is a good choice.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Viktoria Budget Hostel
Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
Located in the trendy Zürich-Altstetten neighborhood, just a 5-minute walk from the Altstetten Train Station, Best Western Hotel Spirgarten hotel offers easy access to all the city has to offer. The modern and stylish non-smoking rooms feature contemporary furniture and parquet flooring, providing the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring.
And when it’s time to refuel, the on-site restaurant serves up daily specials during the week and à la carte dishes on weekends. Plus, guests can enjoy complimentary access to the nearby Altstetten swimming pool!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
ibis Zürich Messe Airport
Check out the ibis Zürich Messe Airport hotel in the trendy Oerlikon neighborhood! The modern rooms come equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, internet access, and a variety of international TV channels. Plus, you can grab a bite or a drink at the on-site restaurant and bar anytime.
The hotel is just a quick 10-minute walk from the Hallenstadion and Zurich exhibition center, so you’ll have easy access to all the action. And if you’re driving, no worries – they’ve got paid parking facilities. The 24-hour front desk service is always there to help you out, and the hotel is eco-friendly too!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for ibis Zürich Messe Airport
Hotel Gregory
Hotel Gregory is located in the heart of Zurich and is very popular with guests who want to be in the middle of the action. The hotel has 27 rooms with a personal touch, and a highlight is the in-house pub “Old Gregory Pub”, where guests can enjoy a nightcap or famous karaoke evenings.
The reception is open 24 hours a day and the hotel’s own parking lot is just around the corner on Neufrankengasse. The Hotel GREGORY is only 4 stops away from the main train station (bus line 31), the bus stop is directly opposite the hotel. There are numerous museums, nightclubs, and restaurants in the surrounding area. The convenient location and personal service make the hotel an ideal choice for travelers who want to explore Zurich.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel Gregory
MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity
Located in the Greencity district, MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the city center and train station. With 174 rooms and 582 beds, there’s plenty of space for everyone – from school groups to solo travelers to corporate guests. Plus, the hotel’s unique design and flexible amenities make it perfect for any type of stay.
But that’s not all – MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity has some seriously cool features. Get your game on in the game zone or whip up a meal in the guest kitchen. And don’t worry about breaking the bank – the hotel offers free 24-hour reception, Wi-Fi, bedding, towels, maps, guest kitchen use, game zone, and daily housekeeping.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity
And there you have it – my top picks for the best hostels in Zurich! I hope this list provides you with a helpful starting point for choosing your ideal accommodation for a pleasant stay in this beautiful city.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and have a budget, you should definitely read my comprehensive guide “Backpacking in Switzerland on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide.”