Why choose a hostel in Zurich?
Zurich rewards visitors with a sharp mix of medieval architecture and modern culture. The Grossmünster, a centuries-old Romanesque cathedral on the bank of the Limmat River, anchors the Old Town alongside independent galleries, covered markets, and waterside promenades along Lake Zurich. Accommodation costs here run high, and that's where hostels in Zurich make a real difference.
Hotels and private rentals can eat through your budget fast in one of Europe's priciest cities. Hostels offer shared dorms for travellers who want to keep costs low and meet people along the way. Private rooms give you more space without the price tag of a standard hotel. Most hostels also include communal kitchens, lounges, and local tips you won't get from a private rental. Whatever your travel style, hostels stretch your budget further here.
How to find the best hostel deals in Zurich
Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to track down great room rates online? Here are a few tips to find the perfect place to stay and save in seconds.
Book in advance
Planning ahead can make a big difference when finding budget hostels in Zurich. There's generally a wider range of stays and a better chance of lower rates, especially during peak travel periods.
…or bag a last-minute Zurich hostel deal.
Things are often more expensive closer to your stay. But outside of popular periods, late deals can still be found when hostels have rooms left to book.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Cheap hostels can be easier to find when you're flexible with your dates. Play around with different months or seasons, or go during the week instead of weekends to save money.
Where to base yourself in Zurich
Staying near Kreis 1, the old town, puts you close to some of the best hostels in Zurich and within walking distance of the Kunsthaus art museum and the narrow lanes around Niederdorf. Trams run frequently from here, making the rest of the city easy to reach. Casual restaurants and cafes line the streets, and the lakefront is a short walk away. Kreis 4, around Langstrasse, draws a younger crowd and has a strong bar and music scene. It sits just west of the main train station, so getting around is straightforward. You'll find cheaper food options here than in the old town, and the neighbourhood stays lively into the night. If you plan to spend evenings out rather than sightseeing, this area gives you more for your money.
Best hostels in Zurich
Not all hostels are the same, and the ratings on Skyscanner help you compare. Each score is based on real guest reviews, covering the things worth considering before you book. Think service, location, cleanliness, value and overall experience.
Best all-rounder hostels
For a stay that ticks every box, you can't go past Friendly Hostel Zürich. It gets excellent reviews for its sleep quality, location and value.
Zurich Youth Hostel is well worth a mention too. It earns solid guest ratings for its cleanliness, service and sleep quality.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
Zurich Youth Hostel takes care of the details. Guests rate this accommodation option as one of the best in the city for cleanliness. You'll find handy extras like a bar and tour services.
Well-kept rooms and tidy shared spaces are also standard at Green Marmot Capsule Hotel Zürich. Along with good cleanliness ratings, it includes Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Hostels with the best customer service
When it comes to customer service, Zurich Youth Hostel is one of the top-rated hostels in Zurich. This stay comes with an airport shuttle and a laundry.
Green Marmot Capsule Hotel Zürich is also known for its customer service, with travellers mentioning the staff for going out of their way. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi are among its amenities.
Centrally located hostels
A convenient location is a big part of the appeal at Viktoria Hostel Zürich. With Wi-Fi, heating and more, you'll have just what you need to make the most of your stay.
Or get your trip off to a great start at Friendly Hostel Zürich. Extras like a fitness centre and Wi-Fi add to the comfort of staying at this well-located base.
Hostels near the best neighbourhoods in Zurich
Hostels in Hottingen
Hottingen sits on the lower slopes of the Zürichberg, giving it a calm, residential feel. It's close to some of Zurich's most respected cultural spaces, including a major art museum. Public transport connects you to the city centre with ease. Hostels in Hottingen appeal to travellers who want a quieter base without losing access to the rest of the city. The local cafe and dining scene is relaxed and unpretentious.
Zurich Youth Hostel is a firm favourite around Hottingen. It comes with billiards, Wi-Fi and has a guest rating of about 4.3 out of 5.
Another stay that comes recommended is Green Marmot Capsule Hotel Zürich, which is rated around 4.1 out of 5 by travellers. Practical perks like heating and air conditioning are there to make life easier during your stay.
