Zurich, a Swiss city located at the foot of the Alps and blending lakes and mountains, is not only the financial heart of Europe, but also famous for its artistic temperament, historical heritage and high quality of life. Every year, it attracts countless tourists to visit the medieval old town on the banks of the Lemmat River and climb the Utliberg Mountain to overlook the intersection of the city and the lake.
However, behind this “exquisite lifestyle”, there is also a high consumption threshold. Accommodation costs often occupy a large part of the travel budget, especially in the peak tourist season, the price of a hotel can even reach more than 300 Swiss francs per night.
But smart travelers know that the real “travel wisdom” is not only reflected in route planning and attraction arrangements, but also in accommodation choices. Apartment-style accommodation is a good choice for those with limited budgets but pursuing quality. It can not only significantly reduce accommodation costs, but also bring larger living space, kitchen equipment and a sense of comfort like “at home”.
Whether you are a couple traveling together and want to enjoy privacy, a family traveling and needing an area for children to play, or a backpacker or remote worker who desires independent space and pace of life, Zurich has many cost-effective apartments of various styles to choose from, making accommodation the most anticipated part of your trip.
Ⅰ. Why choose an apartment instead of a traditional hotel?
In Zurich, where prices are high, accommodation costs have always been the “big part” of the travel budget. Even an ordinary three-star hotel can easily cost more than 200 Swiss francs per night during peak season, not to mention high-end hotels in the city center or with views. For travelers with limited budgets, staying in a hotel often means sacrificing other aspects of travel quality, such as reducing food experience, shortening stay time, or even having to choose remote suburban areas.
In contrast, apartment-style accommodation (Apartment or Aparthotel) happens to provide a cost-effective solution, which not only meets the basic needs of “living comfortably” but also significantly reduces the overall travel cost.
1. Larger space and home atmosphere
Apartments usually have a larger living area than hotels of the same price, and most of them are studio or one-bedroom and one-living room structures, which are very suitable for couples, families or small groups, especially for travelers who need to stay for a long time or bring children.
2. Independent kitchen and laundry facilities
Most apartments are equipped with complete kitchen facilities (microwave oven, induction cooker, refrigerator, cooker, etc.) and washing machines, allowing travelers to cook and wash clothes by themselves, which not only saves expenses, but also increases the flexibility and convenience of travel.
3. Closer to local life
Apartments are often located in residential areas rather than commercial areas. Living here, you can feel the rhythm of Zurich’s community more directly – walking into the bakery on the corner in the morning, or taking a walk in the park frequented by locals in the evening, these experiences are difficult to obtain when staying in a hotel.
4. Self-service check-in, flexible and convenient
Many modern apartments are equipped with smart door locks or self-service check-in systems, which avoid complicated front desk procedures and communication barriers caused by language barriers. They are very suitable for independent travelers and tourists arriving at night.
Choosing an apartment is not only a wise choice in terms of budget, but also an exploration of the travel lifestyle.
II. Featured recommendation: Top 5 cost-effective apartments in Zurich
1. VISIONAPARTMENTS Zurich Gerechtigkeitsgasse
Hotel history and overview
VISIONAPARTMENTS is a well-known short-term rental brand in Switzerland, with high-quality serviced apartments in many cities in Europe. This branch located in the Gerechtigkeitsgasse district features modern design and simple and bright decoration style, suitable for long-term or medium-term business trips and remote workers.
The apartment is equipped with a full set of kitchen utensils, microwave oven, coffee machine, and some room types even have dishwashers. The bathroom is separated into dry and wet areas, equipped with high-end bathroom products, and the overall living experience is excellent.
Location and transportation conditions
Located in the core area of Zurich, it takes only 15 minutes to walk to the main train station. There are Tram 7 and Tram 9 nearby, which is very convenient for travel.
Cost
The price is between 110–140 Swiss francs per night (depending on the season and the time of advance booking). For example, for two people, the average cost per person is less than 70 francs, which is much more cost-effective than hotels in the same area.
Nearby attractions
Swiss National Museum
Old Town of Zurich
Limmat River Trail
Bahnhofstrasse Shopping Street
Booking Platform
Mainly provides booking services through Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda, supporting multiple currencies, Chinese pages and free cancellation.
Recommended groups
Suitable for business travelers, digital nomads, and small couple travel groups.
2. EMA House Serviced Apartments – Unterstrass
Hotel History and Overview
EMA House is a high-end serviced apartment brand in Zurich. This branch in Unterstrass pays great attention to the “home feeling” – the high floors have a wide view, the furniture is mainly dark solid wood, equipped with a desk and a smart TV, and the room is equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine.
Location and transportation conditions
It is about 800 meters away from Zurich Main Station and can be reached within 10 minutes on foot. It is next to Tram 14 and Tram 10 stations, which go directly to Zurich Airport.
Cost
About 150-170 Swiss francs per night. Although slightly higher than other recommended apartments, its facilities, location and services are above the standard, suitable for middle-class travelers who seek comfort.
Surrounding attractions
Polyterrasse Observation Deck
ETH Zurich
Central Library with a rich collection of books
Booking platform
Supports booking on Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Airbnb platforms, among which Booking platform often has a 20% discount for advance booking.
Recommended groups
Suitable for couples, long-term customers, and business users who value quality of life.
3. HITrental Stauffacher Apartments
Hotel history and overview
HITrental is another well-known apartment operator in Switzerland, focusing on high cost-effectiveness and convenient urban life. This branch near Stauffacher station mainly offers studios and one-bedroom apartments, which are small but well-equipped and suitable for short-term travelers.
Location and transportation conditions
The apartment is close to Stauffacher subway station and about 15 minutes’ walk from the main train station. Downstairs is the Migros supermarket, local market and bakery, with a strong sense of life.
Cost
The price is 90-120 Swiss francs per night, and it can even be as low as 80 Swiss francs in the off-season, which is the best value for money in the city center.
Surrounding attractions
Stauffacher Kirche Church
Living area on the west bank of the Limmat River
Swiss Design Museum
Booking platform
It is recommended to book through Airbnb and Hometogo, the latter can compare quotes from different platforms. HITrental also has direct booking services on the official website, and occasionally there are weekly rental discounts.
Recommended groups
Suitable for solo travelers, couples or short-term residents with limited budgets.
4. Swiss Star Tower – Popular economic apartment in Oerlikon
Hotel history and overview
The Swiss Star series is spread across many neighborhoods in Zurich, and Oerlikon is the most popular. The style is minimalist, with a self-service check-in system, washing machines and open kitchens, and it is clean and tidy overall.
Location and transportation conditions
Oerlikon is an emerging commercial and residential area in Zurich, with abundant supermarkets, banks, cafes, and convenient transportation. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to Oerlikon Railway Station, which can directly reach the airport or the main city.
Cost
On average, it only costs 80-100 Swiss francs per night, which is one of the most affordable options recommended in this article.
Surrounding attractions
Zurich Exhibition Center (Hallenstadion)
MFO Park (industrial style green space)
Central Market and Flea Market
Booking platform
It is recommended to book on Expedia and ebookers, and some room types offer “long-term rental discounts”.
Recommended groups
Recommended for backpackers, students, budget travelers, and airport overnight transfers.
5. City Stay Furnished Apartments – Forchstrasse
Hotel History and Overview
City Stay is an apartment brand for mid- to high-end customers. Its Forchstrasse branch is close to Lake Zurich. Some rooms have balconies and lake views. The decoration style is modern and light luxury, and it is a model of “resort-style city life”.
Location and transportation conditions
Close to Zurich Stadelhofen station, a 5-minute walk to the lakeside, and Tram 11 and 15 can reach major attractions and shopping areas.
Cost
The price is relatively high, about 160-180 Swiss francs per night. But considering its location, comfort and scenery, it is an ideal choice for short honeymoons and couples’ travel.
Nearby attractions
Promenade along Lake Zurich
Kunsthaus Zurich
Zurich Opera House
Booking platform
It is recommended to use Booking.com, Expedia and HRS platforms for booking. Some room types provide breakfast service, which is suitable for short-term leisure travel.
Recommended groups
Suitable for couples on vacation, city sightseeing enthusiasts, and cultural and art enthusiasts.