Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Zurich for first-timers (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Zurich for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Zurich for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Zurich and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for various budgets.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, located in the central part of the country, on the shores of Lake Zurich. It is surrounded by hills and mountains, offering picturesque landscapes.
The city is a major global financial center and is home to numerous multinational corporations, banks, and financial institutions. It has a robust economy and is known for its high standard of living.
The official languages in Zurich are German, but English is widely spoken. The city has an efficient and well-developed public transportation system, including trains, trams, buses, and boats. The Zurich Airport is one of the busiest and well-connected airports in Europe.
Zurich’s Old Town is a charming area with narrow winding streets, medieval buildings, and historic landmarks. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The city offers a range of recreational activities. Lake Zurich provides opportunities for water activities, and the nearby Alps offer excellent skiing and hiking options.
Is Zurich a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Zurich is a great place to visit with family. It is the largest city in Switzerland and offers a mix of cultural, recreational, and family-friendly activities.
Your family can visit cultural attractions like the Swiss National Museum and Zoological Museum. You can do outdoor activities along Lake Zurich, Botanical Garden, and Zoo Zurich. Visiting local chocolate shops and trying Swiss cuisine is also a delightful experience for the whole family.
Where to stay in Zurich for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Zurich for families with kids are Altstadt (Old Town), Enge (District 2), and Riesbach (District 8). These are the safe and central areas in Zurich for families to book their accommodations and explore the city.
Old Town is the best area in Zurich for families who want a central location with easy access to landmarks like Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter’s Church. This area is the historic heart of Zurich, known for its charming narrow streets, historic buildings, and cultural attractions.
Enge (District 2) and Riesbach (District 8) are great locations for families who want a more residential local atmosphere, but still being well-connected to the Old Town by public transportation.
You can find some accommodations in the neighborhoods of Langstrasse and Zurich West, but they are not as charming as the areas in Old Town, Enge, and Riesbach. These districts also have plenty of accommodation, so I am sure you will find one that suits your family preferences.
During my trip to Zurich, I traveled as a solo traveler and stayed at the citizenM Zürich. It was a great stay in central Zurich, close to everything, next to the Old Botanical Garden and the famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. Easy access to tram and train stations.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Zurich for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Zurich, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Zurich have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Best areas to stay in Zurich with family:
1. Altstadt (Old Town)
Altstadt, or the Old Town, is the historic heart of Zurich and is a fantastic choice for a family holiday if you appreciate a central location and culturally rich environment.
Staying in Altstadt offers easy access to many of Zurich’s historical and cultural landmarks, such as Grossmünster, Fraumünster, St. Peter’s Church, and the Swiss National Museum. Exploring these attractions provides an insight into Zurich’s rich history.
The narrow cobblestone streets and pedestrian-friendly zones make Altstadt highly walkable. This is convenient for families who enjoy leisurely strolls and exploring the city on foot.
Altstadt offers a mix of traditional and modern shops, boutiques, and galleries. The Niederdorf area, in particular, is known for its vibrant atmosphere, street cafes, and diverse dining options.
Old Town is located right next to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB), the main railway station in Zurich. It is a central transportation hub for both domestic and international travel. It offers direct connections to cities in Germany, Italy, France, and other European countries.
Best places to stay in Zurich Old Town for families with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Storchen Zürich – Lifestyle boutique Hotel, 5-star family-friendly waterfront hotel centrally located in Zurich Old Town, within walking distance from all major attractions. It has its own boat pier at the Limmat River, and comfortable rooms with river/city views. Easy access to tram stations and 10 mins walk from Zurich Main Station. The connecting rooms are great options for families of five.
Mid-range ($$): Boutique Hotel Wellenberg, popular 4-star child-friendly accommodation conveniently located in the beautiful Niederdorf area, in the heart of the historical center. Easy access to the City Hall, Bahnhofstrasse, Paradeplatz, and Grossmünster. A short walk to HB Train Station. They have a beautiful library room and spacious family room, a good option for staying with young kids.
Mid-range ($$): Sorell Hotel St. Peter, a great 4-star hotel in central Old Town, welcomes children of all ages and children 12 and above will be charged as adults. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, Wonderful Breakfast, and a fitness center. Rooms are big and nicely decorated with comfortable beds.
Budget ($): Hotel Adler Zürich, 3-star kid-friendly historic hotel situated in a pedestrian area in central Niederdorf, within easy walking distance to the main sights, Lake Zurich, and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. Only 2 tram stops away from the main railway station. The hotel offers reasonably priced airport shuttle service, very good breakfast, and 24-hour front desk.
Budget ($): Hotel Felix, 3-star family-friendly hotel in a prime location in Old Town Zurich, close to the Zurich Main Train station. Easy access to the Zoological Museum of Zurich, Swiss National Museum, Kunsthaus Zürich, and Lindenhof.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ZURICH2. Enge (District 2)
Enge is a great base for families who want a quiet atmosphere and easy access to the Old Town. It is a popular and affluent area, located right next to the Old Town, and on the western shore of Lake Zurich.
This lakeside location allows for relaxing walks along the promenade, enjoying scenic views of the water and the mountains. Your family can relax, picnic, swim along lakeside parks and botanical gardens such as Arboretum Zürich, Enge Swimming Area Bar, Strandbad Mythenquai, Belvoirpark, and Landiwiese.
You can have easy access to many attractions in Old Town by walking or taking a short tram ride, but the district also has several cultural attractions to explore including Museum Rietberg, FIFA Museum, and Rote Fabrik theater, arts, and concert venue.
This district also offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants. It is well-connected to public transportation, making it convenient to access other parts of Zurich.
Best places to stay in Zurich in Enge with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Park Hyatt Zurich – City Center Luxury, 5-star family-friendly hotel located in Enge in central Zurich, a short distance away from Lake Zurich, and Old Town. Easy access Stockerstrasse Tram Stop, train station, and the airport. The Three-Bedroom Suite can accommodate up to 9 family members, while Two-Bedroom Suite is a great option for families of 5 and 6.
Mid-range ($$): Glärnischhof by TRINITY, 4-star child-friendly hotel located in Enge district, within walking distance to the downtown and the train station. Easy access to the famous Bahnhofstrasse, the congress hall, and the Tonhalle concert hall. It is in a quiet street and rooms are soundproofing.
Budget ($): Motel One Zürich, popular 3-star family-friendly hotel in Zurich, conveniently located close to both Old Town and Enge. You can book two rooms together or connecting rooms for your family. Easy access to major points of interest such as Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse, and Grossmünster. Walking distance from the town center and the train station.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ENGE3. Riesbach (District 8)
Riesbach (District 8) is a residential area situated next to Zurich Old town on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich. This area is characterized by its attractive waterfront, parks, and upscale residential buildings.
The proximity to the lake offers opportunities for lakeside walks, picnics, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. This area is home to numerous green spaces and parks to relax such as the Chinagarten Zürich, Botanical Garden, Seebad Utoquai bathing house, and Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen lake bath.
Staying in Riesbach (District 8) offers your family a quieter and more local atmosphere while still being close to the Old town. Numerous attractions are short walk/ tram ride away including the Opera House, Quaibrücke bridge, Kunsthaus Zürich, and Grossmünster Romanesque cathedral.
Best places to stay in Zurich in Riesbach with family:
Mid-range ($$): AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac, 4-star waterfront hotel welcomes children of all ages and Children 17 and above will be charged as adults. Within walking distance from Zurich Opera House, Bellevueplatz, Fraumünster, and the Botanical Garden. Close to a big co-op supermarket. Easy access to the railway station by tram. Your family can choose rooms with lake views.
Mid-range ($$): CITY STAY – Lindenstrasse good value for money family-friendly accommodation located in a great location near to the lake, the old town, and easy access to Höschgasse tram station. The Two-Bedroom Apartment is great for families of 6, while One-Bedroom Apartment is great for families of 4. It has good facilities for a family with kids and Great base for a short stay.
Budget ($): Alma Hotel, 3-star family-friendly hotel, located in a quiet area in Seefeld, close to Lake Zurich, Opera House, and Bellevue Square. You can find several tram and bus stops nearby as well as numerous restaurants and cafés. Family rooms are spacious and nice.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ZURICHIn conclusion, Altstadt (Old Town), Enge (District 2), and Riesbach (District 8) are the best places to stay in Zurich for families with kids. These areas offer plenty of family-friendly accommodations and easy access to major attractions and tourist amenities.
You can continue reading about Zurich in these articles:
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Zurich. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.