The historic center of Zurich (Altstadt in German) consists of the District 1 area (Kreis 1), with charming cobbled streets, numerous attractions, restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and boutiques.
Below you will find a complete guide with the main attractions of the historic city center, and suggestions for hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars in the region.
Main Attractions in Zurich’s Old Town
Zurich Old Town – Photo Credit: Mircea X
1. Grossmünster – a church with two towers and one of the main symbols of the city of Zurich. Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
2. Fraumünster – a church located a short distance from the Grossmünster, and another important Zurich landmark. Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
3. St. Peter – a church with a clock on its tower near Lindenhof Hill. St. Peterhofstatt 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
4. Lindenhof – a hill that offers panoramic views of Zurich. Lindenhof, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.
5. Limmatquai – a street on the banks of the river Limmat that houses shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.
6. Bahnhofstrasse – Zurich’s main shopping street, known for hosting numerous luxury brand stores. 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.
7. Swiss National Museum – a museum with exhibits showing the history of Switzerland. Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.
Hotels in Zurich’s Old Town
Photo Credit: Widder Hotel
Ruby Mimi Hotel & Bar – hotel with modern facilities close to Central Station. All rooms have a TV and a work desk. The hotel has a bar. Beatenpl. 4, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland. Book here.
Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind – a hotel opened in 2021 with decor inspired by the history of Swiss chocolate. Rooms have a TV, electric kettle and minibar. Zähringerstrasse 46, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Hotel Alexander Zurich – hotel with cozy accommodation. Rooms are equipped with a TV and work desk. Niederdorfstrasse 40, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Storchen Zurich – a boutique hotel with elegant decor. The rooms have a TV, work desk, coffee machine, and minibar. Some rooms offer a river view. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant and bar. Weinpl. 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Hotel Wellenberg – a boutique hotel with great value for money. The rooms are cozy and have a TV, work desk and electric kettle. Niederdorfstrasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Marktgasse – a hotel located very close to Grossmünster and Limmatquai. Rooms are equipped with a TV and work desk. Marktgasse 17, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Sorell Hotel St. Peter – a hotel with modern facilities and excellent evaluation by several travelers. The rooms have a TV, a coffee machine, and a minibar. The hotel has a gym. In Gassen 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Hotel St. Gotthard – a family-run hotel located right on the famous Bahnhofstrasse. Rooms have a TV and offer tea and coffee-making facilities. Bahnhofstrasse 87, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Hotel Adler Zurich – a hotel highly rated by many travelers and home to the Swiss restaurant Swiss Chuchi. The rooms have a TV and minibar. Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Widder Hotel – a hotel located a short distance from Bahnhofstrasse. The rooms are equipped with a TV, a work desk, a coffee machine, and a minibar. The hotel has a gym. Rennweg 7, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Baur au Lac – a luxury hotel offering views of Lake Zurich and spacious, comfortable accommodations. Rooms are equipped with a TV and minibar. The hotel has a gym, 2 restaurants, and a bar. Talstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Book here.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars in the Historic Center of Zurich
Charming Historic City Center of Zurich – Photo Credit: Tomek Baginski
Zeughauskeller – a Swiss restaurant located in a historic building serving craft beers. Bahnhofstrasse 28A, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.zeughauskeller.ch. Price: $$.
Swiss Chuchi Restaurant – a famous Swiss restaurant. Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: hotel-adler.ch. Price: $$.
Confiserie Sprüngli – a traditional café and confiserie. Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse 21, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.spruengli.ch. Price: $$$.
Grande Café & Bar – a café and bar close to the Limmat river banks and the Mühesteg Bridge. Limmatquai 118, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.grande.bar. Price: $$.
Rheinfelder Bierhalle – one of Zurich’s oldest breweries opened in 1870 Niederdorfstrasse 76, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.rheinfelderbierhalle.com. Price: $.
Bar Nelson – a bar with options for hamburgers, snacks, and food to share with friends. Beatengasse 11, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: nelsonpubzurich.ch. Price: $$.
Raclette Factoy – a Swiss restaurant with a modern and rustic atmosphere, highlighting the hot dishes with the famous Swiss raclette cheese. Rindermarkt 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.raclette-factory.ch. Price: $$.
The Butcher – a famous burger joint in the historic center of Zurich. Stüssihofstatt 15, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.butcher.ch. Price: $$.
Confiserie Honold – a café and confiserie with other units in the Canton of Zurich. Rennweg 53, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.honold.ch. Price: $$.
Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten – a restaurant located in a historic building near the banks of the Limmat with a terrace. It serves traditional Swiss dishes. Limmatquai 40, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: zunfthaus-zimmerleuten.ch. Price: $$.
Café Henrici – a café that serves delicious coffee, pastries, bagels, and a weekend brunch. Niederdorfstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: cafe-henrici.ch. Price: $$.
dieci Gelateria & Take-Away Zürich – a casual restaurant that serves Italian dishes including pizzas, pasta, and gelatos at reasonable prices. Niederdorfstrasse 40, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.dieci.ch. Price: $$.
Steakhouse Old Town – a restaurant with a varied range of fresh lunch menus and a full menu from 4 pm. Niederdorfstrasse 19, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.steakhouse-oldtown.ch. Price: $$$.
Zurich’s Old Town Map
Featured Photo by Tomek Baginski
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See also
3-Day Zurich Itinerary: Detailed Information and Map
Canton of Zurich: Largest Towns and Top Attractions
Top 20 Destinations You Must Visit in Switzerland
Where to Buy Chocolate in Zurich: 10 Suggestions for Stores and Supermarkets
Shopping in Switzerland: Your Guide to Department Stores, Outlets, and Tax-Free Shopping