How to Find Cheap Hotels in Zürich, Switzerland. Zürich is Switzerland's largest city, known for its industry, sophistication and nightlife. Zürich features the largest airport in the country as well as the busiest railway station. Find cheap accommodations in this city easily when armed a little bit of knowledge.
Know the city layout. Zürich sits on the northwestern corner of Lake Zürich and is split in two by the Limmat River. The modern heart of Zürich, including the train station and many churches, is on the west side of the river. The east side of the river includes the quaint streets of the Old Town and Niederdorfstrasse, the center of Zürich's bar district.
Pay attention to seasonal events, as they can affect the availability of accommodations. For example, you may want to travel to Zürich in early August to take part in the the annual Street parade--Europe's largest open-air rave. If so, book your accommodations early.
Visit some of Zürich's landmark churches, including St. Peter's Church, the Gothic Fraumunster, and Grossmünster, a Romanesque church that used to serve as the symbol of Zürich.
Go skiing by train. Buy a ski-rail pass at Hauptbahnhof, ride out in the morning, ski, and be back in time for dinner.
Arrive at Zürich International Airport, located in the nearby community of Kloten. Take a train for the 15-minute transit to the city center.
Ride into the main train station, Hauptbahnhof, conveniently located downtown with easy access to mass transit. Once you're plugged into the mass transit system, you can get anywhere you want to go.
Find hostels around or near Zürich's city center, where you can get a dormitory-style bed and breakfast for around 30 CHF (see Resources, below).
Forego a little luxury and stay in one of Zürich's many 1-star hotels. These accommodations are cheap, but they are not dilapidated or poorly located. The 1-star rating only refers to the amenities package.
Look for cheap hotels in West Zürich. Hotels in East Zürich are typically more expensive, due to the desirability of staying near Niederdorfstrasse. West Zürich has its own collection of bars, clubs and restaurants that make staying on this side of the city worthwhile.
