Introduction to Zurich

Zurich is located beside the picturesque Lake Zurich and offers the best experience in every aspect with its magnificent public transport system, postcard-like old town stretching along both sides of the Limmat River, world-famous museums filled with culture, and great bars and nightlife. For this reason, the city consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities. However, despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Zurich offers many budget-friendly activities if you know where and when to go. Curious? Here is my budget-friendly travel guide for Zurich.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Zurich

Capsule Hotel Alpine Garden

Located directly across from check-in 1 at Zurich Airport, Capsule Hotel Alpine Garden offers 144 capsules in 8 bedrooms, separate bathroom areas, a small gym, and a café area for breakfast, drinks, and snacks.

If you are arriving late at night or have a late flight and are looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation at Zurich Airport, this is the perfect place for you. By booking at least a month in advance, you can find prices ranging from 60-70 CHF.

Additionally, you can use the code CAPSULE15 to get a 15% discount at Capsule Hotel Alpine Garden and currently at other locations in Lucerne and Basel.

The capsules are designed as Japanese-style pod beds but are produced in Switzerland. For a few extra francs, you can reserve the lower level. Although the rooms are mixed-gender, there is also a female-only dormitory available if you prefer. Additionally, there is one capsule that is wheelchair accessible and five capsules with larger sliding doors for those with limited mobility.

There are separate shared toilet/shower rooms for men and women, as well as an accessible toilet/shower room. The capsules have sliding doors that can be locked, and the key is obtained via an app activated with Bluetooth on your smartphone or a 4-digit pin code you receive during check-in. This way, you have the key to both your room and your capsule.

Inside the capsule, there is a comfortable bed, lighting, a mirror, a few clothing hangers, a very quiet ventilation system, a picture of clouds on the ceiling, and views of the Swiss Alps inside. There is space under the lower capsule to store your luggage and shoes. Additionally, if needed, cable locks and a separate luggage storage room are available.

The most notable feature of the hotel is the lounge area. There is a host available 24 hours a day. The area is filled with desks that have beautiful views of the terminal window, making it a great place to work and people-watch.

A variety of wines and cocktails are available upon request. There is a supermarket about a 10-minute walk from the terminal, but if you're feeling lazy, snacks like Pot Noodles are available, and excellent flammkuchen and pizza are baked in the oven (cookies are also available).

Breakfast includes cereals, fresh croissants, jams, etc. There is also a coffee machine available. A full continental breakfast costs around 14 CHF.

There is no TV on the premises. There are table groups where you can play board games or chess with your friends. Additionally, there is a book exchange shelf. The decor is low-key Danish Modern style. Overall, there is a quite relaxed atmosphere.

Free Activities to Do in Zurich

1. Zurich's Hidden Doors

This may seem like it jumped out of an Indiana Jones movie… but what if I told you that in the heart of Zurich, there are three hidden doors, each a time capsule and a portal to the town's ancient Roman history? And a key is needed to access these doors… here’s how to get the key.

Hidden from the eyes of tourists and locals, history enthusiasts can discover archaeological sites in Zurich's Old Town, tucked away in a street, an underground garage, or beneath Lindenhof. At these places, known as Portals or "archaeological windows," you can explore remnants such as the ruins of a Roman fort, ancient palafittes, and the Ehgraben sewer; each site offers a fascinating glimpse into how medieval towns managed waste.

Most sites are open to the public for free, including areas at Parkhaus Opéra and Thermengasse. However, access to Ehgraben, Lindenhof-Keller, Stadtmauerkeller, and Brunngasse requires a key, which you can obtain from Stadthaus (City Hall) at Stadthausquai 17, Counter S. It is open from Monday to Saturday, so don’t forget to check the hours. You will need to leave your ID as a security deposit, so bring it with you. Additionally, you will receive a map of all the locations for this magical exploration.

2. The Best View in Zurich: Hiking to Uetliburg

Uetliburg, popular among locals, hikers, and cyclists seeking an escape from the city's chaos, is an excellent getaway. At an elevation of 2850 feet above sea level, Zurich's own mountain offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. If you’re lucky, on a clear day, you can see not only the magnificent views of the city but also the Alps.

Uetliburg becomes more crowded in the autumn months when thick fog blankets the entire city and in the winter months when the hiking trails leading down from the summit become popular for sledding.

You have the option to hike to the summit, or if you’re not feeling energetic, you can take a short train ride from the main train station followed by a brief walk to the viewpoint. There is a café and bar at the viewpoint, so you can enjoy a coffee or drink while taking in these beautiful views.

3. Museums You Can Visit for Free in Zurich

Before talking about art, as an architecture enthusiast, I must say that 1.Kunsthaus Zürich is one of the most beautiful museums in the world, like the Fondation Beyeler in Basel. In 2021, David Chipperfield built a light-filled, cubic extension that is as striking as the artistic works inside. Now, speaking of art, this museum houses one of the largest collections of contemporary art, featuring the largest collection of Munch paintings outside Norway, along with works by famous names such as Picasso, van Gogh, Chagall, Warhol, and Hamilton.

In addition to all this, with a design shop, a bar, and an "Art Garden," this museum is a must-visit. On Wednesdays, you can enter the entire collection (excluding exhibitions) for free, which also applies to children under 14.

2.Kunsthalle Zurich can be visited for free on Thursdays starting from 5:00 PM, and you receive a 20% discount if you have a Zurich Card.

The Swiss National Museum in Zurich, 3.Landesmuseum Zürich, is another museum that you can visit for free with the Zurich card. This museum is one of the most important cultural and historical museums showcasing Switzerland's rich heritage through extensive collections spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum sheds light on the country's diverse history by offering exhibitions on Swiss culture, archaeology, and art. Its iconic building, a mix of historical and modern architecture, is a dream for photography.

4. Budget-Friendly Eating and Drinking Places in Zurich

a) The Cheapest and Classiest Place to Drink in Zurich - Edi's Weinstube

This bar might be the cheapest place for a glass of wine in Zurich at 4 CHF. However, Edi’s is not just limited to that; it is an establishment that brings together people from various age groups. Additionally, it functions as a pornography art museum showcasing works by new artists. You will find fun visuals around the bar, so this may not be suitable for everyone. There is also a wine shop where you can buy a bottle of wine for 9.90 CHF (takeout is available until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays).

b) Ass-bar

During your travels, you often encounter a simple and bright concept and wonder why it is not everywhere in the world. Here, I want to introduce you to Ass-Bar (the name is a pun meaning "edible" in Swiss German), a different bakery. The concept of Äss-Bar is simple. Like any bakery, you will find day-old and discounted pastries, sandwiches, and drinks here. Everything is sold at 50% of the original price, so in terms of value, this is the best deal in the city. This serves as an affordable food source for both locals and tourists, as well as a way for the owner to contribute to the community and reduce food waste. When you see one in Zurich or anywhere in Switzerland, go in and contribute.

c) Bar Basso

Bar Basso, located on Schanzengraben with a beautiful outdoor terrace, is a relaxed restaurant bar where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine. It offers some of the best pizzas in the city, and it’s worth trying the shared plates on its menu called Tavolata.

d) Dine at Haus Hiltl, the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant since 1898!

With over 100 meal options, all kinds of vegetarian dishes like pesto pasta, crispy greens, spicy daal, tofu curry, and Thai green curry can be found at the buffet counter of Haus Hiltl, which many consider the best vegetarian restaurant in the world. The meals served, along with salads and desserts, make it a true feast. Here, meals are sold by weight, minimizing food waste in true Swiss style; this is a lesson many buffet restaurants around the world could learn from. Prices are not cheap by local standards, but it is a place not to be missed in terms of quality and ambiance. I should also mention that this restaurant has been the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world since 1898. It has several locations in Zurich. We preferred the Dachterrasse restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace, which is a perfect spot to be on a sunny day. It also offers a variety of fresh juices and lemonades that beautifully complement the meals (I tried the passion fruit lemonade).

Day Trips: Exploring Outside Zurich

5. Visit Rapperswil

Are you looking for day trip ideas from Zurich? Sue, the manager of the Alpine Garden hotel, recommends visiting her hometown at the southern tip of Lake Zurich, locally from beautiful Rapperswil.

This medieval town, which has a beautiful castle with a Mediterranean atmosphere perched on a hill, offers panoramic views from the Glarus Alps to Zurich Oberland. Rapperswil is a town filled with narrow streets waiting to be painted, numerous boutique shopping options, and great places to eat and drink on open terraces in nice weather. The town is known as the "City of Roses" with 16,000 roses blooming in the gardens of the Capuchin Monastery by the lakeside.

One of the most interesting features of the town is the half-mile long, 8.2 feet wide wooden bridge that connects Rapperswil to the neighboring town of Hurden at the narrowest point of the lake. If you are traveling by train from Zurich, I recommend changing trains in Rapperswil to catch the train to Hurden, so you can walk along the bridge and follow the path of ancient pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela.

What You Need to Know: Traveling to Rapperswil is free with the Swiss Travel Card, and Zurich Card users will need to purchase a 4-zone additional ticket that allows them to travel within the Zurich transport network.

Tip: I recommend Gioia de Vita (Klugstrasse 10) for good coffee and pastries. Hotel & Restaurant Jakob is also recommended by local Sue for drinks or meals.

6. Visit Chur

Another excellent day trip from Zurich is Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland. This city, combining historical charm with breathtaking natural beauty, serves as a gateway to the Alps and acts as a bridge between Germany and Italy. The city is surrounded by lush vineyards, impressive heritage buildings, and picturesque mountains. Life here moves at a calm and peaceful pace, referred to in the local language as "Patgific." Chur also has an interesting yet dark history. This city, home to the famous artist HR Giger, also housed Switzerland's most notorious prison, which has now transformed into the modern and stylish Bogentrakt Hostel. Run by Marco, this hostel is a sustainable paradise for remote workers. Additionally, Chur offers a wide range of interests with its great local cuisine and vibrant bars. Whether you are an avid hiker, a Giger fan, a train enthusiast, or just want to taste the "patgific" lifestyle, Chur has something for every traveler. Curious? Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Chur.

7. More Day Trips from Zurich

Among other excellent day trips from Zurich are Basel and Lucerne. These cities are also great destinations in their own right, so don't forget to check out my budget-friendly travel Basel and Lucerne guides.

8. Best Tip: Save on Public Transport by Investing in a Zurich Card and Gain Free Access to Museums

Zurich has one of the best public transport systems in the world, including trams, buses, trains, and boats. Everything works like clockwork, making it easy to take day trips within the city or to places like Uetliburg. If you want to save money, I highly recommend investing in a Zurich Card.

The Zurich Card provides easy access to many attractions in Zurich for tourists and locals. It offers unlimited travel by tram, bus, train, boat, and cable car in the city and surrounding areas. This allows for free travel between Zurich Airport and the city center, making it a practical option for those arriving by plane. Additionally, it includes access to Uetliberg and mini boat tours on Lake Zurich. Cardholders also receive free or discounted entry to museums (such as Kunsthaus Zurich and the Swiss National Museum), access to various entertainment activities, and discounts at selected restaurants and shops. The card is available for 24 or 72 hours, providing a flexible option for exploring Zurich easily. You can visit the Zurich Card page for more details.

If you are a train enthusiast and planning a major trip to Switzerland, don't forget to check out my budget travel guide in Switzerland.

9. Frequently Asked Questions: Zurich Budget Travel

Q: Is Zurich expensive?

A: Although Switzerland is known for its high costs, our guide proves that budget-friendly travel is possible with smart planning. Stay at Capsule Hotel Alpine Garden (don’t forget to use this discount code CAPSULE15 for a 15% discount at Capsule Hotel Alpine Garden and currently at other locations in Lucerne and Basel), take advantage of free museum opening hours, hike to Uetliburg, go tubing in the river during the summer - you can enjoy the best things in Zurich without straining your budget.

Q: What is the best way to save on food in Zurich?

A: Try places like Äss-Bar and Haus Hiltl, and take advantage of buffet-style restaurants.

Q: What is the best method of transportation in Zurich?

A: The Zurich Card offers unlimited public transport and additional discounts, making it the best investment you can make to save while visiting Zurich.

Note: Prices and availability may vary. Be sure to check for updated information before your trip.