
Central Square Zurich
Central Square Zurich is the vibrant heart of the city, offering easy access to historic charm, stunning views, and efficient transport links.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Central Square Zurich
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Central Square Zurich is the vibrant heart of the city, offering easy access to historic charm, stunning views, and efficient transport links.
"The location is truly perfect, but the hotel itself is has many other perks!"

🎯 Zurich Card is Key
Unlock unlimited public transport & free museum entries. A must-have for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Wander the Old Town
Explore Niederdorf's charming streets, historic churches, and lively cafes.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 950 reviews
Type
Hotel
Website
central.chHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Polybahn Funicular
Central Station to ETH Zurich
Ride this iconic red funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of Zurich's Old Town and the lake.

Old Town (Niederdorf)
Along the Limmat River
Wander through charming cobblestone streets, discover historic churches like Grossmünster, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

ETH Zurich & Polyterrasse
Near Central Station
Visit the university where Einstein studied and enjoy free access to the Polyterrasse for incredible city vistas.

Zoological Museum
Near ETH Zurich
Explore a vast collection of animal skeletons and exhibits for free, a fun and educational stop for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Public Transport
Budget-Savvy Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Zurich Card is Key
Unlock unlimited public transport & free museum entries. A must-have for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Wander the Old Town
Explore Niederdorf's charming streets, historic churches, and lively cafes.
⬆️ Ride the Polybahn
Enjoy stunning city views from the Polyterrasse, especially at sunset.
💰 Free Zoological Museum
Discover animal exhibits for free – a great family-friendly option.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Zurich Card is Key
Unlock unlimited public transport & free museum entries. A must-have for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Wander the Old Town
Explore Niederdorf's charming streets, historic churches, and lively cafes.
⬆️ Ride the Polybahn
Enjoy stunning city views from the Polyterrasse, especially at sunset.
💰 Free Zoological Museum
Discover animal exhibits for free – a great family-friendly option.
🚆 Public Transport is Best
Skip the car rental; Zurich's transit is efficient and covers all key areas.
☕️ Enjoy Local Cafes
Sip on excellent Swiss coffee and people-watch in the city center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise Central Square Zurich's prime location, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city center and accessing the main train station. The staff are frequently noted as friendly and helpful, and the breakfast receives high marks for quality and variety, with special mentions for the excellent coffee. However, some guests found the mattresses to be excessively soft and uncomfortable, impacting sleep quality, and parking can be expensive and challenging for larger vehicles.
"We stayed at the Central Plaza hotel for one night before heading to the airport. The location was very easy to find from the main Zurich train station (about 10 minutes walking) and was perfect for exploring the city center.
The staff were pleasant and helpful, offering some advice on places to walk around.
The room was clean and the bed comfortable, we got upgraded to a view of the river which was quite nice. The breakfast was very good and I definitely recommend including it in your stay. The espresso in particular stood out as one of the better coffees I had in Switzerland.
For the combination of location, service, and breakfast quality, I feel this was a great value and would stay here again if I came to Zurich."
Liam Gandelsman
"The hotel enjoys a prime location and the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. I stayed in a suite, which was decent, though pricing is predictably high for Zurich.
A few practical notes for drivers: parking is CHF 35/day in a neighboring building. Each time you need access, a staff member must accompany you every single time, and the garage is extremely tight. I rented a Maserati Grecale SUV, which barely fit, anything larger risks rim damage. I strongly recommend opting for a smaller vehicle.
Unfortunately, the bed quality was a deal-breaker. The mattress was excessively soft, springy, and squeaky (kind of cheap) and noisy with every movement. Pillows were paper-thin, though foam alternatives were provided upon request. Still, no solution was available for the bed itself, and sleep was very uncomfortable throughout my six-night stay. Bedding preferences may vary, but the lack of firmer options or a firmer mattress pad is a serious oversight.
Due to this major issue with the soft beds, I won’t be spending my money here again. A shame, as the hotel excels in many other areas."
Ryan
"Excellent location, our room had a balcony to watch the city traffic, hectic trams, busses, vehicles, and of course brave cyclists- all mixing it up outside the windows. The room was clean and soundproof and no traffic noise once the windows were closed. Air conditioning in the room.
Breakfast in the cafe was excellent, our gluten free food requests were easily catered for and the staff waiting on us were excellent.if staying here just ask the staff on your 1st breakfast they were fabulous."
jen allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Zurich Airport (ZRH), take a train directly to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station), which is a short walk or a quick tram ride to Central Square. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes.
Yes, Zurich boasts an excellent and punctual public transport system, including trams, buses, and trains. Consider purchasing a day pass or the Zurich Card for unlimited travel.
Absolutely! Central Square is a pedestrian-friendly area, and it's the perfect starting point to explore the Old Town and the Limmat River on foot.
Leverage the efficient public transport system. Walking is also a great way to see the city center, and many attractions are within easy reach.
If you plan to visit multiple museums and use public transport extensively, the Zurich Card is highly recommended. It offers free entry to many attractions and unlimited travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes! You can enjoy free entry to the Zoological Museum, walk along the Limmat River, explore the Old Town (Niederdorf), and take in the views from the Polyterrasse.
The Polybahn funicular is part of Zurich's public transport system. If you have a valid public transport ticket or the Zurich Card, the ride is included.
For most attractions like the Zoological Museum or ETH Zurich, advance booking isn't necessary. However, for popular museums or special exhibitions, it's always a good idea to check their official websites.
The Old Town (Niederdorf) is always accessible, with shops and restaurants typically open from morning until late evening. Specific business hours may vary.
The ETH Zurich campus itself is generally free to enter and explore. The Polyterrasse viewing platform is also accessible without a fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the iconic Grossmünster church, a stroll through the charming Niederdorf district, and the panoramic views from the Polyterrasse.
Zurich is considered a very safe city for solo travelers, even at night. However, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Simply wander through the cobblestone streets, pop into local shops, enjoy a coffee at a cafe, and admire the historic architecture.
Yes, the Polyterrasse offers stunning cityscapes, the Limmat River provides picturesque bridges and waterfront views, and the Old Town's alleys are very photogenic.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll likely be doing a lot of exploring on foot. Dress in layers, as the weather can change.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Look for bakeries, supermarkets (like Coop or Migros) for picnic supplies, or consider hotels with kitchens if you're on a tight budget.
While in Zurich, try Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce), Swiss chocolate, and fondue if you have the chance.
Yes, the area around Central Square and Niederdorf is filled with cafes offering coffee, pastries, and light meals.
Dining out in Zurich can be expensive. To save money, consider having breakfast at your hotel or a bakery, and perhaps a picnic lunch.
Most restaurants in Zurich offer vegetarian options, and many cafes have salads and sandwiches.
📸 📸 Photography
The Polyterrasse for city panoramas, the bridges over the Limmat River, the historic Grossmünster church, and the charming streets of Niederdorf are all excellent photo locations.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but the Old Town's narrow streets offer shade.
Drone usage is restricted in many urban areas, including Zurich, due to privacy and safety regulations. Always check local ordinances before flying.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for cityscapes and street photography. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of buildings.
Photography policies vary by museum. Many allow non-flash photography for personal use, but it's best to check the specific museum's rules.











Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit