Zurich on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
A budget trip to Zurich is possible, but it is still expensive by any standard. A realistic minimum is about CHF 160 a day per person sharing a room — CHF 80 for a bed, CHF 50 for food, CHF 20 for sights and CHF 10 for transport.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | CHF80 | CHF150 | CHF300 |
| Food & drink | CHF50 | CHF100 | CHF180 |
| Sights & tickets | CHF20 | CHF40 | CHF70 |
| Local transport | CHF10 | CHF15 | CHF30 |
| Per person, per day | CHF160 | CHF305 | CHF580 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Zurich day-cost table.
Free things to do
- The view over the Limmat from Lindenhof
- Walking the old town lanes of Niederdorf
- The Grossmünster church (tower climb extra)
- The lake promenade from Bürkliplatz to Zürichhorn
- Swimming at the Oberer Letten river pool in summer
- Drinking from the city's 1,200 public fountains
Cheap eats
- Bratwurst with bread from a street stand — about CHF 8–10
- Supermarket ready meals from Coop or Migros — about CHF 8–15
- Self-service buffet at Migros or Coop restaurants — about CHF 12–20
- Hiltl vegetarian buffet priced by weight — about CHF 20–30 for a plate
- Döner kebab around Langstrasse — about CHF 10–14
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in the hostels and simple hotels of Kreis 4 around Langstrasse, about 10 minutes from the main station. Hostel dorm beds typically cost about CHF 45–70 a night and simple doubles CHF 130–200.
Getting around cheaply
Walk the compact old town and use trams for longer distances. A single city trip costs about CHF 4.60; a day pass is better value for several trips. The train from Zurich Airport to the main station takes 10–12 minutes and costs about CHF 7. Avoid taxis, which are very expensive.
A sample budget day
- Morning: walk to Lindenhof, St Peter's and the Grossmünster (free)
- Lunch: supermarket ready meal by the lake (about CHF 12)
- Afternoon: Fraumünster's Chagall windows (about CHF 5), lake promenade and a swim (free)
- Evening: bratwurst or a self-service dinner (about CHF 20), one beer (about CHF 8), tram day pass (about CHF 10)
- Total: about CHF 160 including a hostel bed or shared room (about CHF 80)
More ways to save
- Choose accommodation with breakfast included, which saves CHF 15–25 a day.
- Picnic by the lake or river instead of eating at restaurants every meal.
- Book hostels early for summer and Street Parade weekend.
- Use the Zurich Card if you plan museums and lots of transport in a day.
- Visit in summer for free swimming and outdoor activities.
- Check for free museum days and free entry for some collections.
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Common questions
How much money do I need per day in Zurich?
About CHF 160 per person on a budget, CHF 305 mid-range and CHF 580 for comfort, sharing a room.
What is the cheapest way from Zurich Airport to the city?
The train to the main station, about 10–12 minutes and CHF 7.
How can I eat cheaply in Zurich?
Use Coop and Migros supermarkets and their self-service restaurants, and street stands for bratwurst.