Zurich is divided into 12 city districts, known as "Kreise", and 34 statistical neighborhoods, known as "Quartiere". Each area has its own character, housing market, transport connections, green spaces and lifestyle.
The right neighborhood depends on what you need. A student may prefer central and well-connected areas, while a family may prioritize schools, green space and larger apartments. Professionals may prefer neighborhoods with fast connections to Zurich's major employment centers.
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What Is a Kreis in Zurich?
A Kreis is one of Zurich's 12 official city districts. The districts are numbered from Kreis 1 to Kreis 12. Within several districts there are smaller statistical neighborhoods, or Quartiere.
For example, Kreis 7 includes Fluntern, Hottingen, Hirslanden and Witikon, while Kreis 11 includes Affoltern, Oerlikon and Seebach.
This distinction is useful when searching for an apartment because property listings and official statistics may refer either to the district or to the individual neighborhood.
Zurich's 12 Districts and 34 Neighborhoods
The following overview follows Zurich's official district and neighborhood structure. Zurich's districts range from the historic city center to lakeside neighborhoods, hillside residential areas and the growing northern parts of the city.
Kreis 1 Old Town & City Center
Kreis 1 is the historic and commercial heart of Zurich. It includes the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, major cultural attractions and important transport connections.
Historic central area on the right bank of the Limmat.
Home to major university and ETH buildings and close to cultural attractions.
One of Zurich's oldest areas, centered around the historic Lindenhof hill.
Zurich's main commercial center, including Bahnhofstrasse.
Kreis 2 Lake Zurich – Enge, Wollishofen & Leimbach
Kreis 2 stretches along the left shore of Lake Zurich and combines lakeside living with quieter residential areas.
A popular residential area close to the lake with parks and recreational spaces.
A greener southern neighborhood that is generally less expensive than the city center.
Highly convenient area close to Lake Zurich, Enge station and the city center.
Kreis 3 Wiedikon
Kreis 3 is one of Zurich's most popular urban residential areas. It combines local shops, restaurants, cafés and excellent connections with proximity to Uetliberg.
A lively residential area with cafés, restaurants and convenient connections.
A greener residential area at the foot of Uetliberg.
Established residential neighborhood with good access to central Zurich.
Kreis 4 Langstrasse & Aussersihl
Kreis 4 is one of Zurich's most lively and multicultural areas. It is particularly known for restaurants, nightlife, bars and urban city life.
Central neighborhood south of the main commercial center.
One of Zurich's most energetic areas, with restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Urban residential and commercial area with convenient connections.
Kreis 5 Zürich-West
Kreis 5 has transformed from an industrial district into one of Zurich's most modern areas, with offices, apartments, restaurants, cultural venues and nightlife.
A dense urban neighborhood between the main station and Limmat.
Modern Zurich-West area with offices, new housing and major commercial developments.
Kreis 6 University Quarter
Kreis 6 sits north of the city center and is popular with students, academics, professionals and families. It combines residential streets, green areas and proximity to universities.
Convenient residential neighborhood close to the city center.
Leafy residential area close to ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.
Kreis 7 Zürichberg
Kreis 7 is located on the Zürichberg hillside. It is known for green surroundings, attractive views and prestigious residential areas.
Hillside neighborhood close to the zoo and Zürichberg.
Popular residential area between the city center and Zürichberg.
Established hillside residential neighborhood.
Higher-elevation residential area with a quieter atmosphere.
Kreis 8 Seefeld & Right Shore of Lake Zurich
Kreis 8 occupies the right shore of Lake Zurich and is particularly popular for lakeside living, restaurants, parks and attractive residential streets.
Trendy lakeside neighborhood with restaurants, boutiques and excellent connections.
Attractive residential area close to the lake and city center.
Residential area toward the eastern side of Kreis 8.
Kreis 9 Altstetten & Albisrieden
Kreis 9 is located southwest of central Zurich and combines established residential neighborhoods with excellent transport connections and large green areas.
Residential area with a village-like character in parts and access to green spaces.
One of Zurich's largest neighborhoods, with extensive housing, shops and major transport connections.
Kreis 10 Höngg & Wipkingen
Kreis 10 lies on the western side of the Limmat and combines urban living with hillside neighborhoods and green spaces.
Popular residential neighborhood with a more suburban atmosphere and vineyards.
Popular urban neighborhood near the Limmat and close to central Zurich.
Kreis 11 Zürich North
Kreis 11 is in northern Zurich and includes some of the city's largest residential areas. It offers strong connections to Zurich Airport and the wider region.
Large northern residential neighborhood with ongoing development.
Major transport and business center with extensive housing and shopping.
Large residential neighborhood in northern Zurich with convenient regional connections.
Kreis 12 Schwamendingen
Kreis 12 is in northeastern Zurich and has a more residential and green character than the city center. The area is particularly attractive to people looking for more space and access to parks.
Residential area with parks and family-oriented housing.
The central part of Schwamendingen with local services and residential housing.
Residential neighborhood in northeastern Zurich.
Best Zurich Neighborhoods for Different Lifestyles
There is no single "best" neighborhood in Zurich. The ideal location depends on your budget, workplace, family situation and preferred lifestyle.
| What You Want | Areas to Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City-center lifestyle | Altstadt, City, Rathaus, Lindenhof | Maximum centrality, shopping, restaurants and historic attractions. |
| Young professionals | Wiedikon, Langstrasse, Zürich-West, Seefeld | Restaurants, nightlife, cafés, offices and strong transport connections. |
| Families | Höngg, Albisrieden, Wollishofen, Witikon, Friesenberg | More residential surroundings, green spaces and family-oriented housing. |
| Students | Hochschulen, Oberstrass, Unterstrass, Wiedikon | Good access to ETH Zurich, University of Zurich and central areas. |
| Lakeside living | Enge, Seefeld, Mühlebach, Wollishofen | Close to Lake Zurich, parks and waterfront recreation. |
| Airport access | Oerlikon, Seebach, Affoltern | Northern Zurich provides convenient connections toward the airport. |
| More affordable options | Leimbach, Affoltern, Schwamendingen, Höngg | Generally lower rental levels than the most expensive central and lakeside areas. |
| Luxury / prestigious areas | Seefeld, Mühlebach, Enge, Fluntern, Hottingen | Attractive locations, views, lakeside access or prestigious residential surroundings. |
Zurich Neighborhoods and Rent Prices
Housing costs can vary significantly between Zurich neighborhoods. The city's official rental statistics show that location is an important factor when comparing apartments.
In the City's 2024 rental-price analysis, Altstadt had the highest median rent level per square meter among the neighborhoods reported. Riesbach followed, while Hottingen, Enge, Oberstrass and Fluntern were also among the higher-priced areas. The lower-priced group included Leimbach, Affoltern, Schwamendingen and Höngg.
This means that moving only a few kilometers away from the city center can make a meaningful difference to your housing budget.
See the Complete Zurich Cost of Living GuideCentral Zurich vs. Outer Neighborhoods
Living in Central Zurich
- Shorter distances to shops and restaurants
- Excellent public transport
- More nightlife and cultural activities
- Often smaller apartments
- Generally higher housing costs
- Less private outdoor space
Living Outside the Center
- More residential atmosphere
- Potentially more living space
- More green areas in many neighborhoods
- Often better suited to families
- Usually lower rents than the most expensive central areas
- Still excellent public transport
Best Zurich Neighborhoods for Expats
Zurich is highly international, and many newcomers choose neighborhoods based on their workplace, transport connections and access to services rather than simply choosing the city center.
Popular choices can include Wiedikon, Enge, Seefeld, Oerlikon, Wollishofen, Höngg, Altstetten and Zürich-West. However, the best choice depends heavily on where you work and your budget.
Best Zurich Neighborhoods for Families
Families often look beyond the central nightlife districts and prioritize green space, schools, apartment size, quiet streets and convenient transport.
Areas worth investigating include Höngg, Albisrieden, Wollishofen, Friesenberg, Witikon, Affoltern and parts of Schwamendingen.
However, "family-friendly" does not necessarily mean inexpensive. Some quieter hillside and lakeside neighborhoods have high housing costs. Always compare the actual apartment, school location, commute and rent.
Best Zurich Neighborhoods for Students
Students at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich and other institutions often benefit from living close to university campuses or along major tram and train routes.
Hochschulen, Oberstrass, Unterstrass and Wiedikon can be particularly convenient depending on the campus and budget.
Students should also consider Oerlikon and other well-connected areas if central rents are too high.
Choosing a Neighborhood Based on Your Commute
Zurich's public transportation system makes neighborhood selection more flexible. Trains, trams and buses connect the central districts with residential areas throughout the city.
For example, people working near the main station may prefer neighborhoods such as Wiedikon, Wipkingen, Oerlikon, Unterstrass or Altstetten depending on their preferred route.
If you work near Zurich Airport, northern neighborhoods such as Oerlikon and Seebach may be worth considering.
Explore Zurich Public TransportHow to Choose the Right Neighborhood in Zurich
- Set your housing budget. Calculate the maximum rent you can comfortably afford.
- Check your commute. Look at the actual door-to-door journey rather than just the distance.
- Decide how much space you need. A central studio can cost more than a larger apartment farther from the center.
- Consider your lifestyle. Think about nightlife, restaurants, parks, lake access and quiet streets.
- Check transport connections. A neighborhood with a nearby tram, train or bus stop can save significant time every week.
- Visit the area at different times. A neighborhood can feel completely different during the day, evening and weekend.
- Compare the actual apartment. Neighborhood averages are useful, but apartment condition, floor, balcony, noise and location can have a major effect on value.
Do Not Choose a Zurich Neighborhood Based Only on Rent
The cheapest apartment is not always the cheapest overall choice. A lower rent can be offset by a longer commute, higher transportation costs or a location that does not fit your lifestyle.
For example, paying somewhat more for an apartment close to work can sometimes reduce commuting time and transportation expenses.
- Check the exact monthly rent and additional charges.
- Check the apartment's location relative to public transport.
- Check noise levels.
- Check nearby supermarkets and services.
- Check the commute to work or university.
- Check whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished.
- Understand the security deposit and rental conditions.
Related Zurich Guides
Frequently Asked Questions About Zurich Neighborhoods
How many neighborhoods are there in Zurich?
Zurich has 12 official city districts, known as Kreise, and 34 statistical neighborhoods, known as Quartiere.
What is the best neighborhood in Zurich?
There is no single best neighborhood. Seefeld and Enge can appeal to people who want lakeside living, Wiedikon is popular for urban residential life, Oerlikon is attractive for transport connections, while Höngg, Albisrieden and other outer areas can suit people looking for a more residential environment.
What is the cheapest neighborhood in Zurich?
Rental prices vary by apartment and neighborhood. Official Zurich rental statistics have identified Leimbach, Affoltern, Schwamendingen and Höngg among the lower-priced neighborhoods in the city's rental analysis, while central and lakeside areas tend to be more expensive.
What is the most expensive area of Zurich?
The official 2024 rental analysis found Altstadt to have the highest median rent per square meter among the neighborhoods analyzed. Other high-priced areas included Riesbach, Hottingen, Enge, Oberstrass and Fluntern.
Which Zurich neighborhoods are good for families?
Families often consider Höngg, Albisrieden, Wollishofen, Friesenberg, Witikon, Affoltern and parts of Schwamendingen. The best choice depends on housing costs, schools, commute and access to green space.
Which Zurich neighborhood is best for students?
Hochschulen, Oberstrass, Unterstrass and Wiedikon can be convenient for students, depending on the location of their university or campus. Well-connected neighborhoods farther from the center can also be practical when rent is the priority.
Is Oerlikon a good place to live?
Oerlikon is an important transport and business center in northern Zurich. Its strong rail connections and access to shopping and services make it a practical choice for many professionals and international residents.
Is Wiedikon a good area in Zurich?
Yes. Wiedikon is a popular urban residential area with restaurants, cafés, shops and good transport connections. It can be particularly attractive to professionals and people who want to remain close to the city center.
Is Seefeld expensive?
Seefeld is one of Zurich's desirable lakeside areas and housing costs are generally high. Its location near Lake Zurich, restaurants, recreation and the city center contributes to its popularity.
Is Zurich a good city for expats?
Zurich is an international city with strong employment opportunities, excellent public transportation and a large number of multinational companies. Housing costs are high, so neighborhood selection can have a major impact on a newcomer's budget.
Zurich Neighborhood Data Sources
This guide uses the official district and neighborhood structure of the City of Zurich and information from Zurich Tourism. Rental information should be treated as a guide rather than a quotation for a particular apartment because actual rents vary considerably.
- City of Zurich – Statistics and neighborhood information
- Zurich Tourism – Zurich's 12 districts
- City of Zurich – official rental-price statistics
Last reviewed: August 2026