Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Zurich
Summary: If you're single and moving to Zurich, here are some of the best neighborhoods for single people.
Zurich, is a vibrant city that offers a high quality of life, picturesque landscapes, and a rich cultural scene. For single expats and digital nomads, choosing the right neighborhood can greatly enhance their experiences. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for single people to live in Zurich.
District 1 (Altstadt)
The Old Town, or Altstadt, is the historic heart of Zurich, offering a lively atmosphere with numerous bars, clubs, and cultural attractions. Singles can explore the vibrant nightlife, visit art galleries like Kunsthaus, or relax in the scenic Lindenhof park. The district is also home to various language schools and cultural events, providing opportunities to meet new people.
Location: City center, on both sides of the Limmat River
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 2,500 - 3,500. Average purchase price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,200,000 - 1,800,000.
Where to Eat: Zunfthaus zur Waag offers traditional Swiss cuisine, while Café Odeon is a historic spot for coffee and pastries.
Interesting History: Lindenhof is a historic site where a Roman castle once stood, offering panoramic views of the city.
Celeb sightings: Tina Turner lived in Zurich and was often spotted in the Altstadt.
District 2 (Enge)
Enge is an upscale residential area popular among expats due to its lakeside location and proximity to international schools. Singles can enjoy water sports, jogging along the lake, or visiting the FIFA World Football Museum. The district also hosts various international clubs and meetup groups.
Location: Left shore of Lake Zurich, south of the city center
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 2,200 - 3,200. Average purchase price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,100,000 - 1,600,000.
Where to Eat: Seerose offers lakeside dining, while The Bite serves international cuisine in a casual setting.
Interesting History: The Rietberg Museum, housed in an 18th-century villa, showcases non-European art and is located in a beautiful park.
District 3 (Wiedikon)
Wiedikon is a trendy and multicultural district with a vibrant food scene and numerous bars. Singles can explore the local street art, visit the Museum Rietberg, or join fitness clubs like Balboa Fitness & Wellness. The district is also home to various language schools and cultural events.
Location: Left shore of Lake Zurich, south of Enge
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 2,000 - 3,000. Average purchase price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,000,000 - 1,500,000.
Where to Eat: Les Halles offers a lively atmosphere with French-inspired cuisine, while Moudi's serves delicious Middle Eastern dishes.
District 4 (Aussersihl)
Aussersihl is a dynamic and multicultural district known for its nightlife and alternative scene. Singles can explore the numerous bars and clubs, visit the Kunsthalle Zurich for contemporary art, or join creative workshops like those offered by the Zurich Art Studio. The district is also home to various international restaurants and street food markets.
Location: North of the city center, behind the main train station
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,800 - 2,800. Average purchase price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 900,000 - 1,400,000.
Where to Eat: Frau Gerolds Garten is a popular spot for international street food, while Restaurant Rosso offers Italian cuisine in a cozy setting.
District 5 (Industriequartier)
Industriequartier is an up-and-coming district with a vibrant arts and culture scene. Singles can explore the numerous galleries, visit the Prime Tower for panoramic city views, or join fitness clubs like CrossFit Zurich. The district is also home to various creative agencies and startups, providing networking opportunities.
Location: West of the city center, near the Hardbrucke station
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 2,000 - 3,000. Average purchase price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,000,000 - 1,500,000.
Where to Eat: Restaurant Volkshaus offers traditional Swiss cuisine, while La Stanza serves Italian dishes in a stylish setting.
District 6 (Oberstrass)
Oberstrass is a charming residential district known for its beautiful architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Singles can explore the local parks, visit the Kunsthaus Zurich for art exhibitions, or join language classes at the Migros Club School. The district is also home to various cozy cafes and international restaurants.
Location: East of the city center, on the right shore of Lake Zurich
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 2,200 - 3,200. Average purchase price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,100,000 - 1,600,000.
Where to Eat: Restaurant Sonnenberg offers traditional Swiss cuisine with a view, while Pizzeria Ristorante Molino serves delicious Italian dishes.
District 7 (Hottingen)
Hottingen is an affluent residential district known for its elegant architecture and proximity to the lake. Singles can explore the local parks, visit the Zurich Opera House, or join fitness clubs like Holmes Place. The district is also home to various upscale restaurants and boutiques.
Location: East of the city center, on the right shore of Lake Zurich
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 2,500 - 3,500. Average purchase price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,200,000 - 1,800,000.
Where to Eat: Restaurant Terrasse offers fine dining with a view, while Café des Amis serves French-inspired cuisine in a cozy setting.
District 8 (Riesbach)
Riesbach is a picturesque district known for its lakeside location and beautiful parks. Singles can enjoy water sports, visit the Chinese Garden, or join cultural events at the Rote Fabrik cultural center. The district is also home to various international restaurants and bars.
Location: Southeast of the city center, on the right shore of Lake Zurich
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 2,200 - 3,200. Average purchase price of a 1-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,100,000 - 1,600,000.
Where to Eat: Seerestaurant Belvoir offers lakeside dining, while Quai 61 serves international cuisine in a stylish setting.
Interesting History: The Chinese Garden is a gift from Zurich's Chinese partner town Kunming, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping.
Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique blend of attractions, amenities, and social opportunities, catering to the diverse interests and preferences of single expats and digital nomads in Zurich.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Zurich
- Cost of Living in Zurich
- Health Care in Zurich
- Discover the Best of Zurich
- 5 Tips for Living in Zurich, Switzerland
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Switzerland
- Best Places to Live in Switzerland
- Real Estate in Switzerland
- Pros & Cons of Living in Switzerland
- Best Places to Visit in Switzerland for Christmas Cheer
- What It's Like Living in Zurich
- Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Switzerland


