With a population of 1.4 million in 2024, Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and is divided into 12 "Kreis" or districts. Each Kreis typically includes one to four neighborhoods, making for a total of 34 districts within Zurich. In this article, we'll explore the unique features of these districts and provide important details such as safety and parking.
The districts of Zurich
Here's a map of Zurich's 12 districts, noting that Kreis 1, 2 and 8 are located on the shores of Lake Zurich.
Kreis 1
This Kreis is Zurich's city center, featuring the Old Town, the main railway station, the opera house, and a diverse array of stores and restaurants.
Kreis 2
Kreis 2, or the second district, is on the left side of the lake. It includes the Enge railway station, the Rietberg Museum, and a peaceful lakeside area with swimming spots like the Seebad Enge.
Kreis 3 and 4
Kreis 3 and 4 are vibrant districts filled with trendy cafés, restaurants, and bars. If you're looking for lively nightlife, these areas are ideal. Kreis 3 is also a sought-after residential area located at the base of the Uetliberg.
Kreis 5
Kreis 5, known as Zurich West, is a trendy design district. It features nightclubs, cultural venues, and the Prime Tower, one of Switzerland's tallest buildings.
Kreis 6
Kreis 6 is known for being home to the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), making it a vibrant student area.
Kreis 7
Kreis 7 is located on a peaceful hillside with stunning lake views. While housing prices here are relatively high, the quality of life is also notably better compared to other areas of Zurich.
Kreis 8
On the right side of the lake, this district boasts a long lakeside promenade, a favorite among locals, especially on weekends. It also has several popular bathing areas.
Kreis 9
Located at the base of Zurich's Uetliberg hill, Altstetten is a convenient residential area for those who commute to the city center daily but prefer a more affordable neighborhood.
Kreis 10
Kreis 10 borders the Limmat River, making it a pleasant place to swim and sunbathe in summer.
Kreis 11
Kreis 11 lies to the north of Zurich. It is home to the airport and the Hallenstadion. This district is mainly residential.
Kreis 12
Finally, Zurich's twelfth district is ideal if you're looking for a less urban setting. Close to nature, it's perfect for sports enthusiasts.
Safety in Zurich
Switzerland is known for its safety, and Zurich has a low crime rate. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the crime rate in the canton of Zurich has been decreasing for over a decade.
However, the city of Zurich itself has a higher crime rate compared to other districts in the canton. The nearby city of Winterthur also experiences a relatively high crime rate, primarily involving property crimes like theft. This higher crime rate is attributed to the dense urban population in and around Zurich. Despite this, Zurich's crime rates are still very low compared to other European cities.
Parking in Zurich
Parking in Zurich is notoriously expensive and difficult to find, especially in the city center, where regulations are strict.
If you plan to spend the day downtown, it's best to use public transportation. However, if you prefer to drive, there are several parking lots available for use.
Parking is typically only allowed in designated spots. We recommend using one of the city's 10 underground parking spaces.
For information on available parking, click here.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
