Cheap hotels near Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, Switzerland

Stretching its way from the central train station to the lake, Bahnhofstrasse twinkles with glitzy jewelry shops and designer boutiques. The pedestrian-only shopping boulevard is often out of a Cheapo’s price range but it’s a fine place for observing the extremely wealthy in their natural habitat.

The “frogs to riches” avenue was originally medieval Zurich’s moat, Fröschengraben (or “Frogs’ Ditch”), filled in and renamed for the train station (hauptbahnhof) in 1864. At its heart is Paradeplatz—home to major financial institutions like Credit Suisse and the source of its “Bank Street” nickname. Rumor (and many a spy novel) has it that the street’s subterranean vaults hide silver, gold and a sizeable chunk of the world’s offshore assets.

Bürkliplatz, at the lake end of Bahnhofstrasse, is a great jumping off point for boating adventures or walking the lake. And on Saturdays between May and October, frugal shoppers can find great steals at the square’s flea market.

Hotels near Bahnhofstrasse: As is fitting for one of the world’s most expensive avenues, hotels located in Bahnhofstrasse’s immediate surroundings are quite pricey. But on the other side of the Limmat River, less than a 10-minute walk away, the cobblestone streets of Aldstadt are home to a few affordable hotels, and there are also deals to be had in Langstrasse, about 15 minutes in the other direction.