The guide to Altstetten Zurich that solves all your “Where should we go?” arguments
It’s funny — as someone who actually calls Altstetten home, I still find myself surprised by the little marvels tucked around every bend.
This is a neighbourhood where your regular walk takes you past bold street art, and where Saturday mornings are as much about community as they are about great coffee.
If you’re curious what daily life looks like on this side of Zurich, or just eager to uncover a few local secrets, you’re in exactly the right spot.
In this guide to Altstetten, I’ll dig into the area’s unique, understated charm — and why everyday errands so often become the start of something delightfully unplanned.
Where is Altstetten?
Altstetten is in Zurich’s west end. It’s bounded by the Limmat River to the north, the railway lines to the east, Lindenplatz to the west, and the city’s border near Schlieren to the south.
What is the main landmark in Altstetten?
The main landmark in Altstetten is the Alte Kirche Altstetten, which is the historic church that’s been a central part of the neighbourhood for centuries. It’s really well-known in the area, and locals often point to it as a kind of icon for Altstetten.
How to Get to Altstetten
By Foot: If you’re already in Zurich, you can walk to Altstetten from the city centre, but it’ll take you around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your starting point. The walk is straightforward and mostly flat.
By Tram: You can take tram 4 or tram 17 from Zurich’s city centre straight to Altstetten. Just hop on at any of the stops along the way and get off at “Altstetten,” and you’ll be right in the neighbourhood. The trams run frequently, and the ride doesn’t take long.
By Train: Catch any train like the S5, S11, or S14 — from Zürich Hauptbahnhof (the main station) and jump off at Zürich Altstetten. The train ride is super quick, only about 5 minutes, so you’ll be there before you know it.
By Car: Driving to Altstetten is pretty simple if you’re coming from central Zurich. Just head west along Badenerstrasse or follow signs for Kreis 9/Altstetten. There are parking garages and spaces around the train station and shopping areas.
By Bike: Cycling to Altstetten from the city centre is easy and takes about 20 minutes. You can ride along the Limmat river bike path or stick to Badenerstrasse — both routes are bike-friendly and have places to lock up your bike once you arrive.
What to Do and See in Altstetten
Explore Werdinseli’s historic Limmat River
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Address: Lake Zurich
Contact: +41 (0)44 215 40 00
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Pricing: Free
The Limmat River is the kind of place I’d visit when I need a break from the busy city streets. You just cross a small footbridge and suddenly you’re surrounded by old trees, fresh air, and the gentle sounds of the river.
If you’re visiting for the first time, bring along snacks and plenty of suncream — you might be surprised how quickly an afternoon turns into a whole day.
Don’t be surprised if you see someone sketching the scenery or families having a quiet picnic. Werdinseli is simple, with no cafes or crowds, and that’s exactly its charm.
The shallow river is perfect for cooling off, even for kids, and there’s loads of space to kick a ball around or just stretch out with a book. There are also playgrounds, easy walking tracks, and some fun public art to be found, so keep your eyes peeled.
Stroll Grabenstrasse
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Address: Grabenstrasse 3, 8952
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Pricing: Free
Grabenstrasse is a lovely street in the heart of Zurich, perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll. Starting at Grabenstrasse 3, you’ll notice how quiet and leafy it feels, even though you’re not far from the city centre.
The area has a friendly, neighbourhood vibe that makes it easy to unwind and just wander. As you walk along, you’ll spot a mix of old and new—traditional houses sit side by side with some quirky modern touches.
There are little shops, bakeries, and local cafés where you can grab a pastry or a coffee. Keep an eye out for colourful window boxes and local art dotted along the way; they add such a cheerful feel to the street.
Treat yourself at LABO Spa
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Website: https://www.labospa.ch/
Address: Talacker 41, 8001
Contact: +41 43 497 34 40
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:15 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:15 PM to 7:30 PM
LABO Spa is one of my favourite spots to treat myself in Zurich. The entire place feels calm and friendly. It’s hard not to relax as soon as you step in.
The treatment rooms are super cosy, with gentle lighting and lovely scents filling the air. Those little extras, like snuggling into a fluffy robe and sipping their delicious herbal teas, make the experience feel so special.
I always check to see if there’s a seasonal deal, because there’s often something new or an exclusive package to try, which keeps things exciting.
Every time I leave LABO Spa, I feel like a new person—lighter, happier, and ready to take on Zurich again. Whether I pop in for a quick pick-me-up or spend a whole afternoon unwinding, it’s my go-to spot for some self-care.
Where to Eat and Drink in Altstetten
La Taquería
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Website: https://www.lataqueria.ch/
Address: Altstetterstrasse 140a, 8048
Contact: +41 43 321 50 50
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
La Taquería really is one of the best places in Zurich if you love proper Mexican food. Every time I go, I can’t resist the tacos. They’re fresh, packed with flavour, and super satisfying.
The Pollo taco has juicy marinated chicken with jalapeños and coriander, and it’s full of zing. The Carnitas taco is incredibly soft and tasty, with just a hint of citrus that makes it truly stand out.
If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll love the Nopalitos taco. It’s made with cactus and beans—sounds different, but it’s actually really hearty and tasty. I usually get a cold Jarritos soda to wash it down, or a classic margarita if I’m in the mood.
Don’t skip Taco Tuesday—loads of cool new fillings and great deals.
ViCafe Rösterei & Kaffeebar
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Website: https://vicafe.ch/de/pages/espresso-bars
Address: Hohlstrasse 418, 8048
Contact: +41 43 960 38 20
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
ViCafe Rösterei & Kaffeebar serves some of the best single-origin coffees. I always go for their velvety flat white or a V60 pour-over, both expertly balanced and bursting with nuanced flavour.
You get gorgeous notes ranging from chocolate and caramel in their house espresso blend to brighter, fruity hints in their guest beans.
Their food menu is small but spot on. The almond croissants are flaky with just the right amount of nutty sweetness, and the pain au chocolat is a proper treat, with buttery layers and rich chocolate.
There are comfy nooks for a sit-in break, speedy takeaway if you’re rushing, and even barista courses for coffee geeks. They also offer retail bags of beans, reusable cups, and homemade cold brew—great for hot Zurich days.
Krone Altstetten
Media credit: krone_altstetten
Website: https://www.krone-altstetten.ch/
Address: Badenerstrasse 705, 8048
Contact: +41 44 211 33 88
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣₣
Krone Altstetten is a cosy spot where you’ll find tasty Swiss food and friendly faces. If you want to try something truly local, go for the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. It’s soft pieces of veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, served with crunchy rösti on the side.
Every bite is warm and comforting. If you prefer fish, they often serve pike-perch fillet with herb butter, fresh veggies, and fluffy potatoes that taste super fresh.
Vegetarians aren’t left out. Their homemade ricotta ravioli is smooth and full of flavour, thanks to a delicious buttery sage sauce. They also have daily specials using colourful, local veggies.
Don’t skip dessert—the apple strudel is a must. It’s warm, sweet, and wrapped in flaky pastry, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drinks-wise, they’ve got some really nice Swiss wines, and the staff are always happy to help you pick one.
Micas Garten
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Website: https://www.micasgarten.ch/
Address: Badenerstrasse 790, 8048
Contact: +41 79 270 50 70
Hours:
- Monday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – Closed
- Thursday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: ₣
Micas Garten is hands down one of my favourite hangouts in Zurich, especially when the sun’s out and everyone’s in a good mood. This huge urban garden is like a hidden oasis in Altstetten.
There’s always something new happening here—last time, I went with friends and we couldn’t stop raving about the vegan bowls from Roots & Friends. The Spicy Buddha Bowl was packed with fresh veggies and had just the right kick.
If you love a juicy burger, BBQ Brothers serve up some seriously good ones—you’ll definitely want to grab extra napkins. And when you’re up for something sweet, the ice cream stand is a total treat, especially on a hot day.
What makes Micas Garten stand out isn’t just the food, but the whole atmosphere. I love ordering a local craft beer from the rooftop bar, getting comfy on a deck chair, and just soaking in the buzz of people chatting or playing ping pong.
Where to Shop in Altstetten
Duett Boutique
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Website: https://duett-boutiques.ch/
Address: Erdgeschoss, Baslerstrasse 50, 8048
Contact: +41 44 554 38 00
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Duett Boutique is a cosy shop packed with stylish pieces you won’t find everywhere. If you’re after something special, you’ll love their linen tops, flowy dresses with bright prints, and super-soft cashmere sweaters.
If you’re after something special, you’ll love their linen tops, flowy dresses with bright prints, and super-soft cashmere sweaters from brands like Hôtel Particulier and Des Petits Hauts.
The shoe section is honestly one of my favourites. Their Italian leather boots last forever, and their colourful sandals add a fun pop to any outfit.
Einkaufszentrum Letzipark
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Website: https://www.letzipark.ch/
Address: Baslerstrasse 50, 8048
Contact: +41 44 497 52 52
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣
Einkaufszentrum Letzipark is a great spot if you love having lots of choices all in one place. I love browsing trendy outfits at H&M and C&A, and Vero Moda always has something new if I want to treat myself.
If you need comfortable sneakers or a cool bag, Ochsner Shoes and CCC Shoes & Bags have a wide selection of options.
When I’m feeling hungry while shopping, a fresh pastry from Confiserie Honold is a must, or I’ll grab lunch at Popeyes—super convenient. I always stop by Coop and Denner for my grocery run; everything’s fresh, and there are plenty of choices.
For a good read, Orell Füssli never disappoints, and Import Parfumerie has the nicest scents and skincare. I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the mix of shops here.
Where to Stay in Altstetten
Hitrental
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Website: hitrental.ch/?sa=X&ved
Address: Hohlstrasse 413, 8048
Contact: +41 41 311 29 29
Pricing: ₣
Hitrental is quite a handy spot if you want somewhere straightforward to stay. The flats are clean and have enough space. Plus, you get a kitchen, so sorting out breakfast or making a quick meal is easy.
There’s Wi-Fi that works well, and the beds are fine—nothing fancy, but comfortable. You also get big windows, so the rooms are nice and bright.
It’s conveniently located near Zürich Altstetten station, making it easy to get around. The area’s quiet for being in the city, which is nice if you want to relax. There’s a lift if you don’t want to carry your suitcases up stairs, and laundry rooms, which help if you’re planning to stay a while.
LivingTown
Media credit: livingtownzurich
Website: https://en.livingtown.ch/
Address: Baslerstrasse 60, 8048
Contact: +41 44 542 13 05
Pricing: ₣₣
LivingTown is one of those places that just makes travel less stressful. The rooms are bright, modern, and incredibly comfortable—you get a large bed, ample space to relax, and even your own private kitchen for preparing meals just the way you like them.
One thing I really love about LivingTown is the vibe in the common areas. There’s always a friendly hum in the café, and you’ll spot people working, chatting or switching off after a long day.
I always manage to squeeze in a workout in the 24/7 gym, and the rooftop terrace quickly became my favourite spot to take in the view or just breathe a bit of fresh air.
Location-wise, you just can’t beat it. In the Altstetten neighbourhood, you’ve got public transport right outside, so exploring Zürich or even making that early flight isn’t stressful.