Is Zurich safe? What you should know

Posted Dec 3, 2024

Zurich (Zürich) Switzerland is a gem of the Alps. It’s famous for its spotless streets, jaw-dropping views of Lake Zurich, and as a hub for banking (yes, those Swiss bank accounts). But don’t worry, Zurich isn’t all suits and seriousness! It's also a cultural hotspot, with vibrant art scenes, fantastic food markets, and quirky attractions like the Freitag Tower made of shipping containers.

Fun fact: Zurich has more fountains than you could visit in a lifetime, which is over 1.200! The water is so clean, you can drink straight from most of them!

Now, let’s talk safety. Zurich isn’t just beautiful, it’s one of the safest cities on the planet! Whether you’re exploring its cobblestone streets, cycling by the lake, or enjoying street food, you’ll feel comfortable!

But every city has its quirks. In this guide, you’ll find everything from navigating local customs without awkward moments to enjoying nature safely and tackling health concerns like a pro. Think of it as your safety toolkit! With tips for cultural engagement, outdoor adventures, and staying healthy, Zurich will feel like home (with better chocolate)!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Zurich

Are you worried about safety for your trip to Zurich? No need! It's a very safe city and the only thing you might come across is petty crime. So you can breathe a sigh of relief as you pack your bags and head out to maybe the safest city in Central Europe! It’s even pretty safe for solo travelers.

Heads up for solo female travelers: check out the Bounce Women Travel Safety, and be reassured!

Getting from the airport to Zurich city center

Zurich Airport is the main gateway to Switzerland's largest city and the main hub for Swiss International Air Lines. You'll use it if you're flying to Zurich. To get to central Zurich fast, hop on the S2 train. Just 20 minutes is what you need to get to Old Town and start exploring!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Zurich

If you want to keep your wallet nice and fat, don't fall for the "last available room" scam at hotels. At peak seasons, some hotels will act like they’re full and offer you the so-called last available room at a ridiculously high price. If you want to book a hotel, do it online or through apps so you can make sure they don't try to pull a fast one on you!

Is tap water in Zurich safe to drink?

Yes, it's super safe and super delicious! All of Zurich's tap water comes from natural sources like lakes and underground springs. Nothing like fresh, cold water to kick off your morning of exploring this beautiful city!

Safe accommodation options in Zurich

The city is safe, but some areas are extra safe, and here’s a quick rundown of those spots:

The oldest parts of cities are always the most interesting bits, and Altstadt (Old Town) is no exception! Just like other cities, it's got fascinating architecture, cobblestone streets, and friendly vibes. It's also where the popular tourist destination, the Swiss Nation Museum is. You can stay at Hotel Alexander for around 220 CHF.
Enge is close to Lake Zurich and has some lovely green spaces like Rieterpark! It's perfect for families and nature lovers and has that peaceful setting! You can crash at Motel One Zurich for just 80 CHF, which is a good deal!
If you’re after some lakeside vibes, Riesbach (Seefeld) will get the job done! It's chill, panoramic, and well-connected to Zurich's main attractions! Boutique Hotel NI-MO is a mid-range option for about 120 CHF a night with breakfast included, and free 24/7 refreshments!

Pro tip: If you're on your way to the Swiss Alps, you can leave any gear that you don't need with Bounce! That includes skis, snowboards, sleds, and anything else bulky that you don't want to carry around! Whether you're here with family, friends, or going solo, Bounce is here for you 24/7 and has you covered with a $10,000 protection plan!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Switzerland blends many cultures and languages, so we're here to help you make sense of it all!

You’ll find English, Swiss German, French, and Italian here! So if you know some of those languages, give it a shot and strike up a conversation! Everyone appreciates it when you put in some effort to talk like the locals!
You can smoke in Zurich if you like, but not indoors. Plus, you came here for that fresh Alpine air, so take the chance to clear your lungs and breathe like never before!
You really should keep your voice down in public here. The Swiss value the sound of silence and aren’t fans of loud talkers, especially on public transport.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Here’s what you need to know to navigate the city and stay safe:

You can use Zurich's buses, trams, and trains to get around town safely. Remember to grab the Zurich Card to save money! Buses run till midnight, so you can use other options to get around safely at night!
If you want to drive, be sure you're used to trams on the road and know what you should do around them. Also, if it's winter, you should have snow chains on to avoid getting stuck somewhere on a mountain!
Walking and biking are great options to preserve the quality of that Alpine air! Just remember to pack a thick coat and pants if you're here in winter!

Nature and Zurich: Tips to keep in mind

If you're in Zurich, you're here for nature! Make the most of the greenery and explore every inch of it safely with these tips:

If you're here for a cold dip (you do you!), you can take a crack at Lake Zurich, Limmat River, or Badi Utoquai. They're all popular spots, just watch out for the river currents, they can be unpredictably strong!
If you're looking for the best hikes in Zurich, Uetliberg Mountain and Wildnispark have great views, hiking trails, and wildlife you can spot, perfect for the family outing! If you're more interested in climbing, you can find walls near Lake Zurich. Just bring quality gear!
The summers are mild here, but the winters can be harsh. Lots of snow and ice can make traveling difficult, so make sure to pack your best boots!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

You don't want to be caught off guard, so here's what you need to know:

Always get travel insurance. The EHIC card for EU citizens and GHIC card for UK citizens only have basic coverage, so better safe than sorry!
If you're going to grab some Zurich street food, make sure to ask the vendors about allergens. And don't accept food that's been out too long or near raw meat!
112 is the general EU emergency number, but 144 is for an ambulance, 117 is for police, and 118 is for the fire brigade.

So, is Zurich safe?

Yes! Zurich, Switzerland is a major city, but it's safe even for solo travelers! As long as you use common sense and the tips you got (some apply to all big cities), you won't have any problems at all! And if you need to stash anything, remember Bounce and our 24/7 customer support!