Is Zurich Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Zurich, is renowned for its high safety standards. Its crime rate is very low and it is generally considered safe to walk around even at night. The public transport is reliable and it's easy to navigate around the city. Even though, like in any city, you should always be aware of your surroundings, Zurich's overall atmosphere is very welcoming and safe for solo female travelers.

Safety index

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How safe is Zurich?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Zurich, like most of Switzerland, is generally considered quite safe, even at night. Crime rates are relatively low and the streets are well-lit and populated. However, as with any major city, it's advised to stay vigilant and avoid deserted areas or areas known for nightlife as they may attract pickpockets and other petty crime, particularly late at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Zurich is renowned for its efficiency, reliability, and safety. Trams, buses, and trains are frequently available, run on schedule with minimal to no delays, and often have dedicated lanes for added security. The stations and vehicles are clean and well-maintained. Security measures are also well in place with constant surveillance by CCTV cameras, and security personnel are never far away. Fare evasion is taken seriously, implying a general respect for the law among passengers. Furthermore, general crime rates in Zurich are relatively low, further contributing to a safe traveling experience. However, like anywhere else in the world, it is always essential to take basic safety precautions.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Very low

Zurich, as with the majority of Switzerland, generally maintains a respectful culture, thus, instances of street harassment are quite rare. People tend to mind their own business and give each individual their personal space. While it's always advisable to stay vigilant, you can largely expect a safe and respectful environment while navigating through the city.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Very low

Zurich is renowned for its high level of security and low crime rate. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching are relatively rare. However, just as with any popular tourist destination, one should still remain vigilant, especially in crowded places like public transport or tourist hotspots. A high police presence and a general respect for the law among locals further safeguard against petty crime.

Is Zurich worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 11 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

3.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5
Gulu

Gulu

Austria

Solo travel

That was my very first solo travelling experience. Zurich was so safe and pretty. Although I spent a lot of money fro food and transport, I enjoyed there to the fullest. At night I stayed with a couple who I hadn't met before. They were super nice people and prepared dinner for me and welcomed me with kind hugs. It felt so amazing being solo traveller and making such a perfect connection there.

Posted: August 8, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Solo travel

Really beautiful city with beautiful nature landscapes of course. The center of Zurich feels like Europe and has a nice mix of history and architecture. But the real magic of the city is on the outskirts. Really recommend taking a car out to some of those beautiful nature spots and enjoying the real Switzerland

Posted: July 24, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Loesje

Loesje

Netherlands

Solo travel

I advice - for 2/3 day visit, amazing the city is beautifull. - to bring your own food or at least part of it if thats possible since it is expensive. - Go to reihnfalls they are the biggest waterfalls of whole Europe. I took the train from Zurich to from train station near the falls it took 1hr. But the falls were 4 minute walk from the arrival station. Wich was pretty great! - the nightlife was on the other half a little calm so if your'e looking for that Zurich is not the place to be. - trains and busses were very clean and on time!

Posted: June 30, 2024
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Solo travel

I came to Zürich for work but stayed on a couple of days to get to know the city. The public transportation is fantastic and downtown is very slick while also having plenty of places to gather and be. It's expensive as would be expected. I felt safe in the areas I visited. People are generally very helpful if asked about life here and how to navigate.

Posted: May 21, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Group travel

Switzerland as a whole is very safe as I'm sure most will say. Never felt unsafe as I traveled through the country though I was with a group part of the time. We stayed at a hotel NW of the city center which was quite nice except for the inability to eat your own food in the main lobby/downstairs area as it is a space intended for their cafe/restaurant customers. So if you have a snack you are enjoying on the go, eat it while still on the go or in the room. There was no air conditioning in the room but because the weather was still cool, that was not a problem. Be prepared to spend when you come to Zurich/ Switzerland, as food is not cheap. I would recommend using the Too Good To Go app to grab more affordable food options that are to go / snacks / or to eat in a park if you want to have a low spend day. The country as a whole is very polite, friendly, clean, and efficient. Most memorable is the beauty of Switzerland. It's like an unscathed gem in a world tarnished by hatred and war in its history.

Posted: April 22, 2024Experienced: October, 2023
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Solo travel

As a single woman, traveling alone, I felt incredibly safe, walking around the city at night time, and in the early morning. The city was clean and beautiful. Public transportation was clean, safe, and on time. I took public transportation to the nearest mountain and hiked up all by myself. I’ve never felt more comfortable hiking alone as a female.

Posted: April 11, 2024
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Eva

Eva

Spain

Solo travel

The city center is spectacular. Just walking around is nice, but you can also ride a bike! Warning: you'll ride in the same direction and close to the tram rails. I come from a city that doesn't have that and I almost had an accident 🥵😅 Restaurants are expensive in comparison to Spanish salaries, and many people bring food to parks. That's a cool option! 🥰 People are really nice and open-minded!! I love the culture and to be able to talk Italian or English everywhere I go, as I don't know Swiss or High German. If you like books, there are some second-hand book shops that are really nice! 🤓📚

Posted: April 9, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
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PIWAYI

PIWAYI

Germany

Couple travel

Clean and transport was efficient. It is safe for women solo travelers. It's a bit pricey but if you book early it is affordable. The food was delicious. We stayed in 25 hours hotel, there are Restaurant nearby and tram station in front of the hotel. It isn't busy during public holidays, many businesses don't operate during public holiday.

Posted: May 29, 2023Experienced: November, 2022
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Solo travel

To do: - Stroll through the Old Town - Have a drink on the roof - View Giacometti's frescos - Get an epic view of the city from Lindenplatz or Polybahnterrasse. - Tour the Chinese Garden, Arboretum and the Old Botanical Garden - Swim in the lake or along the Limmat River Safety: I felt safe and it was easy for me to get around. Recommendations: Zurich is nice, but not spectacular.

Posted: September 16, 2022
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Solo travel

To do: - Visit the old town - Swim in the lake - Take a day trip to Lucerne - Visit the Chinese Gardens - Visit the Botanical Garden Safety: It's quite safe. Recommendations: Zurich is nice, but it's more of a 'city for living', not a place where you can see a lot.

Posted: September 9, 2022
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Is Zurich safe for women?

Safety index

4.6 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

Lorena

Lorena

Zurich is generally a safe city – even for solo female travelers! There are a few areas that women might want to avoid, although nothing necessarily has to happen there: Langstrasse: This is a famous street in Zurich with a very active nightlife – probably one of the busiest throughout the week in the city. It’s known for good bars but also for drugs and prostitution. While it's lively, women should avoid walking around alone. Some unpleasant comments may certainly arise. Train stations: Zurich's main station has a lot of people around. However, women should avoid smaller stations. In general, there aren’t many people out at night during the week, but it doesn’t give an unsafe feeling.

Posted: September 30, 2024
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Zurich feels 100% safe during the daytime. Take care of you belongings and avoid shady people like you would in every other city. In the night there are few drunk people and catcalling. The main station is safer than other small stations without security. Typically around the Langstrasse/red light district there are more drunk/shady people. If you feel unsafe or harassed, ask other people to help out.

Posted: September 18, 2024
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Is Zurich safe right now?

Before your visit to Zurich, it's essential to check travel advisories for Switzerland, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises to exercise normal precautions in Switzerland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

**The Canadian Government advises:** Take normal security precautions in Switzerland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: October 4, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Switzerland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 20, 2024

Meet locals in Zurich

Shannon

Shannon

About Me

American living in Switzerland since 2009. Love travel and meeting new people. Experiences and hearing people’s stories is so important / and curiosity > judgement.

Speaking

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Esther

Esther

About Me

My name is Esther. I spreak Spanish and English. I was born in Mexico, but live in Switzerland forever. I have three children. I love meeting people.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Zurich

Shannon

Shannon

Zurich

Can host for:

3 days

About me

American living in Switzerland since 2009. Love travel and meeting new people. Experiences and hearing people’s stories is so important / and curiosity > judgement.

Speaking

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Esther

Esther

Zurich

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Esther. I spreak Spanish and English. I was born in Mexico, but live in Switzerland forever. I have three children. I love meeting people.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Zurich

Zeynep

Zeynep

About Me

Hi, I'm Zeynep from Turkey. I’m an architect working for an architectural company in Istanbul but remotely so I live in Denizli currently. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures. I would love to meet up with locals while traveling. Also if you visit my city it’s my pleasure to show you around.

Speaking

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Dani

Dani

About Me

Hi, my name is Dani, I'm 29 years old and I'm from Austria ☺️⛰️ I love to explore the world, get to know new cultures and exchange with new people 😊 I love good food, movies and summer and I'm always up for a good glass of wine 😌🥂

Speaking

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Safety in Switzerland