Zurich Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Zurich

• SBB Mobile app + Supersaver tickets discount trains by up to 70% when booked ahead.

• Zurich Card (24h CHF 29) covers transit + free/discounted museum entry — usually cheaper than paying à la carte.

• Free lake badis (May–Sep) at Frauenbadi, Utoquai and Seebad Enge — bring a towel and dive into summer Zurich culture.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 112.

• Zurich consistently ranks among the world's safest and cleanest cities — theft and violent crime are very rare.

• Bike lanes are respected; check for silent trams at every crossing.

• Emergency 112 (Europe) or 117 (police) / 118 (fire) / 144 (medical) all work.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 90 days. Switzerland is in the Schengen Area (outside the EU). Many nationalities enter visa-free for 90 days per 180; ETIAS pre-authorisation applies once launched. Others need a Schengen short-stay visa.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Zurich. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.