New to Zurich and wondering how to make friends? Discover 7 actionable tips to meet new people in Zurich – from expat groups and local events to apps like City Mates. Your social life starts here.
Moving to a new city can be exciting, but also lonely – and Zurich is no exception. While Switzerland’s largest city is known for its quality of life, making friends in Zurich can feel like a slow process for newcomers. Whether you’re an expat, international student, or a young professional trying to build your social circle, this guide offers practical tips to help you connect and thrive.
Here’s how to meet new people in Zurich and turn strangers into friends:
The Swiss love structure – and that applies to social life too. Local clubs (Vereine) are a great way to meet people around shared interests, from football to photography.
👉 Tip: Check out Zürcher Turnverband or sports platforms like Urban Sports Club.
From language exchanges to themed meetups, Zurich offers plenty of casual gatherings where you can meet new people.
👉 Platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite regularly list social events across the city.
There’s a large international crowd in Zurich – you just need to know where to find them. Expat groups offer a welcoming space to connect with others in the same situation.
👉 Try Facebook groups like “Expats in Zurich” or “Zurich International Friends”.
Not everything has to start with a swipe. Friend-making apps like City Mates focus on real connections through curated events and groups, helping you find people you actually click with.
👉 Unlike dating apps, City Mates encourages safe, open socializing – with no pressure and no awkward DMs.
It sounds simple, but one of the biggest hurdles to building a social life is saying no too often. Even if an invite feels a bit out of your comfort zone – go for it. You never know who you’ll meet.
Zurich is international, but showing the effort to speak German (even just “Grüezi!”) helps open doors. Locals appreciate it, and it often leads to warmer conversations.
👉 Enroll in courses at Migros Klubschule or practice casually at a language café.
If nothing feels right – start your own! Apps like City Mates make it easy to host casual events: coffee meetups, hikes, board game nights, or just a relaxed picnic by the lake.
👉 You don’t need 20 people – even 2 or 3 is a start. And chances are: others are just waiting for someone to make the first move.
Making friends in Zurich doesn’t happen overnight – but it’s absolutely possible. With the right mix of openness, initiative, and smart tools like City Mates, you’ll go from newcomer to well-connected in no time.
Ready to take the first step?
