Loading Page...

What is crime like in Zurich?

Pro: Very low crime rates In fact, Zurich has been ranked as the fifth safest city to live in the world.



Zurich consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world in 2026. Violent crime is extremely rare, and the city is generally considered safe to walk through at any time of day or night. The "crime" most tourists might encounter is limited to petty theft, such as pickpocketing in crowded areas like the Hauptbahnhof (main station) or during major festivals. There is also a strictly enforced "culture of law," where minor infractions like littering or jaywalking are discouraged and sometimes fined. Residents and visitors alike benefit from a highly visible police presence and a society that prioritizes cleanliness and order. While the "Langstrasse" district was historically known for nightlife and minor drug activity, significant urban renewal has made it much safer, though it remains more "gritty" than the polished Bahnhofstrasse. Overall, Zurich's safety index remains exceptionally high.

People Also Ask

Lugano remains the safest city in Switzerland and has the lowest number of crimes recorded. In Ticino's main city, 24.7 crimes were recorded per 1,000 inhabitants in 2021 (+1.3 percent compared to 2020) versus 36.3 in St. Gallen and 36.8 in Winterthur.

MORE DETAILS

Numbeo uses the data to publishes snapshot-style indexes twice a year, and in the latest safety index, Zurich is ranked as the fifth safest city, with Bern at number 12 and Basel at 16. Geneva doesn't fare so well, ranking in 62nd place, with Lausanne all the way down in 98th.

MORE DETAILS

The reason why shops shut on Sundays is mainly because of religion. In a Christian dominated country, Sunday is considered to be a day of rest where everyone should stop work, and, traditionally, go to church. This was the case from the advent of Christianity in Switzerland.

MORE DETAILS

Schwyz home to highest concentration of millionaires The study noted that beyond central Switzerland, the majority of affluent communities can be found along the Gold Coast in Canton Zurich, areas of Canton Schwyz within easy reach of Zurich, and the banks of Lake Geneva.

MORE DETAILS

Geneva is quieter Zurich's population is larger and the city has a busier feel to it, whereas Geneva feels more like a large town. The peace and quiet can be good if you are looking for a relaxing trip, but if you're up for a night out it can be a bit of a challenge.

MORE DETAILS

Swiss people earn USD 64 824 per year on average, much more than the OECD average of USD 49 165 and one of the highest in the OECD. Another essential factor of employment quality is job security, in terms of expected loss of earnings when someone becomes unemployed.

MORE DETAILS