By Javier Saavedra

Some cities feel good from the start. Zurich is one of them.

You arrive, and everything feels calm and organised. The lake shines in the morning. Trams glide past on time. The air is fresh. People speak softly and give you space. The city works, and that helps you feel more at ease.

Then, slowly, Zurich begins to open up. You find forest paths, weekend markets, playgrounds, and green spaces. Your children learn the tram routes. A favourite bakery becomes part of your routine. One step at a time, Zurich becomes more than a place to live. It becomes part of your rhythm.

Getting Started: The Basics

Moving to a new city brings excitement and plenty of questions. How do things work? Will my child settle in? Where can we meet people?

Zurich helps families get started. Your local Gemeindehaus (town hall) offers flyers and information about doctors, clubs, events, and family services. People are friendly, and many speak English. Communications are mostly in German, but support is usually easy to find.

It still takes time. At first, everything might feel quiet or unfamiliar. Little by little, things begin to feel familiar.

Summer: Where Zurich Comes Alive

Summer in Zurich is something special. People swim before work, eat dinner in parks, and enjoy long evenings outdoors. Zurich’s famous Badis (open-air pools) are perfect for families.

Try lake spots like Strandbad Mythenquai, Dolder Bad, or Flussbad Oberer Letten. Or explore them all: 🔗 Zurich’s Outdoor Pools – zuerich.com.

You’ll find kids running through fountains, teenagers by the river, and parents with coffee and lake views. Many families say summer is when they finally feel settled in Zurich.

Seasons That Shape the City

Summer is lovely – but other seasons also have their charms.

In autumn, don’t miss the Alpabfahrt, the colourful cow parades as herds return from the Alps:
🔗 The Alpine Festivals in Switzerland – Swiss or Miss

In winter, try sledding on Uetliberg, ice skating at Dolder, or visiting Zurich’s Christmas markets:
🔗 Winter in Zurich – zuerich.com

In spring, families enjoy local Carnival (Fasnacht) celebrations, full of music, masks, and fun:
🔗 Fasnacht Carnival – zuerich.com

Getting Around Without the Guesswork

Transport in Zurich is reliable and simple. The SBB Mobile app is your best tool for trains, trams, and buses: SBB Mobile – ww.SBB.ch.

You don’t need a car. You can walk, cycle, or ride with ease. Families love exploring the city by tram or hopping on a train for weekend mountain trips.

Finding Your People

Making new friends takes time, but Zurich offers plenty of ways to connect:

  • Join a club through the city’s Vereinsverzeichnis (in German)

🔗 Vereinsverzeichnis – City of Zurich

  • Explore meetups on NewInZurich or Expatica
  • Find English-speaking parents in Facebook groups like Expats in Zurich
  • Visit friendly parks like Platzspitz, Josefwiese, and the Arboretum
  • Keep up with Swiss politics and news via the IamExpat newsletter

These are the places where real conversations begin.

Tips for Feeling at Home

Once you’ve unpacked, these small steps can help you settle faster:

  • Visit your Gemeinde early – they’re helpful and clear
  • Walk or bike around your neighbourhood to discover what’s nearby
  • Sign up for a class, course, or club
  • Join school and community events to meet others
  • Let it take time. Feeling at home doesn’t happen overnight – and that’s okay

Useful Resources

For a more in-depth and engaging look at daily life in Switzerland, we recommend reading The Expert Guide to Your Life in Switzerland by Diccon Bewes. Written in English, it offers practical tips, cultural insights, and a bit of humour to help newcomers settle in smoothly. H>ere are a few more helpful resources!

How School Can Help You Settle

Children adjust faster when they feel connected, engaged, and heard. At ISZN, our students enjoy a rigorous and international curriculum, with a strong focus on German to support them as they integrate into Zurich life. Our students have the opportunity to join a wide variety of after-school clubs, discover new passions, and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

As part of Cognita, a global family of schools, we are part of a larger community with the goal of helping children grow with confidence and thrive in a changing world.

Your Journey, Your Pace

Zurich is quiet but never empty. It gives you space to develop, to reflect, and to build your life at your own pace.

When your child runs ahead to school, when you say “Grüezi” without thinking, when your tram stop feels familiar…

You’ve found your place.