Make Friends: Connect in Switzerland or While Traveling Through Events, Websites, and Apps

Making friends abroad, from a local perspective, is a challenge many people face at some point in their lives. Whether you’re a busy young professional, a retiree seeking new connections, or an expat in an unfamiliar country, the reality is clear. In Switzerland, more than 40% of the population admits to feeling lonely sometimes, often, or very often—a statistic that has increased in recent years.

Our tips for making friends abroad

1. Embrace immersion through shared housing

Shared housing is probably the fastest way to build a social network in a new country. Your roommates become your first friends and then introduce you to their own social circles. Daily shared moments—whether cooking together, watching a series, or simply chatting over coffee—naturally create closeness that fosters genuine friendships.

Advantages of shared housing abroad:

• Instant social network upon arrival
• Introduction to your roommates’ circle of friends
• Sharing the challenges of expatriation with people who understand
• Discovering local culture through everyday life
• Language immersion to break down barriers
• Reduced housing costs

Choose your shared housing carefully, prioritizing listings that highlight a friendly atmosphere and shared activities. Some apartments regularly organize parties, communal meals, or group outings, multiplying your chances of meeting not only your roommates but also their friends and acquaintances. Check platforms like HousingAnywhere, SpareRoom, or local Facebook groups dedicated to shared housing to find the option that suits you best.

2. Attend events

Festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events are excellent opportunities to discover local culture while meeting residents. Check city cultural calendars and dare to go—even alone. At these events, the collective enthusiasm and festive atmosphere make spontaneous interactions much easier.

Types of events to prioritize:

• Local cultural and music festivals
• Traditional markets and fairs
• Sporting events (matches, races, tournaments)
• Art openings and exhibitions
• National celebrations and local festivities

Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations: which artist to see, which culinary specialty to try, which neighborhood to explore. These simple questions can lead to deeper conversations and sometimes invitations to continue the evening together. Apps like Eventbrite or Meetup list most events organized in your host city.

3. Join Social Media groups

Many WhatsApp and Facebook groups exist in major cities to organize dinners, meetups, hikes, or weekend trips. These communities make it easy to stay in touch with people you meet and ensure you don’t miss any social events.

Types of groups to join:

• City-specific expat groups
• Communities by nationality
• Digital nomads and remote workers
• Activity-specific groups (hiking, cooking, photography)
• Language exchange groups
• International professional groups

Facebook groups dedicated to expats in a specific city are full of practical information and event invitations. You’ll find people living the same experience and understanding the challenges of expatriation.

4. The 5 Best Websites to Make Friends Abroad

InterNations is specifically aimed at expatriates and serves as a social network that allows you to join your city’s community and connect with immigrants from around the world. The platform regularly organizes professional and social events that make integration easier. Communities are active in most major cities worldwide and offer everything from after-work gatherings to cultural or sports activities.

Meetup remains the global reference platform for finding local events based on your interests. You’ll find groups dedicated to hiking, photography, foreign languages, cooking, board games, and many other passions. The advantage of Meetup lies in its collective dimension: you meet several people at once, which reduces social pressure.

Bumble BFF is the friendly extension of the Bumble app. Its operation is similar to that of a traditional dating app, but without any romantic connotation. You create your profile by highlighting your interests and the type of friendship you’re looking for, then you “match” with compatible people.

Find Travel Companions to Share Your Experiences!

1. The 5 Best Sites to Find Travel Companions

Dreaming of exploring a destination but don’t dare to go alone and no one in your circle is available? Many platforms have been created to meet this growing demand for group travel among strangers.

WeRoad

• Specialty: Group adventures
• Age range: 25–45 years
• Features: Small groups, varied itineraries, active community

TravelMeet

• Specialty: Customizable trips
• Age range: All ages
• Features: Create or join tailor-made trips

Copines de voyage

• Specialty: Women-only trips
• Age range: 25–65 years
• Features: Sisterhood, safety, varied themes

Wanderlust

• Specialty: Themed trips
• Age range: 30–55 years
• Features: Hiking, culture, gastronomy

JoinMyTrip

• Specialty: Trip sharing
• Age range: 20–40 years
• Features: Maximum flexibility, short or long trips

2. Try Hostels

3. Try Couchsurfing!

Couchsurfing means staying for free with locals during your travels. Beyond affordable accommodation, this practice primarily promotes authentic encounters and cultural exchange! Your host becomes a privileged local contact, sharing their view of the city, insider tips, and sometimes even introducing you to their friends.

• Authentic encounters with locals
• Discover the city from a local perspective rather than purely as a tourist
• True cultural immersion
• Enriching exchanges about lifestyles
• Savings on accommodation

Couchsurfing allows you to experience a destination like a resident rather than as a tourist. What’s more, the Couchsurfing community also organizes regular events in most major cities (language evenings, picnics, hikes, or simply aperitifs where travelers and locals meet in a relaxed atmosphere). It’s the perfect opportunity to meet open-minded people curious to share their culture or discover others, even if you’re not looking for accommodation. So don’t hesitate to check out the platform couchsurfing.com!

Make Friendly Connections on a Local Scale!

Would you like to make friends in Switzerland, easily and naturally? There are plenty of opportunities to expand your social circle directly in your city or canton.

1. Get involved in local activities

• Sports classes (yoga, climbing, swimming, tennis, martial arts,...)
• Creative workshops (painting, cooking, photography, theater,...)
• Book clubs or film clubs for culture enthusiasts
• Hiking groups for nature lovers
• Volunteering in local associations

Ecole-Club Migros remains a top favorite in French-speaking Switzerland for acquiring new creative skills while meeting people. Its varied courses attract diverse profiles, increasing your chances of meeting people who truly match your interests.  
 

2. 5 of the Best Sites to Make Friends in Switzerland

Spontacts, developed by students from ETH Zurich, has seen strong growth in recent years. This app allows you to organize and join group activities in your region, making it much easier to meet people in a relaxed setting structured around a shared hobby.

3. Get involved in volunteering

Travel Safely with Europ Assistance

Our solutions tailored to your plans:

• Short-stay coverage for weekends and getaways
• Annual insurance if you travel regularly

Discover our travel insurance starting at CHF 46.

FAQ: Your questions about how to make friends

How to make friends when you’re retired?

• Senior clubs and local associations
• Universities of the Third Age
• Senior hiking groups
• Creative workshops (painting, sculpture, sewing)
• Organized trips for retirees
• In Switzerland, Pro Senectute services to combat isolation

How to make friendly connections in a new city?

What is the impact of loneliness on health?

Why is it difficult to make friends as an adult?

• Busy schedules balancing work and family obligations
• Closed social circles that are less open to newcomers
• Fear of judgment or rejection, especially for shy individuals
• Cultural or language barriers for expatriates seeking integration

How to make friends online safely?

Making friends online can be rewarding, as it helps overcome physical and mental barriers. However, it’s essential to stay vigilant. To enjoy the experience while protecting your safety, here are some best practices:

• Choose reliable and reputable platforms. Opt for sites, apps, or communities that moderate interactions and follow security standards
• Be cautious when transitioning to real-life meetings. If you plan to meet in person, choose a public and busy location
• Inform someone you trust. Share the time, place, and identity of the person you’re meeting
• Trust your instincts. If something feels strange, inconsistent, or too pushy, take a step back or end the conversation
• Limit personal information at first. Avoid sharing your address, workplace, finances, or other sensitive data until trust is established

Can you make friends while traveling alone?

Yes, and it’s often easier than when traveling in a group! Traveling solo encourages connections because you’re more approachable and open to other travelers and locals. Hostels, guided tours, classes, and travel apps create plenty of opportunities for authentic encounters.

How to maintain a long-distance friendship after traveling?

Once back home, it can be hard to keep the same closeness as abroad. However, with a few simple habits, it’s absolutely possible to maintain friendships formed during your trip. For example:

• Schedule regular video calls, even short ones. Consistency matters more than duration, and a few minutes can keep the connection alive
• Share photos, everyday moments, or memories. These small gestures nurture closeness and extend the story you started while traveling
• Send spontaneous messages. A simple “I thought of you” can create a strong emotional link
• Plan reunions whenever possible. Even rare, in-person meetings strengthen what distance cannot replace
• Show mutual effort. Yes: long-distance friendships only work when both sides show they care!

What is the best app to make friends abroad?

The choice depends on your profile:

Feel free to combine several platforms to maximize your chances of making friends while traveling.

Can friendships created through apps be strong?

Friendships formed on digital platforms can be just as authentic and lasting as those created in real life. The initial meeting method matters far less than compatibility, shared values, and mutual investment in the relationship.

I work remotely while traveling—how can I meet new people?

Remote work while traveling can be isolating if you don’t take proactive steps. Here are the most effective solutions to stay connected:

• Use coworking spaces to meet locals or other expats
• Attend events for digital nomads via Meetup or local Facebook groups
• Adopt fixed social routines (morning coffee at the same spot, evening sports, etc.)
• Stay in hostels with coworking spaces to combine work and networking opportunities

Whether you want to expand your social circle in Switzerland, make new friends abroad, find travel companions, or integrate into a new country, opportunities have never been more abundant. This is especially true thanks to digital platforms, community initiatives, and events designed for this purpose. So don’t hesitate to turn to new technologies to build connections around the world!