The Basics
City Name: Geneva
Where is it located?: Geneva lies in the southwest corner of Switzerland, on the border of France.
Why do people go there?: The French oo-la-la corner of Switzerland, Geneva sits near the strikingly beautiful Swiss Alps. This is clock-country, with an enormous timepiece dedicated to the art.
How do travelers get there?: Hop on a train from France, Italy or elsewhere in Switzerland.
Currency: Swiss Franc
City Code: 22
Population: 200,000
Languages: French, with some German and Italian
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Plainpalais, Vieille Ville, Rue du Rhône, Rue du Marche, Eaux Vive, Carouge, Paququis, Servette
Attractions: L’Horloge Fleurie, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum (Musee International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge), Jet d’Eau, Cathedrale de St-Pierre
Accommodations: Geneva Hostels, Geneva Hotels
Tourist Office: See the Main Office in Zurich: Switzerland Tourism, Tödistrasse 7, P.O. Box 695, 8027 Zürich, Telephone: +41-1-288-11-11, Fax: +41-1-288-12-05, Email: postoffice@switzerlandtourism.ch
Off-the-beaten-path: Parc des Eaux-Vives, Uni Bastions, Tomb of an excentric Duke
Tips for Visiting
When to go: November through April draws ski fans to the Alps, while less-adventurous tourists wait for the slightly warmer and sunnier summer season.
Common Phrases: Yes = Oui, No = Non, Please = S’il vous plaît , Thank you = Merci, Do you speak English? = Parlez-vous l’anglais?
City Specific Events: Fete De La Musique, Fetes De Geneve, Christmas Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Festival De La Batie
How to get around?: The bus and tram systems are very good.
Good to know: Geneva is regarded as the Global City because of the many international organizations found in this city.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Geneva is the Geneva Cointrin International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Geneva travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
