Photo: Wikibusters · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Geneva
A lakeside city of the UN and the Red Cross, with a hilly old town and a famous fountain.
A French-speaking city on a big lake, home to the UN and the Red Cross, with a hilly old town, a famous lake fountain and summer swimming from the jetties. One of the dearest cities in Europe.
Places to see
- Jet d'EauSight · A fountain that shoots a column of lake water 140 metres into the air from a jetty,…Free
St. Pierre CathedralChurch · A cathedral at the top of the old town with a plain Protestant interior, Calvin's chair,…Free
Place du Bourg-de-FourWalk · The old town's oldest square, sloping and lined with café terraces and a fountain, the…Free
When to go
- Jan5° / -1°Some rainQuiet
- Feb7° / -1°Some rainQuiet
- Mar11° / 2°Some rainBusy
- Apr15° / 5°Some rainBusy
- May20° / 9°Often wetBusy
- Jun24° / 13°Some rainBusy
- Jul27° / 15°Some rainVery busy
- Aug26° / 15°Some rainVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Les Pâquis. Between the station and the lake: lively, multicultural and the most affordable beds and food.
Plainpalais. A student district with a big flea market square and museums.
Flying in
Geneva (GVA): Train to Genève-Cornavin, about 7 min, ≈ A$0. Take the free ticket from the machine in the baggage hall (check).
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Geneva; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
Mostly on foot. A single ticket is ≈ A$6. The old town and lakefront are walkable; the Geneva Transport Card from your stay covers trams, buses, trains in the city and the yellow water taxis across the lake (check).
Tourist tax
Geneva's tourist tax: usually about CHF 3–5 a person a night, and your stay gives you a free Geneva Transport Card for trams, buses and the yellow water taxis (check).
Day trips
, about 1 h 50 min by train. Switzerland's arcaded capital.
