Places / Europe / Switzerland
Geneva
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At a glance
- Country
- Switzerland
- Region
- Canton of Geneva
- Population
- 205,000
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Geneva (GVA)
- Coordinates
- 46.20°N, 6.14°E
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Overview
Geneva sits at the tip of Lake Geneva, almost surrounded by France, with the Alps and the Jura on the horizon. It is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the Red Cross and many other international organisations.
Beyond the diplomats, there is a hilltop Old Town, a lakeside full of swimmers in summer and a lively café culture. It is a polished, cosmopolitan base for the Alps and the lake.
Things to see
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Photo: Wikibusters, CC BY-SA 4.0 Jet d'Eau
The giant fountain shoots water high above the lake and has become the city's symbol.
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Photo: Torbjorn Toby Jorgensen, CC BY-SA 2.0 St Pierre Cathedral
The Old Town cathedral where Calvin preached; climb the towers for views across the lake.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Credits to Mourad Ben Abdallah / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Palace of Nations
The European headquarters of the UN, with guided tours and the Broken Chair sculpture outside.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Roland Zumbühl - www.picswiss.ch., CC BY-SA 3.0 Reformation Wall
A long stone monument to the leaders of the Protestant Reformation in the Parc des Bastions.
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Photo: Julia Lukmanova, CC BY-SA 2.0 de International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
A moving, well-designed museum on humanitarian work, opposite the UN.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Babsy, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bains des Pâquis
A public bathing spot on the lake, with swimming in summer and saunas and fondue in winter.
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Photo: Torbjorn Toby Jorgensen, CC BY-SA 2.0 Visit CERN
The particle physics laboratory on the city's edge has exhibitions and guided tours.
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Photo: Syced, CC0 Salève cable car
Ride up the mountain just over the border in France for views of Geneva and Mont Blanc.
Find tours -
Photo: HJPD, CC BY 3.0 Explore Carouge
A neighbouring town with Italianate squares, artisan shops and a village feel.
Where to stay
Old Town
Historic, quiet and close to museums and the cathedral.
Hotels in Old TownPâquis
Central and diverse, near the station and lake, with many restaurants.
Hotels in PâquisEaux-Vives
On the lake's left bank, residential with good cafés and parks.
Hotels in Eaux-VivesCarouge
A charming, slower-paced base a short tram ride away.
Hotels in Carouge
Getting around
Trams, buses and the yellow lake shuttles make getting around easy, and hotel guests receive a Geneva Transport Card.
Trains run from the airport to Cornavin station in about seven minutes.
When to go
May to September brings warm weather, lake swimming and the summer Fêtes de Genève. Winter is cold but close to the ski slopes, and December has the Escalade festival.
Plan your trip to Geneva
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.