One of the world’s richest cities, Geneva is home to more than 200 international organisations including the Red Cross, World Health Organisation, International Labour Organisation and previously the UN. This international exposure has created a sophisticated and modern city, boasting one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan lifestyles.
A neighbour to Germany, France and Italy, Switzerland is strongly influenced by France in both its food and as the countries official language. Not yet a member of the European Union, Switzerland continues to utilise its own currency, the Swiss Franc.
Geneva Information
Population: Approx. 185,958
Time Zone: UTC +1
Languages: French (official), English, Spanish
Currency: Swiss Franc
Currency Exchange: Purchase your euro cash and travellers cheques before you leave Australia
Geneva Climate
A typical temperate climate, Geneva experiences mild winters and warm summers. Snowfall is common during the cooler months although coverage in the city is usually light.
Summer temperatures range between 12°C (54° F) and 24°C (75°F) and winter sees the temperature fall to -1°C (30° F) overnight and reach 4°C (39° F) during the day.
Rainfall averages are fairly consistent throughout the year - November is the wettest with around 92mm and April the driest with 62mm.
Geneva Airport
Name: Geneva International Airport
Website: http://www.gva.ch/en/
Partner Airline: Etihad Airways
Car Rental:Mates rates on all car hire with our preferred partners
Around Geneva
Set along the shores of Lake Geneva (Europe’s biggest Alpine lake), Geneva is a picturesque city with clean, well manicured streets and parks. Visit Josef’s Elegante Meats & Deli and stock up on Swiss favourites like quiche, sweet tarts, sandwiches and artisan chocolates before heading down to the lakefront for a picnic. Dine amongst the colourful flower gardens and watch the Jet d’Eau as it shoots 140m into the sky. Originally created as a release valve for the hydraulic plant, the popular tourist attraction is great to marvel at during the day and gorgeous when lit up at night. Take a walk along the lake past historic Geneva homes and monuments before stopping at the jetty to watch the boats and savour some Mövenpick ice cream.
The Cathedrale de St-Pierre was originally built by the Catholics in 1160 but was made into a famous Protestant church by John Calvin during the 16th century. It’s now a popular tourist destination with an archaeological museum underneath providing an interesting multimedia tour of the regions history. Climb the winding staircase of the north tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond – worth the 157 stairs you’ll climb to reach the top. Place du Bourg-de-Four 24
For a fun and educational family day out there’s no better place to visit than the Museum of Natural History. With an entire floor dedicated to dinosaurs (including a couple of life size skeletons) as well as aquariums with turtles, giant elephant skeletons and even some snakes it represents great family entertainment and best of all it’s free. The onsite café has a well-priced child friendly menu and there’s a cloak room with plenty of stroller space too.
Surrounding Area
No holiday in Geneva would be complete without a trip to the Swiss Alps. Take a day trip to the Verbier Ski Resort, just an hours drive from Geneva and spend a day skiing. Likewise a trip to Mont Saleve, just over the French border will have you in awe of Geneva’s proximity to not just the Alps but the rest of Europe too. Pack light and hire your gear on the mountain and be sure to check the condition reports before you leave.
Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva
5 Star Property
The Mövenpick Hotel is located near the airport and railway station. Geneva Palexpo is about 15 minutes from Geneva centre. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and air-conditioning.
Hotel Auteuil
4 Star Property
You appreciate what's in style? You delight in a clean design? With its urban atmosphere nurtured by creative passion, the Hotel Auteuil invites you to discover a soothing world of aesthetics, close to the City centre, near the lake and the main station (Cornavin). 104 rooms, a bar with a fireplace, Fitness, Laundry, Interactive TV, Wi-Fi free of charge, ADSL and a Private car park are available to guests.
Nh Geneva Airport
4 Star Property
The NH Geneva Airport is located near the Geneva International Airport and the Congress centre Palexpo. It is the meeting point for international business people. The hotel has a free shuttle service to Geneva International Airport. Palexpo and the business area around the hotel. The 190 bedrooms are all completely renovated in 2004 with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, TV, radio, safe, hairdryer and telephone with a direct access for the internet.
Hotel Epsom
4 Star Property
Experience the majesty of an exclusive four star hotel in a contemporary setting. Enjoy the ultimate in comfort and in personal service. Situated in the city centre just steps away from the lake, the hotel Epsom offers 153 rooms and suites (some with lake view), business centre, wireless Internet, Restaurant Portobello and Co and Eight in Bar, fitness centre and a car park.
NH Rex
4 Star Property
The NH Rex is located in the centre of Geneva within close range of the Lac Leman, the UNO, Neuve and Carourge. A luxurious, elegant and enchanting ambience decorated in the glorious style and materials of the 19th century. This all combined with a touch of the French lifestyle and last renovated with an "eye for detail" in 2004. For your city and business trips the hotel is the ideal place to start.
Hotel Royal
4 Star Property
Sophisticated elegance, sumptuous furnishings, draped opulence, exquisite woods. The ultimate in friendly four-star service and warm hospitality will enchant you. Situated in the city centre near the lake the hotel Royal offers 202 rooms, executive rooms and suites, business centre, Wi-Fi, restaurant, fitness centre, sauna and car park.
Dining
Capital of the Swiss dining scene, Geneva is home to more than 1000 restaurants offering an impossible selection of restaurants and bars. Housed in a traditional Swiss chalet, Edelweiss restaurant can be found in the cellar of the Eidelweiss hotel. The traditional Swiss menu serving local favourites of raclette (melted cheese with roast potato, gherkins and pickled onion) and eminces (veal cooked with fresh mushrooms and cream). Lots of folksy paraphernalia like flugelhorns and cow bells line the walls and a nightly yodelling performance only adds to the kitsch Swiss atmosphere. The slightly cheesy tourist spot draws in the crowds and is a great place to share dinner with family and friends. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll find it at Place de la Navigation 2.
For the best fondue in Geneva head to local haunt, Café du Soleil. Located at 6 Place du Petit-Saconnex its French bistro styled interior, leafy courtyard and busy tables will win you over on atmosphere alone. A great place to sample traditional cheese fondue, it’s also serves tasty salads and decadent desserts (the crème brulee and meringues with double cream are every bit as good as they sound). The restaurant fills with locals quite early so it’s worth your while to make a reservation, especially if you plan on arriving after 7pm.
Faim café and restaurant located at 5 rue Chatelains, is a casual dining experience not to be missed. Along with their famed burgers, they also dish up hearty soups, tasty salads and a great selection of vegetarian meals too. A good spot to stop for a cocktail or local beer, the Scandinavian interior makes a great setting for a lazy weekend brunch. Their house-baked bread is a treat and the bircher muesli is especially popular with tourists eager to try the real deal. Located in the bottom of an apartment complex, the somewhat hidden gem is a real find for those looking for value.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, there’s more to Geneva than just chocolate and watches – although that’s a good place to start. For the cities most glamorous shopping head to Rue du Rhone and Rue du Marche. High-end international designers line the streets as do the worlds most famous watchmakers and chocolate purveyors.
For vintage clothing, crockery, records and even art head to Geneva’s largest open-air market the Plaine de Plainpalais. For antiques the Old Town is the place to go. Wonder through winding cobblestone streets and discover what the picturesque village has to offer.
