Geneva is the 2nd biggest city in Switzerland located in the far west of the country boarding France. Geneva is known for its famous fountain (Jet d'eau) along with being the home of the United Nations and The Red Cross - its the worldwide centre for diplomacy!

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The City

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Geneva is split down with the middle with the Rhone River running through the centre. The Rue du Rhone, Rue du Marche and Rue de Rive are where you can find all the main shopping areas in Geneva.

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Lake Geneva (or Lac Leman) is the largest lake in Switzerland and borders France to the South including the famous water town of Evian. The lake is so big that there is also a small navy that has patrol boats along with borders with its neighbours.

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The architecture around the lake has lots of French villa influences and as you head to the outskirts of the city this is where you find the United Nations building which is well worth the visit.

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As being next to France, the language of Geneva is of course French (or Swiss-French) which has a mix of Italian and German words, but English is widely spoken.

Geneva is a great starting point for exploring the mountains surrounding Switzerland and France with Mont Blanc not being that far away.

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Out and About

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The shopping in Geneva is a lot more enjoyable when you’re on a budget than in Zurich. There are a large selection of clothes shops through to a mix of shopping centres around the city.

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Getting around is simple, walking is a great way to explore the city and there a reliable trams, buses and bikes you can rent.

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In summer life revolves around the lake. There are a number of very clean and fun beaches to visits where you can rent paddleboards or a deck chair and umbrella for the afternoon. Be warned – summer in Switzerland can get very hot, so take your factor 30+ with you!

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Boat rides around the lake is another low-cost fun thing to do. You can marvel at some of the world’s most expensive villas along the lakefront whilst eating your ice cream.

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Eating Out

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The food – what can I say – the food is delicious in Geneva. With the French influence, mixed with the high-quality ingredients from Switzerland there is something for everyone.

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Chez ma Cousine, like low cost – check, like Chicken – check – this place is amazing. It’s located in the old part of Geneva at the top of the hill which makes for a good workout. They have a simple menu with free-range, GMO-free chicken all from local farmers.

 

BlackTap is another must-go destination; they have some of the best ice-creams and burgers in Switzerland making them very Instagram friendly!

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There are many places to stop for coffee and a decent croissant and enter the French style of life but in Switzerland!

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Further Afield 

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Moving further out of Geneva there are a number of great places to visit.

Lausanne, and Montreux and just up the lake, where a fast train journey is the quickest way to reach these towns.

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There is a famous statue of Freddie Mercury to be found in Montreux along with the yearly Jazz Festival.

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Heading further afield, you can take day drips into France or head to the mountains for skiing or snowboarding – all are accessible.

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Geneva like Zurich has an international airport with regular flights from Bristol or London.