Geneva is an international city in western Switzerland, set at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva, where the lake drains into the Rhône. It is home to the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe, which gives the city a distinctly international character. You will hear French spoken everywhere, alongside the many languages of visitors and residents from around the world. The city is also known as Genève in French and Genf in German.
What a visit offers
- The lakeside. Lake Geneva is the setting for much of the city, and the promenades along its shore are a pleasant place to walk, sit, or simply watch the water.
- The UN and international institutions. As a centre for diplomacy, Geneva has a notable international atmosphere that sets it apart from many Swiss towns.
- The old town. Streets and squares on the higher ground reward slow exploration on foot.
Planning your trip
Geneva works well as a base for a short stay, and the lake makes it easy to combine city time with time outdoors. Because it is a major international hub, it is also a convenient point of entry for travellers continuing to other parts of Switzerland and France. Its size is manageable, so much of the centre can be covered on foot, with the lake as a constant reference point.
