Geneva Travel

Geneva is a major hub on the international scene, home to various institutions focusing on diplomacy and finance. Besides this global status, the Swiss city is very pleasant to visit, with its Old Town, various religious buildings and museums.

Geneva's major events

Geneva is best enjoyed between May and October. It is worth noting that winters are rather mild for Switzerland. Various sports events mark the calendar in the city, including the Marathon in May or the "Bol d'Or" regatta in June. Cultural festivals are also held, with the "Fêtes de Genève" summer festival around Lake Geneva. Also "L'Escalade" held in December, which commemorates the failed attempt by the Savoyer to invade the city. The celebrations include parades, processions and road running.

Useful information about your destination Geneva

Hiring a car is the best way to explore the surrounding mountains. The cost of life in Geneva is quite high, the city being ranked among the most expensive in the world. Visitors can expect to pay at least 20 CHF for a restaurant meal, and about 7.50 CHF for a beer. One of the local specialities you can taste is the "longeole", a raw sausage. Geneva is located in Romandy, the French-speaking part of the country, and its proximity to France makes it an ideal base for a day trip to the neighbouring coun

About Geneva transport and lodgings

From the airport, travellers can reach the city centre using a free public transport ticket valid for the duration of 80 minutes. It's available from the machines at luggage collection points with a boarding pass. The fastest option is to take a train to Gare Cornavin, with a journey lasting around 7 minutes and tickets costing about 3 CHF. Otherwise, visitors can take bus 5 and trolley bus 10 but the journey is around 30 minutes long and costs the same. Taking a taxi is another option and amounts to about 35-45 CHF. Finally, some hotels offer free shuttles from the airport.

As far as accommodation is concerned, options range from hostel rooms for ca. 25 CHF a night to 3-star hotels starting at around 135 CHF. Geneva public transport includes buses, trolleys and trams. Hotels, hostels and campsites offer guests Geneva Transport Cards for free travel. Otherwise single tickets are around 3 CHF, and day and weekly passes are also available. Those who prefer to cycle can use "Genèveroule", a bike hire that's free during the summer months.