Geneva (Switzerland)
Geneva is Switzerland's second largest city, located at the banks of Lake Geneva in the west of the country. Geneva is famous as the center of European diplomacy, as well as the World Red Cross and the United Nations have their headquarters here. Geneva's most famous attractions include the St. Pierre Cathedral, and the 140 m high Jet d'Eau fountain. The city also has numerous museums and art galleries. Swiss chocolate and wines are also very famous.
Population: 196,257
Popular destination:
No
Official languages:
French,
German,
Italian,
Romansh
Emergency numbers: 112 (the police, ambulance, fire brigade)
Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
Electric plugs: C, J
Voltage: 230 V
Tipping in a restaurant: You are not expected to tip.
Time in destination: Jan 20, 2020, 4:02:56 PM
Location map
Monthly Weather Conditions
Geneva's weather changes throughout the year. There are rainy days every month, with an average of 9 rainy days per month, but if it rains when you're there, there's many great indoor places to visit.
The best time to visit Geneva is from June to August when the weather is mild and breezy; perfect for a cruise on Lake Geneva. There's also two key festivals - the Lake Parade (July) and Fetes de Geneve (August).
| Month | Average Temperature °F | High Temperature °F | Low Temperature °F | Rainy Days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34.9 | 39.7 | 29.7 | 9 |
|
| February | 37.0 | 43.3 | 30.7 | 8 |
|
| March | 42.8 | 51.4 | 34.3 | 8 |
|
| April | 48.4 | 57.4 | 39.6 | 8 |
|
| May | 56.7 | 66.4 | 47.3 | 10 |
|
| June | 62.4 | 72.5 | 52.9 | 10 |
|
| July | 67.5 | 78.4 | 57.0 | 7 |
|
| August | 66.6 | 77.7 | 56.7 | 7 |
|
| September | 59.5 | 69.4 | 50.9 | 8 |
|
| October | 50.9 | 58.5 | 44.2 | 9 |
|
| November | 41.7 | 47.3 | 36.1 | 9 |
|
| December | 37.0 | 41.5 | 32.2 | 9 |
|
More information: Geneva forecast and weather conditions monthly
Sights
Geneva 8 most important sights:
- The Old Town and its treasures: Switzerlands biggest historical city is overlooked by St. Peters Cathedral, the center of the Reformation movement.
- The Reformation Wall a monumental homage: A stones throw from the elegant Place de Neuve in the exceptionally beautiful Parc des Bastions, the famous Reformation Wall portrays Europes major reformers.
- The Palais des Nations, symbol of Geneva, capital of peace: The Palace of Nations hosts more than 10,000 intergovernmental meetings annually!.
- The birthplace of fine watchmaking: from the Flower Clock to the watchmakers shops: Its just a few steps from the flowers of Geneva's most famous clock to the dazzling shop windows of the Rue du Rhône, where you can find an amazing selection of world-famous watches and luxury brands.
- CERN, the world's accelerator of science: CERN, the worlds largest laboratory for particle physics, is based in Geneva.
- Carouge and its bohemian atmosphere: Genevas very different sister town, its "Greenwich Village," with craftsmen, artists and personalities who contribute much to Carouges charm.
- A certain art de vivre in the Bains district: This European platform for contemporary art is home to Switzerlands largest modern and contemporary art museum (MAMCO) and to a cluster of private art galleries.
- A getaway to Mont-Salève: This is the perfect starting point for hiking and other sports activities, or a paragliding experience!.
Recommendation for one day:
- Visit Jet d'Eau, in this Incredible "beach," the magnificent water jet is 140 metres high, with 500 litres of water passing through it every second at a speed of 200 km per hour.
- Nearby is the Old Town and its treasures, Switzerlands biggest historical city is overlooked by St. Peters Cathedral, the centre of the Reformation movement. Alternatively, visit the Reformation Wall a monumental homage just a stones throw from the elegant Place de Neuve in the exceptionally beautiful Parc des Bastions, the famous Reformation Wall portrays Europes major reformers.
- You are in the birthplace of fine watchmaking: from the Flower Clock to the watchmakers shops, you can find an amazing concentration of world famous watches and luxury brands. From fashion to jewellery, the great brands that give Geneva its reputation all have their own boutiques. A shopping paradise at your feet.
- Finish the day at CERN, the world's accelerator of science. This is where the Internet was born 20 years ago; and is where 10,000 physicists try to unlock the secrets of the universe and the Big Bang.
- Have a great evening at Bain des Pâquis, catch the late afternoon or evening sun with friends and fine food from the restaurant and bar at the Bain des Paquis - superb!.
More information: Geneva sights on map
Guide video
Price Level
Compared to prices worldwide, Geneva is an expensive destination.
On a tight budget, the daily budget is approximately $117.11, which includes hostel accommodation, budget meals and public transportation.
On a moderate budget, the daily budget is approximately $402.68, which includes a moderately priced hotel, meals at moderate priced restaurants and transportation costs.
Estimated prices:
- Hotel (2 stars): $92.83
- Hotel (3 stars): $104.79
- Hotel (4 stars): $174.85
- Hotel (5 stars): $406.59
- Taxi ride (3 miles): $26.39
- Taxi ride (6 miles): $46.05
- Beer in a restaurant (16 ounces): $7.24
- Meal, McDonalds: $13.46
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $25.88
More information: Geneva price level
Safety
Geneva has been classified as safe with security classification 4/5.
Safety index values (higher is better):
- General: 71.5 (better than United states average 49.0)
- Walking alone during daytime hours: 85.0 (better than United states average 69.0)
- Walking alone at night: 65.6 (better than United states average 41.3)
More information: Geneva safety
Car Rental
Things which affect the renting of the car:
- Driver’s license: In the European Union / Schengen a driver's license from an EU country is sufficient, although for North Americans it is recommended to carry a separate international driving license, in addition to the American driving license.
- Direction of traffic: In Europe the traffic is mainly right-handed. The exception is Great Britain, which is left-handed traffic.
- Insurance: In Western Europe, all rental cars include some kind of insurance, so additional insurance policies are often unnecessary (unless you are going to Russia or Eastern Europe).
- Driving abroad: You can drive a rental car almost everywhere within all countries of the European Union / Schengen territory without additional fees. Eastern European countries and Russia are the exceptions and you should always ask the car rental company in advance about the rules.
More information: Car rental Europe