Geneva Travel Information and Interesting Facts and History of City Guide Tourist Information Second Largest City In SwitzerlandInteresting Facts of GenevaGeneva is the second largest city in Switzerland behind Zurich and the most international city in Europe with over 40% of its population coming from outside Switzerland. The main industries are banking, inter- and non-governmental administration, technology, and tourism. Geneva prides itself as being one of the most beautiful and cultured cities in the world, combining the splendors of nature with a rich palette of historic and architectural offerings. As well, the city is a major gateway to the Alps for outdoor enthusiasts year round.
History of GenevaGeneva has a rich history that dates back more than 4000 years and continues to influence the development of the city today. Evidence of Geneva’s past is preserved throughout the city in its many museums, monuments and architectural treasures.
Hotels and hostelsGeneva has over 130 hotels ranging from luxury five star resorts to dorm style hostels. Most hotels are in easy walking distance of major attractions, shopping and of course food.
GeographyGeneva is the capital of the Swiss Canton of Geneva located in the westernmost corner of Switzerland. The city is situated along the banks of Europe’s largest lake, Lake Geneva, at the mouth of the Rhone River and is bordered by the Jura Mountains to the west and the French Alps in the east. The city is easily reached within 2 hours by plane from most major cities in Europe and is a hub of Europe’s highway network. High speed train connections to Paris and Milan as well as fast trains to Spain and Germany provide additional access.
LanguageSwitzerland has three official languages: French, German and Italian. French is the predominant language spoken in Geneva, but most citizens speak at least one other language. English is spoken by about a quarter of the local population and by the majority of foreigners. Of course you can hear just about every other language in Geneva if you listen hard enough, from Albanian to Zimbabwean. When dealing with locals it is recommended that you start off in French, even if it is only a greeting, before transitioning to English.
CurrencyThe currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF, SFr.). The Euro is also accepted at most businesses but expect to pay a premium rate. Check www.xe.com/ for the most up-to-date exchange rates. Most transactions in the city are conducted in cash and a surprising number of businesses and restaurants do not accept credit cards so be prepared. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, dispensing notes up to 1000 CHF.
ClimateDue to the tempering effects of the lake and surrounding mountains, Geneva is pleasant almost year round. September and October are the rainiest months. January and February are the coldest but rarely drop below freezing. Summers are long with relatively low humidity and cool breezes from the lake. The Mont Blanc is visible from Geneva about half of the days out of the year. For more information, go to: www.free-weather.com/Geneva-Switzerland.php
ElectricityElectricity in Switzerland is 220 volts, 50 cycle AC. Most U.S. appliances require a converter and an adapter to operate, although some dual-voltage items such as laptops may only require an adapter. Some European appliances may also require an adaptor as Switzerland uses a 3-prong outlet system that is smaller than most Continental plugs.
Health and SafetyGeneva is a safe city with 1.99 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2003. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing are common around the central train station, but common sense usually prevails. Top quality hospitals and clinics are available 24 hours throughout the city (see Print and Take).
Time Zone:GMT/UTC +1
Telephone area code: 041
Population: 457,628 residents (as of December 2009)
Geneva has been described as the third European financial centre after London and Zurich,and the world's eighth most important financial centre by the Global Financial Centres Index, ahead of Frankfurt and Sydney and a 2009 survey by Mercer found Geneva to have the third-highest quality of life of any city in the world (narrowly outranked by Zurich).The city has been referred to as the world's most compact metropolis and the 'Peace Capital' In 2009, Geneva was ranked as the fourth most expensive city in the world.
Geneva Travel Information and city guideIf you are to travel to the city of Geneva in Switzerland, what sights must you absolutely see?
We have compiled a list of the eight most interesting places that you should take the time to see in Geneva.
The UN ComplexThe European headquarters of the United Nations continues to be the most popular tourist attraction of Geneva. Guided tours are available daily, and each tour can take you to various multimedia exhibits depicting the UN’s efforts to promote world peace. Points of interest in the UN Complex are the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber.
UN Building Geneva The Old TownThe Old Town is, as its name implies, the oldest district of Geneva. It was a major hubbub during the Roman times and still remains so until now. Everywhere you turn in the Old Town, you can see landmarks and monuments that attest to the age of this part of Geneva, mingling with modern cafes and bistros.
St. Peter's CathedralThe oldest and greatest treasure in Geneva’s possession is the majestic St. Peter’s Cathedral. The Cathedral is the result of painstaking construction that began in 1160 and took 400 years to complete, withstanding various fires and renovations. From its zenith, it offers breathtaking views of the city. Its basement houses an archaeological museum.
Reformation WallThe Reformation Wall is a monument that visitors can find in Bastions Park. With larger than life statues depicting the likenesses of such personages as John Calvin and John Knox, the wall is a memorial to the major turning points of the Protestant Reformation, of which Geneva is the birthplace.
Lake GenevaLake Geneva, on whose shores stands the city of Geneva. The lakefront is the highlight of the city, and it is a great place to relax and take leisurely strolls. The view is magnificent, and it is best enjoyed spending casual time in one of the cafes on the promenades surrounding the lakefront. The Jet d’Eau, the tallest column of spouted water in the world and Geneva’s most famous landmark, is found here.
Rousseau IslandStanding in the middle of Le Rhone River, the Rousseau Island is a bird sanctuary and a place to escape right in the middle of the city. It was named in honor of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who was a native of Geneva.
The PaquisThough more popularly known as the red light district of Geneva, the Paquis is a very colorful neighborhood where the diversity of the city’s population is most evident. There are many ethnic restaurants and shops in the Paquis.
Place NeuvePlace Neuve is the center of high culture in Geneva. This claim is corroborated by the fact that the Conservatory of Music, the Rath Museum, the Victory Concert Hall and the Grand Opera Theater are found in this square. The restaurants and cafes here cater to high-class clientele, mainly the artistic crowd that frequent the place.
These are the eight sights that you should not miss on your visit to Geneva. Make it a point to spend time in these places.
