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Geneva is Switzerland’s second-largest city, located at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) where the Rhone river flows out of the lake. It is almost completely encircled by France and therefore French-speaking, although English is spoken widely.
It is known as the “capital of peace” due to its tradition of humanitarianism. Several international organisations are based in Geneva including the European headquarters of the UN, the Red Cross (with a museum beneath the offices) and the World Trade Organisation. It is also one of Switzerland’s business cities.
Geneva’s defining symbol is the Jet d’eau, the 140m-high fountain at the edge of Lake Geneva. On the right side of the lake are many of the city’s hotels and restaurants; on the left is the Old Town. Lively promenades with cafes, markets and shops line the lake.
There are two monuments that pay tribute to Switzerland’s watch-making industry. The enormous Flower Clock is in the English Garden on the left bank; the “monumental solar and laser clock” is on the right.
Finding cheap flights to Geneva is not a hard task. Between the Alps and its position as an international business city, Geneva flights are easy to pick up.
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Summer is warm with temperatures in the mid-20s (Celsius), and July can be in the upper 20s and hot. Autumn is mild as temperatures drop to the low 20s and into the low teens in October. Winters are cold with daytime temperatures ranging from the very low single digits, and when the bise (north wind) blows, it can be bitterly cold. Spring is mild with temperatures reaching the teens. Rain falls year-round, and September usually gets the most rain.
Peak season:
July and August have the best weather and the biggest crowds. The beginning of August marks Swiss National day with two weeks of festivities. The summer is packed with events, especially music festivals.
Tourism peaks again during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The celebration of l’Escalade in December with its costumed and torch-lit processions brings throngs of visitors to the city.
Off season:
The shoulder months of June and September are pleasant times to visit and slightly lower hotel rates and Geneva flights can be found.
October, November, April, and May have fewer crowds, and possibly the lowest rates, although some lodging establishments are closed during the low season.
The best way to see Geneva requires you to slow down a little. You can walk through the city or pick up one of the free bicycles that are available outside Genève Roule, the main train station, from May to October. The public transport system is very reliable and fast, but you’ll miss some of the lovely city if you’re speeding by on a tram, bus or trolley. You can travel on a bus or tram from early morning to midnight. After that a night bus runs until the next morning.
Purchase your tickets ahead of time and don’t forget to validate them when you board. Buy a week-long pass if you’re staying long enough and save a bit of money. To get across the lake and back, hop aboard the seagull shuttle boats (les mouettes), which are part of the public transport system. Bus tickets and les mouettes tickets are interchangeable. You can also lounge around the lake on one of the many cruises offered. Float around for the whole day, half a day or just an hour, whatever your heart and travel schedule desires. Taxis are easy to find, but fairly expensive. Parking is so difficult that it’s not worth the hassle of renting a car. Instead, try hiring a car and driver for the day.