Why I Love Geneva & You Should Visit!
- Helen
- Apr 28, 2019
- 9 min read
Geneva in Switzerland is a city that within a day of arriving I knew I was going to love. When I accepted a three week house-sit in Geneva, it was out of a curiosity to see this part of the world, but without knowing a huge amount about it. Although I thought I would like Geneva, I did not realise how much.
Overall, Geneva is a fascinating, beautiful, compact, clean and very liveable city - where there really is something for anyone, no matter their interests, age, gender or anything else!
After three very enjoyable weeks getting to know Geneva, it is with a heavy heart I prepare to leave, but with the certain knowledge that I will return!
Why was it then I did love Geneva and really do think you should visit?
Geneva - Why I Love The City & You Should Visit!
Lake, Mountains, City... The General Setting!
Geneva is located in the south-west of Switzerland, sitting on the edge of Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Europe.
The city is bordered by the Jura Mountains to the west and the French Alps on the east side.
Geneva's setting means that it is a city with a stunning lake at its core and yet is surrounded by an outline of dramatic mountains.
Despite this natural setting, Geneva itself is essentially a city - a small city but one that does have a cosmopolitan feel.
Within Geneva you will discover rich historic and cultural offerings, with beautiful architecture, sculptures and art... perusing the city's Old Town it is easy to be spell-bound.
The buildings, streets and general feel have been very well preserved and are still beautifully maintained.
In any weather, the setting and scenery that Geneva offers will take your breath away and you will not want to leave. I love the fact you can enjoy all that you would expect in a metropolis within Geneva, yet still have a feel that you are in the countryside with the beautiful natural surroundings.
Something For Everyone!
Whether you enjoy museums and culture, shopping, food and drink, water based activities, hiking, skiing or a combination of all these things, Geneva does have something for you.
The city itself has a huge offering of world class museums to enjoy (from art museums, natural history, watch-making to nuclear physics and science!)... while there are also theatres, parks and fascinating historic sites.
Like shopping? Geneva is said to rival London and Paris as one of Europe's top shopping destinations. There are rich designer boutiques and stores, for which the window shopping alone is an experience!
If you prefer a sedate lifestyle by the water then there are seating areas and beaches next to the lake within the city to relax (and in warmer weather, perhaps even take a dip in the water!). You can also hire boats to take out and enjoy the full splendour of the lake itself.
Feeling more active? The mountains are literally a stone's throw from the city and so it is easy to spend a day on the mountains - hiking, skiing, snowboarding and be back in the city for dinner!
A Truly International City
Geneva really is a true international and multi-cultural city.
International organisations with power and influence have made Geneva their home - the United Nations, the Red Cross headquarters and the European Organisation for Nuclear Research to name just three... (it is said that Geneva houses more international organisations than anywhere else in the world).
These organisations naturally require workers and so people come from around the world for jobs here and to enjoy the benefits of living in Geneva!
This all means that Geneva's population is truly international, with approximately 48 % of residents being foreign nationals.
As you experience Geneva you will come across people speaking languages from the world over and you will see evidence of international influences all over the city. It would be hard to feel out of place as a 'foreigner' in Geneva!
Despite being so international though, Geneva remains essentially at heart very Swiss and proud of it's Swiss heritage - you get the best of both worlds in Geneva- Swiss and international experiences!
Compact & Walkable
Despite being the second biggest city in Switzerland (after Zurich), Geneva is by no means large and has more of a town feel than that of a busy and overcrowded metropolis.
Central Geneva is compact and easy to navigate, with most of the city's main attractions being walkable - and when the journey from one point to the other offers stunning architecture, scenery and incredible views you barely notice the walk time!
Beyond the central areas to Geneva, the rest of the city is also relatively small - the airport, for example on the edge of the western side of the city, is a mere 4 kilometres away - just a 20 minute bus ride (or even faster by train!).
Therefore, even if you are not a big fan of busy cities, you will not feel overwhelmed in Geneva... it has a small, comfortable and friendly feel to its size and it is not possible to get lost within its streets for long!
Excellent Transport Network
Geneva's public transport network is another factor very much in its favour.
Buses, trams and trains form a very comprehensive network that covers all the city and leads out to the suburbs, surrounding towns and villages and it is not expensive.
Public transport is easy to use in Geneva - maps are offered at bus and tram stops and at the train stations. When riding the bus or tram there are displays and announcements of upcoming stops so you know where to get off!
The system runs on an honesty policy (tickets are rarely checked) but you are expected to carry a travel pass or ticket. Ticket machines are next to most bus and tram stops or you can get travel passes from larger bus or train terminals.
I also understand that if you are staying in a hotel or hostel in Geneva that you are entitled to a free travel pass for the duration of your stay, which the hotel will provide (bonus!!).
I always rely on public transport when I travel and Geneva's system was one I found very easy, safe, clean and reliable.
Links To Other Parts Of Europe
Although Geneva itself is a place you might just want to stay and appreciate, if you do have a desire to travel further and see a bit more then Geneva is a good base.
Transport links around Switzerland, into France and wider Europe (as well as the rest of the world) are excellent from Geneva.
Whether you want to drive, go by train or fly, getting to see other regions is very easy.
From Geneva great day trip opportunities include other towns around Lake Geneva, such as Lausanne and Montreux; venturing into France (which largely borders Geneva) and visiting Annecy or Chamonix or discovering the home of Swiss cheese in Gruyere!
If you do not drive (or prefer not to) then there are trains that serve many of these destinations. Were you to feel particularly adventurous it is also possible to visit Paris or Zurich for a day from Geneva (direct trains run regularly, although these are not short journeys so would make for long day trips!).
With an airport offering flights worldwide too, life in Geneva is not without opportunities for further exploration!
A Rich, Clean, Safe City
When you visit Geneva, you will certainly appreciate (especially if you have been to poorer parts of the world) that this is a city with a large amount of wealth. Not surprising perhaps when we are talking about a city in Switzerland which takes top spot in global wealth rankings, with 11% of the population said to be US dollar millionaires (source).
Of course, the wealth of Geneva has its downsides - Geneva is far from a cheap city to visit. Eating out in particular is significantly more expensive than in many other cities around the world.
However, the wealth of the city perhaps also contributes to the fact that it is very well cared for with floral touches and details on most streets and that it is clean and friendly.
Geneva is also very safe. As a single traveller I felt safer in Geneva than I have anywhere I have been. In fact, Switzerland did rank second safest country in the world to travel to earlier this year (check out my earlier post on the safest countries to visit!).
Overall, Geneva is just a very civilised and easy city to spend time in... there is little to feel uncomfortable about while visiting.
Large Amount Of Green Space
If, like me, you enjoy being in a city but also crave green space and an outdoor feel with it, then Geneva will more than please you.
Referred to as, 'the city of parks', over 20% of Geneva is covered in green space.
You do not need to walk far to find open parks where people spend time strolling, sitting, eating and drinking and in some cases playing giant chess!
There are parks all around the city centre itself and in the suburbs and all are free to visit. Many of the parks in the city also contain some of Geneva's key historic sites.
Definite highlights of the green spaces in Geneva are the Botanical Gardens and the Parc des Bastions.
Watches & Clocks!
Switzerland is world renowned for making first class watches and this all began in Geneva.
In the 16th century Geneva was under the rule of Calvin and as such any displays of wealth (including wearing any jewellery) was prohibited.
This meant that all the city's jewellers risked going out of business unless they could find an alternative solution.
The solution came in developing themselves as skilled watch-makers.
Since then, with ups and downs along the way, Switzerland has continued to maintain world influence in the craft of making and selling watches of all designs.
Geneva today is proud of its watch-making history and its continued watch making industry.
As you go about your day to day business in Geneva you will not struggle to know what the time is! Magnificent clocks adorn the buildings and one key icon of Geneva is the year round flower clock found by the lakeside in the heart of town, which was created as a tribute to Geneva's watch-making past.
Boutique shops run by top names in watch making line Geneva's streets.... from the most expensive, to the more affordable, including Switzerland's 'budget' and fashion brand, Swatch.
If you have any interest in time or watches or are in the market for a new watch, then Geneva is for you!
Cheese & Chocolate!
For those looking for the gastronomic specialities in a new town or country, then Geneva is the place to come to if chocolate and cheese meet your cravings!
Firstly, one of my passions, chocolate....
Switzerland is very well known for its top quality chocolate production and no less so than in Geneva.
Within Geneva there are over 30 chocolate makers, most located within the centre of the city and they are busy making chocolates each day, waiting for you to visit and enjoy!
Geneva's most acclaimed chocolate makers include Stettler, Favarger, Auer, Teuscher and Du Rhone... to name but a few. Of course, this is not your bog standard Mars or Cadbury's and so it does come at a premium, but as they say, sometimes in life you get what you pay for!
Once you have completed the tour of the chocolatiers (and aren't tempted to just start again at the beginning!), then onto cheese.
The Swiss love their cheese....
I have read that in Switzerland the people eat 47 lb of cheese a year, in comparison to the USA where it is just 31 lb!!! This gives an idea of just how much the Swiss LOVE their cheese!
Consumed commonly as a fondue or raclette, but also just by the block, Swiss cheese is one thing to enjoy when in Geneva.. and there are over 450 varieties of cheeses produced in the country to pick from!
Gruyere is the top-produced cheese in Switzerland and the village of Gruyere is a possible day trip from Geneva if it captures your fancy!
So, yes.... chocolate and cheese are definitely reasons to find Geneva a city to enjoy visiting.
The Climate
One thing I was surprised by was the climate in Geneva.
As it is surrounded by snow topped mountains which are popular for skiing, I was expecting Geneva to experience very cold and snowy winters. However, this is not the case.
Geneva actually has a warm-temperate climate. Winters are cool but usually with just light frosts at night and summers become warm and sunny.
On average Geneva itself only experiences snowfall on 8 days of the year.
My visit to Geneva was during the month of April and the weather was beautiful.
It was generally warm with some days of temperatures over 20 centigrade and just a couple of days of rain. It was very easy to be outdoors during my time in Geneva and enjoy all the city has to offer... Many others obviously thought the same as people were sitting out in parks or along the lakeside, soaking up some rays of spring sunshine!
The weather is definitely another selling point for Geneva as a whole!
That's it... those are my top reasons for why I love Geneva and think that you really should visit!
Geneva is a place that is very easy just to be in. It is unassuming, welcoming, beautiful on so many levels and has plenty of options for things to see and do, no matter who you are or what your interests!
I would say that Geneva is a very liveable city for residents but also one that offers so much to the visitor.
Why not find out for yourself?
**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**
Comments