Pawansut Travel
Alexander Demyanenko/Shutterstock
Perched on the glittering edge of Lac Léman and framed by snowy Alpine peaks, Geneva blends lakeside serenity with global flair. It’s a city of diplomats, watchmakers, and chocolate artisans, where languages mix and trams glide past luxury boutiques and leafy parks. Compact yet worldly, it’s a place for café moments, cultural finds, and mountain views around every corner.
The City
Geneva’s history goes way back — it started as a Roman settlement before growing into a key trading town in the Middle Ages. The city made its mark during the Protestant Reformation, with John Calvin setting up shop here in the 16th century. That legacy still shows in the Old Town’s winding streets and historic buildings. Over time, Geneva became known for diplomacy and humanitarian work, thanks to its neutral stance in global conflicts.
Today, Geneva feels like a small city with a global reach. It’s home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and dozens of international organisations, which explains the mix of languages and faces you’ll see on the streets. With about 200,000 people — including many expats — the city balances its busy international vibe with plenty of parks, lakeside paths, and spots where you can slow down and take it all in.
Do & See
Geneva mixes old-world history with a modern, international edge. You can wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, walk along the lake, or dip into high-end shopping on rue du Rhône. Visits to places like the UN or the Red Cross Museum show the city’s global role. Its museums range from classical to experimental, and if you pay attention, the architecture and neighbourhoods hint at a city that’s more layered than it first seems.
Dining
Geneva has earned its reputation as a gourmet town — and it certainly lives up to the acclaim. The local cuisine blends Swiss tradition with strong French and Italian influences. Travellers can savour lake specialities like filet de perches and filet de féras, alongside favourites such as cheese fondue and raclette, all best enjoyed with a glass of Swiss or French wine.
Cafés
Geneva’s café scene has something for every coffee fan, from casual spots to stylish little hideouts. As a busy business hub, the city runs on coffee — locals dashing between meetings, savouring a cup of Joe on the go or slowing down on Sunday afternoons. These cafés are part of everyday life here, always buzzing with activity.
Bars & Nightlife
Although Geneva is a relatively small city, its nightlife offers a surprisingly wide and varied range of entertainment — likely thanks to its international mix of people. Many start the evening with an aperitif at one of the hundreds of bars before heading to a hot nightspot. Dance floors are filled with everyone from the Geneva jet set and sharply dressed diplomats to rockers in black leather and trendy locals unwinding after work.
Shopping
If Switzerland is the country of luxury, then Geneva is surely the jewel in this crown. The main shopping area lies between Rue du Rhône and Rue de Rive, with countless chic and high-brand boutiques. Geneva is the perfect city to renew your wardrobe, but make sure you come with the necessary funds, because in this city, quality certainly comes at a cost. You might also find yourself falling in love with the perfect watch: watchmaking is a serious matter and a true art here. If you're looking for more tourist purchases, worry not, you will also find typical Swiss things like clocks, chocolate and cheeses, all of top quality.
Tourist Information
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Located just 4 km from the city centre, Geneva Airport is extremely well-connected. The CFF/SBB railway station, directly beneath the terminal, offers frequent departures to Genève‑Cornavin, with the journey taking about 7 minutes.
TPG bus lines 5 and 10 also run between the airport and central Geneva, with travel times ranging from 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses typically run every 8 to 15 minutes during peak hours. For early departures, the Aérobus shuttle service (lines A1–A6) operates between 4:30am and 6:30am, connecting several neighbourhoods in and around Geneva and neighbouring France.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available just outside the arrivals hall.
Travellers staying in a hotel, youth hostel, or campsite in Geneva receive a Geneva Transport Card, valid throughout zone 10. This includes buses, trams, local boats (Mouettes), and the train between the airport and city centre — all free for the duration of your stay.
Address: Geneva International Airport, Geneva
Email:
Phone: +41 848 192 020
Website: www.gva.ch/en
More Information:
Passport /Visa
Switzerland can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, the UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
More Information:
Public Transport
Geneva’s public transport is arguably one of the best ways for visitors to get around the city. It's reliable, frequent and covers most tourist spots. It includes trams, trolleybuses, buses, trains and even lake ferries (the yellow Mouettes Genevoises), all covered by one ticket.
Tickets are valid across all modes within Zone 10, with day passes available. If you're staying in a hotel, hostel or campsite registered with Geneva Tourism, you'll receive a Geneva Transport Card — a digital pass sent before arrival that gives you free, unlimited travel on all local transport during your stay. There’s also a Geneva City Pass offering transport plus discounts on about 50 attractions for 24–72 hours.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website: www.tpg.ch/en
More Information: www.sbb.ch/en
Taxi
Taxis in Geneva can be ordered by phone, hailed at specific stands, or booked via the Taxiphone Genève app, which is widely used. Ride‑hailing apps like Uber and Bolt also operate in the city. Taxis are fairly expensive, which is why most travellers opt for public transport.
Address: Taxi-Phone Central
Email:
Phone: +41 22 331 41 33
Website:
More Information:
Post
Geneva has many Swiss Post branches throughout the city — just look for the bright yellow signs and mailboxes. You can buy stamps, send letters or parcels, and collect packages from lockers or counters. The most convenient location for travellers is Poste Mont-Blanc, centrally located on Rue du Mont-Blanc 18, just a short walk from the main train station. Some stamps and basic postal services are also available at newsstands and supermarkets.
Address: Swiss Post - Rue du Mont-Blanc 18, Geneva
Email:
Phone: +41 8 48 888 888
Website: www.post.ch/en
More Information:
Pharmacy
In Geneva, the main pharmacy chains are Amavita, Sun Store, and Pharmacieplus. They are widely present across the city and offer prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, health products, and basic travel or hygiene essentials. For urgent needs outside of these times, Pharma24, at Boulevard de la Cluse 38, operates 24/7.
Address: Pharmacieplus - Rond-Point de Plainpalais 6, Geneva
Email:
Phone: +41 22 320 07 59
Website:
More Information:
Electricity
Switzerland operates on a 230V/50 Hz electrical system and uses both Type C (two-pin) and Type J (three-pin) plugs. Type C plugs are also compatible with Type J sockets.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
More Information:
Telephone
Country code: +41
Area code: 22
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
More Information: