Why visit
Geneva is Switzerland's most international city. UN headquarters, CERN, Lake Geneva's Jet d'Eau, and easy access to Chamonix and Mont Blanc.
How to use this result
Use it as a travel-city prompt
Geneva is included because it has traveler appeal beyond being a dot on the map. Use the themes, neighborhoods, notes, and season guidance to decide whether it fits a weekend, longer route, or writing prompt.
Build a realistic route
For a real trip, check how Geneva connects with nearby cities, airports, rail or bus routes, local costs, weather, and entry rules for Switzerland.
Geneva at a glance
City population
203k
Metro: 633k
Elevation
375 m
1,230 ft
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 DST)
Europe/Zurich
Airport
GVA
Geneva Airport (Cointrin)
Founded
antiquity (Roman Genava)
Getting around
Trams, buses, Léman Express trains, mouettes boats across the lake
Signature dish
Fondue, longeole sausage, filets de perche
Neighborhoods for travelers
Old TownCarougeEaux-VivesPâquis
Switzerland at a glance
Country center
47.0°, 8.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
41,284 km²
15,940 mi²
Country population
8.9 million
215/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Swiss franc (Fr.)
CHF
Dial
+41
Languages
French, Swiss German, Italian
Demonym
Swiss
Internet
.ch
UN
Member state
ISO code
CH / CHE
Where in the world
47.0° - 8.0°
Switzerland
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Geneva is home to the European headquarters of the UN (Palais des Nations), the WHO, the WTO, and CERN.
- The Jet d'Eau, the city's 140-m water fountain in Lake Geneva, shoots 500 liters per second at 200 km/h.
- Switzerland has no single capital, but Geneva calls itself "capital of peace" for the number of treaties signed here since 1815.
- Switzerland has enough nuclear fallout shelters for the entire population: by law.
- The CERN Large Hadron Collider crosses the Swiss-French border underground.
Bordering Switzerland
Traveler notes
- CERN visitor center (free) for particle physics
- Lake cruises to Lausanne and Montreux
- Mont Blanc day-trip via Chamonix (1.5 hours)
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Geneva
What currency is used in Geneva?
Geneva uses the Swiss franc (Fr.), ISO code CHF.
What languages are spoken in Switzerland?
The primary languages are French, Swiss German and Italian.
What is the international calling code for Switzerland?
The calling code is +41.
What airport serves Geneva?
Geneva Airport (Cointrin) (IATA: GVA).
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