Geneva: Introduction

Often mistaken for being Switzerland’s capital (which is Zurich), Geneva city is holds over 186,000 habitants and has often been referred as the ‘Peace Capital’. Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the International Red Cross, and many other worldwide organisations, Geneva is well known for being a city of global business and finance.

Despite Geneva being a city of banks and business, its diversity is evident throughout. The cobbled streets and alleyways of Old Town Geneva lead visitors back in time as the history of the city is unravelled, starting at the Cathédrale St Pierre. The French speaking city is divided into different areas; Old Town, popular with history lovers; Left Bank, full of trendy cafes and bars; Right Bank, home to international cuisine ; and Carouge, known for it’s quaint boutiques and piazzas. The Jet d’Eau fountain is one of Geneva’s notorious landmarks and one of the world’s biggest fountains. The 140 metre jet spurts out 500 litres of water per second into the sky.

The activities are endless in and around Geneva. There are a number of daily bus, train, walking, and boat tours; countless museums, art galleries and exhibitions; shopping in boutiques or browsing the market stalls; and lakeside activities.

Geneva oozes culture and is popular with visitors from all over the world whether it’s for business, a pit-stop on route to the mountains, or to indulge in a spot of shopping or chocolate sampling. For such a business-orientated city, Geneva is full of surprises and around every corner there is a hidden gem to discover.