Geneva is situated on Lake Geneva at the bottom of the Alps. This famous city has an interesting history, and yet now is one of the most important centres in Europe. This city is home of the European headquarters of the UN. It also has a long history of tolerance and diversity. There are a lot of mixed nations, but this does not stop to develop even nowadays. Geneva is also a very interesting cultural centre with high ranked entertainment, exquisite restaurants and huge opportunities for recreation. 

When to visit Geneva

Geneva is one of the “bucket –list” places to visit. But, you must be sure what you want to experience.The best period when you should visit this city is between July and August. Then is the peak also for tourists and the most expensive period, but the weather then is best for hiking or sunbathing at its baths. The period between December and April is great for skiing near the Swiss Alps, and of course the weather is cold. Summers are warm and winters are not much cold, with the temperature around zero. In summer the temperatures are from 12 C and 26 C. In winter, the temperatures are from -1 C and 6 C. And it is rainy all year long. Also, in winter, there is snowfall, but still even then it is not so cold. 

Good to know about the city

The architecture is fine, beside the small size of the city. The city is located on important trade routes and has very different traditions of 4 nations – this influenced a lot on the buildings in Geneva. 

The architecture of Geneva is a mixture of history, luxury, simplicity and traditions. Italians and Romans influenced the architecture of the North part, and German style is in the South, whilst the French influence is in the East. So, in Geneva, there are buildings from all styles: Gothic, Roman, Renaissance, Modern, Baroque and Postmodern style. 

In the municipality of Geneva is a huge network made of trams, bus, train and boats, which enable the public to travel. Geneva includes itself in developing public transport with providing several activities: adapting roads (especially to people with lower mobility), funding some lines, adapting the transport on night lines (on Friday and Saturday nights), participation in projects and studies for improving the public transport. Many other things are in plan, but the city and the authorities are always taking care to fully develop any idea in this area. 

The annual average salary for a full – time in Geneva is around 80 thousand Swiss francs per year. This means that the monthly salary is around 7000 Swiss francs. 

In the restaurant the bill also included a service charge, but you should also tip about 10 percent to the server. The tip varies according to the restaurant and your satisfaction from the service.

Famous people from Geneva: Kat Graham (Actress), Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Philosopher, Writer, & Composer), Kate Burton (actor), Clint Capela (Basketball player).

What to see in Geneva

Lake Geneva

The lake is the most wonderful site to see. It has a great view and the Alps covered with snow is a great background. Getting from one part of the city to another is available with Mouettes Genevoises. Also you can travel by boat, and also travel to the other towns around the lake (Montreux, Lausanne and others). Also you can get a cruise with one of the paddle steamers. 

Jet d'Eau (Water Jet)

The Jet d’Eau is one of the most important symbols and a very famous landmark. A strong pump propels water (500 litres per second), and gets a very high altitude. Nearby is Bains de Paquis, a very vivid place with locals and tourists who swim, go to sauna, or go to café. 

Temple de Saint-Pierre

The Cathedral of Saint –Pierre from 1150. This church has some characteristics of the Gothic period. In the period of protestant reformation, the church changed its name to Temple de Saint – Pierre, and became protestant church. The followers of the work of John Calvin take away the altars, statues and paintings. The only things that are left are carved capitals and stained glass. The towers were never completed, and date from the 13th century. There are beautiful views of the lake and also the town. 

Parc de la Grange et Jardin Anglais (English Garden)

On the Geneva lake, on its south part, you can see a huge flower clock, which is a wonderful site. The clock changes with the seasons, because there are seasonal flowers consisting of it. In this park is also Monument National, with figures representing Helvetia and Geneva, and is a commemoration of entering the Swiss Confederation. On the south shore of the lake are Parc de la Grande (with roses), and Parc des Eaux-Vives with wonderful trees and flowers. 

Place du Bourg-de-Four

In the centre of Old Town, and near the above-mentioned Temple, is the popular place Place du Bourg-de-Four. It is probably the oldest square, and has had a very important market ever since the 19th century. In the 16th century, many protestants escaped and found shelter here. Nowadays, on this square are a lot of cafes and restaurants. When the weather is warm, they put tables in front. On the square there is an ancient  fountain and a statue of Clementine. Also, there is the Palais de justice which represents the “house of the law”. 

Jardin Botanique (Botanical Gardens)

This garden is situated between Chemin de l'Impératrice and Avenue de la Paix and is here since 1902, when it replaced a smaller one. Have a lot of gardens, greenhouses and conservatory. It is spread over 28 hectares and also around 12 thousand species of trees and plants. In Alpine Garden are plants from the higher parts of Switzerland, and there is one herbarium with more than 6 million species. In the small area where are the animals, there is fallow deer and some other species of wildlife.