Holidays to Geneva

As the largest city in the Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Geneva is a glamorous and romantic destination. Located on the edge of Lake Geneva, the city is naturally beautiful, surrounded by scenic mountains and water. Beyond the idyllic setting, city breaks in Geneva also let you access a bustling international community within its dynamic city centre, as Geneva serves as one of the major office sites for the United Nations and the headquarters of the World Trade Organization.

Located in western Switzerland, Geneva's official language is French, although as the home of many international organisations, the city is easily accessible for English speakers. Your flight from London or Manchester will arrive at the Geneva Airport. Although the city is extremely modern, with nearly all major destinations accepting credit cards, you may wish to withdraw some Swiss francs prior to your flight to Geneva. Only one hour ahead of the UK, you can easily plan a flight and hotel for Geneva for a great weekend away.

Geneva has a temperate, oceanic climate, and the best weather can be experienced between May and September. July and August are the warmest months, with daily average highs reaching 26°C. While Lake Geneva is highly enjoyable for swimming in summer, it can also cause cooler winds and ice storms in the city during the winter months.

However, those wishing to add wintry outdoor activity to their package holidays in Geneva will be pleased that the city is located near several impressive ski resorts in Switzerland and France. Snow conditions are typically best between December and February. For a celebratory summer visit, come in early August, when the city hosts the Fêtes de Genève, Switzerland's biggest festival, encompassing ten days of music, food, and fireworks.

Geneva caters well to a glamorous, international crowd. The city is known for its shopping streets, like the Rue du Rhône (for luxury labels) and the Rue du Mont-Blanc (for independent Swiss boutiques), top restaurants, and significant landmarks, including the famous St Peter's Cathedral. Exploring Geneva by foot is highly recommended, particularly on a clear day with a fine view of the lake and the surrounding Alps. The city is home to many international organisations, some of which are open for tours, like the UN's Palace of Nations. To learn more about the history of the city and its place on the global stage, visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.

• Lake Geneva: Gather on its shores to snap a photo of the impressive fountain, the Jet d'Eau, take a boat excursion, or go for a swim. No matter what you choose, you'll get to experience why Lake Geneva is the jewel in the city's crown.
• Musée d'Art et d'Histoire: Get it all at this museum, which is home to wide-ranging exhibits, from prehistoric artefacts to modern art.
• Travel House: Learn about the history of city life in Switzerland with a visit to this six-storey medieval home, now a museum.
• International Museum of the Reformation: Curious about the break with Catholicism? This 18th century mansion houses numerous artefacts, paintings, and more, all pertaining to the Reformation.
• Day trips and skiing: Geneva is well-situated for day trips to other scenic locations, like Annecy, the 'Pearl' of the French Alps, and to great ski resorts, such as Aravis and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Geneva.

What to Eat in Geneva

The city is home to some of the world's finest chefs. For a memorable meal, make a reservation at Il Lago, serving Italian cuisine in an opulent setting, or at Auberge du Lion d’Or, for French food enjoyed with stunning views over Lake Geneva. For more traditional Swiss fare, be sure to feast on raclette, a comforting dish of melted cheese served over potatoes or bread, accompanied by pickled vegetables. Speaking of cheese, don't forget to try other varieties which the country is famous for, including Emmentaler, Appenzeller, and Sbrinz.

What to Bring Home From City Breaks in Geneva

It would be remiss to discuss a weekend in Geneva without mentioning the city's history as the world's best watch-makers. For a luxurious souvenir of your time in the city, bring home a new timepiece. For a gift to share with friends and colleagues, however, look no further than the famous chocolate makers who call Switzerland home, such as Auer and Teuscher.