Flights to Geneva
Airports of Geneva
Helpful information
- Geneva is located in the Switzerland (CH)
- IATA code: GVA
- Continent: Europe
- Currency: Swiss franc (CHF) (Course: 1 CHF = 1.04 USD)
- Current time: 15:19 (GMT+1)
- Current date: 2024.03.28
Geneva is often mistaken for Switzerland's capital, and it's easy to see why. Book flights from the UK to Geneva with Airinme.com to discover one of Europe's best-loved cities.
Take a cruise on Lake Geneva or gaze at the impressive Jet d'Eau, a symbol of the city the world-over. Go on a guided tour of the United Nations' HQ, the Palais des Nations, while you're in town and bring out your inner science geek with a trip to CERN. And with local cheese and chocolates to buy everywhere you look, you won't go hungry while sightseeing. Book flights to Geneva with Airinme.com today.
Things to do in Geneva
- Start your Swiss adventure with a walking tour around the beautiful Old Town. Here you'll find Bourg-de-Four, Geneva's oldest square that was once a Roman market.
- St. Peter's Cathedral marks the highest point in the Old Town. Entry to the cathedral is free, but you need to pay to climb its tower. It's worth it though, for the fantastic views at the top.
- Lake Geneva – or Lac Léman to the locals – crosses the Swiss-French border and is one of the largest lakes in Europe. Walk along its stylish, cafe-lined promenades to take in the Alpine views, or head out onto the water on a lake cruise.
- It lacks the baroque grandeur of Rome's Trevi Fountain but the Jet d'Eau – a colossal stream of water shot up 140m into the air by two water pumps – is probably Geneva's most iconic attraction. Visit at night to see it illuminated in bright colours.
- Today, Geneva is synonymous with the United Nations. Guided tours of the Palais des Nations – the UN's home – take place regularly and are available in many different languages.
- The Large Hadron Collider at CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) has made particle physics cool in the 21st century – and it's just a short car or bus ride away from Geneva city centre. Take a guided tour to see where the action happens.
- Be sure to make time to indulge in delicious Swiss cheese, chocolate and wine. Take a day trip to the cheese-making town of Gruyères or book a vineyard tour to taste Switzerland's underrated local wines.
- Want to burn off some of those creamy goodies you've been eating? There are over 200 ski resorts within easy access of Geneva, including Chamonix and Avoriaz, and ski and snowboard rental shops are easy to find
- Take the train to the pretty town of Lausanne to see Lake Geneva from another angle. On the other side of the Lake, you'll find Château Chillon, a spectacular medieval castle that almost looks like it's floating on the water.
- Pack in a spot of last-minute learning before you leave: the Natural History Museum is a favourite with residents in Geneva, while the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum hosts fascinating exhibits about the organisation's humanitarian work.
Shopping in Geneva
Although it's a relatively small city, Geneva's global nature means that it has more than its fair share of great shops.
What to buy in Geneva
Geneva has been Europe's watch-making centre for 400 years, so don't leave town without buying a new timepiece for you or a friend at home. Swiss chocolate too is among the best in the world: fill your bags full of delectable treats from master chocolatiers like Lindt, Cailler and Villars. Traditional Swiss items – like cuckoo clocks and Swiss army knives – also make great gifts.
Where to shop
Scour the stores of Rue de Marche, Geneva's central shopping street, for everything from everyday items to souvenirs. If you're looking for bargains and antiques, Plaine de Plainpalais flea market is the biggest of its kind in Geneva. Alternatively, visit Centre Balexert, the city's largest shopping mall.
Eating in Geneva
Eating out in Geneva can be very expensive but there's an unparalleled variety of choice here, thanks to its international population.
Swiss dishes
Swiss cuisine is a cheese-lover's dream come true. Try the classic fondue experience: a pot of melted cheese is placed in the middle of the table, with bread and vegetables provided for dipping. There's also raclette, where cheese is melted on a special dish at the dinner table, then scraped onto plates and eaten with potatoes, gherkins and cold meat.
Where to eat in Geneva
For traditional Swiss food, head to restaurants in Geneva's Old Town. Travellers looking for more international fare should visit The Paquis, while fine-dining options abound around the shores of Lake Geneva. For travellers on a budget, Chez Ma Cousine doles up hearty plates of chicken and roast potatoes at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Insider's Tips
If you need the emergency services in Geneva, call the European SOS number: 112.
Switzerland's currency is the Swiss Franc, so you can't use Euros here. Although Switzerland is not in the EU, British nationals do not need a visa to enter.
Amazingly, passengers arriving at Geneva Airport can pick up a free public transport ticket at Arrivals, which is valid for 80 minutes – so getting to the city centre won't cost a penny.
The three official languages in Switzerland are German, French and Italian. In Geneva, French is the main language, though most people speak English too.
Getting there from Geneva Airport
Public Transport
The train from Geneva Airport to the City Centre takes just six minutes. Alternatively several bus services link the airport with various points in Geneva.
Taxis and shuttle buses
A designated taxi rank is available at Geneva Airport. Many hotels also run free shuttle services. Contact your hotel to see if this service is offered.
Getting to France
Geneva Airport is very close to the French border. Take the Y bus to get to Thoiry in France or catch one of the regular coaches to Annecy, a popular skiing destination. You can hire a car and drive to France too5 reasons to sign up to our Deals newsletter
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