About Geneva
Geneva is the second-most populous city in Switzerland and the most populous in French-speaking Romandy. Situated in the southwest of the country, where the Rhône leaves Lake Geneva, it is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. Geneva is a global city, an international financial centre, and a worldwide centre for diplomacy, which has led to it being called the "Peace Capital".
Cheap flights to Geneva
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $653 from Toronto, travelling 30 Dec – 8 Jan. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- NYC New York to Geneva25 Nov – 30 Nov · GVA from$846
- YTO Toronto to Geneva30 Dec – 8 Jan · GVA from$653
- WAS Washington to Geneva1 Dec – 7 Dec · GVA from$913
- BOS Boston to Geneva13 Jan – 19 Jan · GVA from$923
- CHI Chicago to Geneva20 Jan – 27 Jan · GVA from$956
- LAX Los Angeles to Geneva1 Dec – 16 Dec · GVA from$986
- MIA Miami to Geneva2 Dec – 9 Dec · GVA from$958
- ATL Atlanta to Geneva20 Jan – 28 Jan · GVA from$992
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Aer Lingus, ITA Airways, Austrian Airlines, United Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Air Canada.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to GenevaPlaces to visit in Geneva
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Jet d'Eau
LandmarkA powerful fountain shooting water high above Lake Geneva, visible across the city. Walk out along the jetty to see it up close, but expect spray on windy days.
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St. Pierre Cathedral
ReligiousA cathedral at the top of the old town, associated with John Calvin. Climb the towers for views over the lake and visit the archaeological site beneath the building.
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Old Town
NeighborhoodThe hilltop historic center with cobbled streets, the Place du Bourg-de-Four square, cafes and antique shops. It is compact and easy to explore on foot from the lakefront.
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Palais des Nations
Landmark · 2 mi from centreThe United Nations Office at Geneva, set in parkland overlooking the lake. Guided tours visit assembly rooms, including the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room; bring a passport.
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International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
Museum · 2 mi from centreA museum on humanitarian action, with immersive exhibits about defending human dignity, restoring family links and reducing natural risks. It sits across from the Palais des Nations.
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Reformation Wall
LandmarkA long monument in the Parc des Bastions with large statues of Calvin and other leaders of the Protestant Reformation. The surrounding park has giant chessboards and shady paths.
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Jardin Anglais
ParkA lakeside garden near the old town known for its flower clock, planted with seasonal blooms. It offers good views of the Jet d'Eau and the lake.
Top experiences in Geneva
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 14 available.
Package: Aiguille du Midi, Mer de Glace and Petit train
From $271 per adult
Glacier 3000 - Montreux - Cable Car From Geneva
From $134 per adult
Chamonix Mont-Blanc
From $123 per adult
Geneva City Tour
From $57 per adult
Chamonix Mont-Blanc: Aiguille du Midi
From $315 per adult
Geneva Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
From $30 per adult
Chamonix Mont Blanc Half Day
From $107 per adult
Geneva Private Walking Tour
From $378 per adult
Annecy, the Venice of the Alps
From $87 per adult
Geneva Zombie Run - City Exploration Game!
From $12 per adult
Chamonix Half Day - Cable Car
From $233 per adult
Explore the old towns of Geneva and Annecy - Full-Day Tour
From $131 per adult
Where to stay in Geneva
Popular hotels in Geneva, out of 143 properties you can book.
NH Geneva Airport
From $162 per night
Nash Airport Hotel
From $183 per night
Novotel Geneve Centre
From $196 per night
Le Montbrillant
From $135 per night
EVERNESS Hotel & Resort
From $147 per night
Kipling Manotel
From $164 per night
Cornavin
From $170 per night
Hotel Royal
From $173 per night
Cristal Design
From $150 per night
Hotel Metropole Geneve
From $581 per night
N'vY Manotel
From $237 per night
Hotel Rotary Geneva - MGallery
From $237 per night
Best time to visit Geneva
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Geneva is July to August, when average daytime highs are around 79–82°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Geneva weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 62° 49° 63%
- Thu 12 Nov 55° 49° 100%
- Fri 13 Nov 53° 41° 99%
- Sat 14 Nov 45° 39° 0%
- Sun 15 Nov 51° 39° 43%
- Mon 16 Nov 56° 39° 53%
- Tue 17 Nov 57° 51° 83%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Swiss franc (CHF)1 US dollar ≈ Fr0.82
- Languages
- German, French, Italian, Romansh
- Calling code
- +41
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/ZurichUTC+1
- Capital
- Bern
Upcoming public holidays in Switzerland
- Christmas DayWeihnachten
- New Year's DayNeujahr
- Ascension DayAuffahrt
- Swiss National DayBundesfeier
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Geneva
These are the airports closest to central Geneva. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- GVA Geneva International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Geneva
The old-town can be easily visited on foot starting anywhere around the tour boat dock on Lake Geneva, or if you come from the Cornavin station, walk down to the Bel-Air island and continue straight on uphill to the old town. Crossing the bridge (Pont du Mont Blanc), you'll get to the English Garden with the famous flower clock and a sculpted bronze water fountain.
By bike
Geneva is a great town to get around in by bicycle. Except for the old-town, the city is fairly flat, and though there are some streets that are dangerous to ride, there is almost always a safe, fast route to your destination. If you want to know the best routes, you should get a copy of the beautifully designed Velo-Love plan de ville, which is available at all bike shops in Geneva, or by [email protected] or ☏ +41 22 418-4200.
By public transportation
Geneva, like most cities in Switzerland, is a marvel of public transportation efficiency. Transports Publics Genevois (TPG) provides frequent bus, tram, 'mouette' (boat), and suburban train service to within a block or two of most locations in the city and canton.
By bus
Tickets, which cover trams and buses, must be bought from ticket machines (located at every stop) before boarding the transport. Some bus stops do not have a ticket machine, in that case you can indicate to the driver that you need to buy a ticket at the next stop.
Geneva travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Geneva?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Geneva is July to August, when average daytime highs are around 79–82°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Geneva?
August is usually the warmest month in Geneva, with average highs of 82°F (28°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 33°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 153 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Geneva?
Geneva International Airport (GVA) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Geneva.
How much are flights to Geneva?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Geneva in the last 30 days was $653 from Toronto, travelling 30 Dec – 8 Jan. December is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $653.
What currency is used in Geneva?
Geneva uses the Swiss franc (CHF). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ Fr0.82.
What time zone is Geneva in?
Geneva uses the Europe/Zurich time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Geneva?
The old-town can be easily visited on foot starting anywhere around the tour boat dock on Lake Geneva, or if you come from the Cornavin station, walk down to the Bel-Air island and continue straight on uphill to the old town.
What are the best places to visit in Geneva?
Top sights in Geneva include Jet d'Eau, St. Pierre Cathedral, Old Town and Palais des Nations. A powerful fountain shooting water high above Lake Geneva, visible across the city. Walk out along the jetty to see it up close, but expect spray on windy days.
What are the top things to do in Geneva?
Popular experiences you can book in Geneva include Package: Aiguille du Midi, Mer de Glace and Petit train, Glacier 3000 - Montreux - Cable Car From Geneva and Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Destina Holidays offers 14 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Geneva?
Popular areas for hotels in Geneva include Geneva Airport and Geneve. Well-reviewed options include NH Geneva Airport and Nash Airport Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Geneva?
Destina Holidays currently lists 143 properties in and around Geneva, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
