Geneva, International city in southwestern Switzerland
Description
Geneva is a cantonal capital in southwestern Switzerland, positioned where Lake Geneva meets the Rhône River. The Jura Mountains rise to the northwest, while the Alps and Mont Blanc shape the horizon to the southeast.
History
The city became a stronghold of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century when Calvin made it the center of the Reformed movement. It later developed into a neutral site for international organizations following the First World War.
Culture
Locals gather in public parks and along the lakeshore for lunch breaks and swim in the water when the weather allows. The city thrives on a mix of international professionals and long-time residents, evident in the multilingual conversations heard in markets and street cafés.
Practical
The city is easy to explore on foot or by public transport, with trams and buses connecting all main areas. Most shops close on Sundays, while restaurants and cafés along the lakeshore remain open most days.
Did you know?
A water jet called the Jet d'Eau shoots from the lake up to 145 meters (476 feet) high, powered by water pressure rather than pumps. The jet began as a safety valve for a hydraulic power plant and later became a landmark feature.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Canton of Geneva).
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Geneva offers a diverse heritage combining history, science, and nature on the shores of Lake Geneva. The city houses institutions such as the Palace of Nations and CERN, religious buildings like Saint Pierre Cathedral where Calvin preached, as well as cultural spaces like the Patek Philippe Museum...
University of Geneva
349 m
Jet d'Eau
951 m
Palace of Nations
2.8 km
Broken Chair
2.4 km
Reformation Wall
171 m
Beau-Rivage Geneva
837 m
Stade de Genève
3 km
Jardin Anglais
485 m
Genève-Cornavin railway station
995 m
L'horloge fleurie
432 m
Hotel President Wilson
1.4 km
Centre William Rappard
2.5 km
Brunswick Monument
769 m
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Geneva
470 m
Bains des Pâquis
1.1 km
Parc de La Grange
1.6 km
St. Pierre Cathedral
171 m
The Celestial Sphere
2.7 km
Grand Théâtre de Genève
300 m
Palais Wilson
1.5 km
Immeuble Clarté
800 m
Pierres du Niton
735 m
Collège Calvin
322 m
ICRC
3 km
Natural History Museum of Geneva
956 m
Victoria Hall
429 m
Parc des Bastions
250 m
Bâtiment des Forces motrices
823 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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