Staying in Geneva, Switzerland

Pictured: Geneva's landscape across the lake.

Visiting Geneva, Switzerland - Key Information 

Geneva, known as the “Peace Capital of the World,” is a hub for international diplomacy, wealthy investment and exquisite culture. Located at the foot of the Swiss alps, on a gorgeous lake of the same name, Geneva is a fusion of historic charm and natural beauty.

Known as a sophisticated city, with fine dining and fashion, its businesses match suit with hundreds of refined conferences and exhibitions making excellent foundation for international networking. The International District is home to the UN Headquarters, stately mansions and treasured museums. Nearby, the Old Town’s winding streets maintain a small-town feel leading you to impressive sights such as St Pierre Cathedral. Neighbouring Geneva’s Old Town is the cobbled roads and stairways of the Historic Centre, which make for a beautiful evening explore after office hours, or for a indulging in a dinner with colleagues.

Weather in Geneva

Geneva has a continental climate, with typical European cold winters and warm summers. Summer is warm and sunny, but we still recommend packing a light jacket as there can be a chill evening breeze coming from the lake, spring is similar with showers, and sometimes thunderstorms can be expected in May. As autumn sets in, Geneva can be quite rainy, but still with pleasant temperatures. Throughout winter it’s much colder, with temperatures around freezing, so it’s encouraged to wrap up warm.  

Currency in Geneva

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), some places may accept Euros, but we recommend carrying or converting to Francs. It’s worthwhile carrying cash and coins for public transportation.

Currency code - CHF

Health & Well-being in Geneva 

The nearby Mount Salève and Mount Blanc are worth visiting, either by train or cable car. Both boast stunning views of Geneva at any time of year and have a range of hiking trails and picnic spots for a great chance to recharge in nature.

Swiss spas are iconic for their luxury, and those set on the lake like Bain-Bleu are a perfect way to relax after a busy working week. With many wellness treatments on offer, including thermal baths, it’s a rejuvenating experience away from time in the busy city or conferences.

In the summer, there’s water sports and paddleboarding available on Lake Geneva, and opportunities to sunbathe in one of the city’s parks or at the Paquis Baths. In wintertime, the nearby ski resorts are some of the best in the world, and a huge draw to many business travellers, so it’s definitely worth trying to tie in a trip up to the slopes while visiting Geneva.

Pictured: Summer and winter activities done around Geneva

Data in Geneva

Geneva’s city has its own ‘Wi-Fi-Geneva’, which is free to access in public parks and squares. available in numerous spots across the city, including parks, public square. Key data providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt which are all dependable in urban cityscapes such as Geneva. 

Plug Type: Type 

Emergency Contact Numbers in Geneva

General Emergency: 112

Police: 117

Ambulance: 144

Fire: 118

Geneva regional police: 022 427 8111

Cuisine in Geneva

Swiss food is quite hearty, and dairy products find their way into most dishes here. Cheese fondue, a pot of melted cheese which you usually eat as a dip for cubes of bread or potatoes - is widely served, as is rosti, which is grated potatoes topped with cheese, ham or a fried egg.

Local products such as Lake Geneva trout and perch are popular, alongside local specialities such as Longeole sausages and Tartiflette. Swiss chocolates are renowned for their rich flavours and can be found at many local confectionary shops, as are meringues served with fruit or rissoles aux poires, a delicate pear-filled pastry.

Pictured: Local delicacies in Geneva

Speaking the Language in Geneva, Switzerland

The official language in Geneva is French, however many residents also speak Italian and German. As an international business hub, English is also commonly spoken.

Some key phrases include:

• Bonjour: Hello / Good morning
• Bonsoir: Good evening
• Merci: Thank you
• S'il vous plaît: Please
• Excusez-moi: Excuse me
• Au revoir: Goodbye
• Parlez-vous anglais ?: Do you speak English? 
• Je voudrais…: I would like…

Transport in Geneva - Getting Around Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva’s public transport system is efficient and convenient for exploring the city or commuting. Local trams and buses are the most popular way to get around and cover the entire city. Tickets can be bought from machines at every tram and bus stop, however, only accept coins. A 24, 48, or 72 hour pass can be purchased online or at the tourism office.

The Geneva International Airport (GVA) is located nearby to the city centre. There are options for either a taxi, shuttle, or a quick train service to reach downtown Geneva in just 7 minutes.

Geneva’s Gare Cornavin is a key station in the European rail network. It makes travel between Swiss cities and neighbouring European countries simple, and tickets can be purchased online or in the station.  

Geneva is very bicycle-friendly, with well-structured bike lanes and rental services, as well as for electronic scooters. The pavements are pedestrian-friendly, and the compact nature of the city makes it walkable, especially in the summer and spring.

City Map 

At SilverDoor, we specialise in providing premium serviced apartments in Geneva tailored for business travellers. Our expert team ensures each stay is seamless, comfortable, and strategically located for your corporate travel needs. Browse our range of corporate housing in Geneva here, or contact us to discuss your requirements.