Geneva, with a population of approximately 200,000, is the second largest city in Switzerland after Zurich. The city is the capital of the Canton of Geneva and lies at the centre of a natural basin, surrounded by the Jura Mountains, at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva, near the Swiss-French border. Since its rise to prominence during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, Geneva has become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. The modern economy is based on manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, banking, insurance and tourism. According to the Cantonal Office of Statistics, the ‘world’s smallest metropolis’ is home to 130 hotels and flight and hotel packages in Geneva are readily available. Geneva is the perfect destination for a city break, so why not book one of our all inclusive vacations today?
Things know before visiting Geneva
Geneva International Airport is conveniently located on the outskirts of the city, approximately 3 miles northwest of the city centre, where it straddles the Swiss-French border. A flight from London to Geneva takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, on average, while a flight from Manchester to Geneva takes 1 hour 50 minutes, on average.
British citizens and British subjects who are allowed to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions don’t need a visa to enter Switzerland.
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the only official currency in Switzerland so, while the Euro (€) may be accepted in hotels, petrol stations and railway stations, it is by no means universally accepted.
Like most European countries, Switzerland uses Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), in summer, and Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of UTC, in winter. So, if you book one of our flight and hotel packages to Geneva, you’ll only need to wind your watch forward by an hour, or two at most. Take some time to browse our range of vacation packages right now.
What is the weather in Geneva?
Geneva enjoys a moderately continental climate, regulated by the presence of Lake Geneva and the Jura Mountains, which extend northeast from Lake Geneva along the Swiss-French border. Summers are typically warm, with an average temperate of 20ºC, or 67ºF, in July, while winters are relatively cold, with an average temperature of 2ºC, or 35ºF, in January. A vacation in Geneva has plenty to offer at any time of year, so reserve one of our cheap vacation packages without delay.
What to do in Geneva?
The historic heart of Geneva, known as the Haute Ville, or "Upper City", lies on a hillside surrounding the Cathedral of St. Peter and offers opportunities for shopping at several independent boutiques, as well as eating and drinking at numerous cafés and restaurants.The public swimming baths, known as Paquis Baths, are situated on a manmade beach, right on Lake Geneva and are a popular destination for swimming, diving and other water sports activities. Lake Geneva, itself, offers plenty to do, on land and water, including cycling, golf, hiking, horseback riding, pleasure boating, fishing and parasailing. Booking a flight and hotel in Geneva presents these activities right on your doorstep, so grab one of our vacation deals while you can.
What places to visit in Geneva?
Once you arrive in Geneva, your first port of call for sightseeing purposes should be the iconic Jet d’Eau, or "Water Jet", which lies right in the middle of Lake Geneva and blasts water to a height of over 450 feet into the air. Travel packages to Geneva should also include a trip to the Palais des Nations, or "Palace of Nations", a huge, white United office complex and the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, or "Museum of Art and History", which is the largest museum in the city and houses works of art and artefacts from antiquity to the modern day. Satisfy your curiosity and book one of our travel deals today.
What to eat in Geneva?
Flight and hotel packages in Geneva offer visitors the chance to sample traditional Swiss national dishes and food from around the world. Local specialities naturally include melted cheese dishes, such as fondue and raclette, thinly grated, pan-fried potatoes, known as rosti, smoked sausage, lake fish and a variety of rustic casseroles, soups and pasta dishes. However, as an international city, Geneva also offers everything from burger bars to international haute cuisine. If you’re feeling peckish already, book one of our last minute vacation packages and hop a flight to Geneva as soon as possible.
Discover alternative travel destinations
If a getaway in Geneva doesn't quite captivate you, why not venture into other vibrant cities? Explore our incredible flight and hotel bundles for your upcoming holiday escapade!