The financial capital of Switzerland, the city offers spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva. In Geneva you'll find some of the finest 18th century Swiss architecture. The city boasts a range of winter and summer activites and has a wide variety of entertaiment available to the visitor.

There are no charters, so for cheap flights to Geneva you have to rely on promotions by the major scheduled airlines. If you are prepared to fly via another European hub en-route you'll save a little money on discount airfares, but balance that against extended journey times

Shopping:

Geneva isn't cheap and the strength of their economy works against us. The emphasis is more on quality than price. If you are a 'chocoholic' you'll feel at home.

Recommended Stores - Globus-Grand passage, La Placette and EPA SA are major department stores. The major shopping malls are Balexert Sa - du Centre, Carauge, Les Cygnes, Eaux-Vives 200 and Conference Centre.

Best Buys - cakes, chocolate, sweets and souvenirs.

Opening Times - 9.00 to 16.30 hrs, Mon - Fri. 9.00 to 17.00 hrs Sat and closed Sunday

Site Seeing Attractions:

International Red Cross Museum - a chance to trace the history of this famous organisation and view the bust of Henri Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross.

Saint Peter's Cathedral - the cathedral was built during the 12th & 13th centuries and is adjacent to the Auditore Church at which John Knox was once minister.

The famous Jet d'Eau (water fountain) - was the world's first fountain of it kind. Constructed in 1891, the jet can reach up to 90m (280ft) in height.

Flower Clock - in Jardin Anglais, is a famous working horticultural clock .It is best viewed in the summer when in full bloom.

Tour de I'lle (The Island Tower) - the remnants of a medieval fort that still guard the bridge today,

Monument of Port Noir - the exact spot where the Swiss troops disembarked in 1814 in order to secure Geneva's Peace Convention.

Place Neuve - here stands the statue of General Dulour, one of only four generals the Swiss army has ever had since 1815.

United Nations - visit this world famous institution plus the World Trade Centre and Pallexpo conference centre.

Lake Geneva - excursions by boat aorund the lake with panoramic views of the city. You can also connect to destinations in France and Italy. Sailing times vary between two and ten hours.
.
Celebrations - throughout the year the local residents like to dress up in traditional costumes to celebrate events such as L' Escalade (11-12 Dec) , the celebration the failure of Duke of Savoy to seize the city by surprise. on 4th of July, Swiss National Day on 1st of August, The Fete de Geneve during August and Batie Festival de Geneve in September.

Bars - most revellers at the weekends like to go to Greenwich Village to meet in the Carouge. Alternatively try the English haunt "Le Trois -Huit", where you can taste up to 70 kinds of whisky. For a more relaxed evening try the quaint streets of Rue Vautiers situated in the Old Town, where of you can chill out listening to jazz music. Also try Arthur's Rive Gauche, La Boheme and L'Orangerie and the Big Ben Bar.

Clubs - Arthur's Club at the International Centre Cointrin, Bypass at Passage Malbuisson, Le Francis at Boulevard Helveliques, Number One at Centre. All worthy clubs to visit for a good night out.

Adults - Floor Shows such as Ba-Ta -Clan at Rue de la Fontaine, Crazy Horse Paradise situated at Rue Frank -Martin 3 and Pussy-Cat Saloon situated at Rue de Glacis-de-bois 20.

Eating Out - An abundance of restaurants serving Swiss, Italian, French cuisine. Recommended restaurants are Armures, Cape Papon, Hotel-de-Ville, Old Town, Bourse, Greenwich Village and Cafe Du Soleil near the airport. These are only a few examples of fine restaurants that can be found within this city, but bare in mind that prices are higher than the UK.

Local Transport :

* Buses/Tramways - City Network Tariff Zone1, adult - CHF2.20, child - CHF1.50 - minors travel free.
* Buses/Tramways - City and Suburban Network Tariff Zone 21,31,41: one ticket (90 mins) adult CHF2.80, Women, children and over 65s - CHF1.50. All day tickets are available CHF8.00 per adult.
(Tickets should be purchased before you board and are available at vending machines at each stop).
* Taxis - CHF6.30 in town, CHF3.50 out of town. Please note taxi fares are regulated by the city police and are subject to change. In case of difficulties you must note the driver's medallion number and ask for a fare receipt. Luggage is charged at an extra additional cost.