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Switzerland · Lake Geneva

Geneva and Lake Geneva travel guide

A lakeside city, vineyard terraces and a castle on the water

The Jet d'Eau on Lake Geneva. Photo: Wikibusters, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1h 30mflight from London
GVAnearest main airport
19° in Julwarmest month
-1° in Jancoolest month

Geneva is an international city on the tip of Lake Geneva, with the giant Jet d'Eau fountain, the United Nations and an old town on the hill.

Along the lake, the vineyards of Lavaux are a UNESCO site, Montreux hosts its famous jazz festival and Chillon Castle sits on a rock in the water.

Good forCity breaksLakesWineDay trips

What Geneva is known for

  • Jet d'Eau

    A 140-metre fountain.

  • Chillon Castle

    A castle on the lake.

  • Lavaux

    Terraced vineyards.

  • The UN

    Tour the Palais des Nations.

Top things to do in Geneva and Lake Geneva

  1. 1

    Chillon Castle

    A medieval castle near Montreux.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Lavaux vineyards

    Walk between wine villages.

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  3. 3

    The old town

    St Pierre Cathedral and views.

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  4. 4

    CERN

    Free science exhibitions.

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See all tours and tickets in Geneva

Where to stay in Geneva and Lake Geneva

Find a hotel in Geneva

Best time to visit Geneva and Lake Geneva

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. May to September for the lake and vineyards; December to April as a ski gateway.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-0.8 C-1°J-0.2 C-0°F3.9 C4°M8.4 C8°A12.1 C12°M16.6 C17°J18.8 C19°J18.4 C18°A14.3 C14°S10.1 C10°O4.3 C4°N0.3 C0°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Geneva and Lake Geneva, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 30m from London to GVA, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Hotel guests get a free public transport card. Trains and boats run along the lake.

Airport transfer to Geneva

Find flights to Geneva (GVA)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Ask your hotel for the free Geneva Transport Card.
  • Swim in the lake at the Bains des Pâquis.
  • Geneva airport is the gateway for French Alpine resorts too.
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Geneva and Lake Geneva FAQ

Is Geneva expensive?

Yes, one of the world's priciest cities.

Is Montreux worth a day trip?

Yes, with Chillon Castle.

More places in Switzerland

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