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Plan Your Geneva Holiday: Best of Geneva

By constanta-by-the-sea

Explore Geneva

The shores of Lake Geneva have attracted visitors and invaders for millennia. The cheerful city of Geneva sits on the lake's western shore, lofty snowcapped peaks creating a gorgeous backdrop on all sides. The city is perfect for exploring on foot; hire a bike to venture further. At the top of any itinerary should be visits to Geneva's lakefront and its famous fountain, the Flower Clock in the English Garden, St Peter's Cathedral, Reformation Wall, Place Neuve and the birthplace of the UN.
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Geneva travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Public Transport Accessibility

According to forum posts, Geneva Airport is well-connected by public transport. Travelers can use trains and buses directly from the airport to various destinations. Trains to the city center are frequent and quick, with a journey time of around 6 minutes. Buses also provide efficient service to nearby locations.

Train Details

Some travelers mentioned that direct trains to nearby cities like Annecy operate every two hours. The Léman Express offers cross-border railway services, which is part of the regional network established in 2019.

Private Transport Suggestions

For those preferring private transportation, forum users suggest that taxis and private cars can be significantly expensive, especially for longer distances like Geneva to Lyon, which could cost upwards of 350 euros. Renting a car is an alternative, with the recommendation to rent from the French side of the airport to minimize drop-off fees if traveling to France.

Alternative Transport Options

Additionally, services like Alpybus and Snow-vans offer pre-booked transfers which might be a suitable option for group travelers heading to ski resorts or other destinations in the region.

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Popular Attractions

According to forum posts, for a short visit to Geneva, must-see places include the lakefront, the Giant Fountain (Jet d'Eau), and the Vieille Ville (old town). Travelers have called out St. Peter's Cathedral and the Reformation Wall as notable landmarks in the old town area.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Some travelers suggested visiting the United Nations building and the Red Cross museum for those interested in history and global affairs. These sites offer insights into international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.

Recommendations for Art and Nature

For art enthusiasts, the Maison Tavel was mentioned as a worthy visit. Additionally, the Botanical Gardens, which are free to enter, provide a pleasant and relaxed setting for visitors looking to enjoy natural beauty and tranquility.

Viewpoints

For panoramic views of the city, climbing the tower at St. Peter's Cathedral is recommended. This offers a splendid view over Geneva and its surroundings.

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Accommodation Recommendations

According to forum posts, travelers have recommended staying near Cornavin Station for ease of transportation and proximity to local attractions. The Manotel chain offers several hotel options in this area, providing a balance of comfort and convenience. Some users have also suggested the Hotel Rotary, part of the mGallery collection, known for its central location and quality amenities, though the rooms are noted to be on the smaller side.

Alternative Options

For those looking for a unique experience, Les Armures in the Old Town is highlighted for its charming setting and proximity to historical sites, but it requires navigating hilly streets. Additionally, budget-conscious travelers have found the B&B Hotel Geneva Airport to be a basic but clean option, with good public transport connectivity to the city center.

Considerations

It's worth noting that accommodation in Geneva can be pricey, especially during peak periods like major conferences or public holidays. Travelers have called out that booking outside of these times can offer more budget-friendly options.

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Car Rental Services

According to forum posts, several car rental agencies operate in the French sector of Geneva Airport. These agencies have their counters inside the terminal, and the rental cars are parked in a nearby garage. Access to these services from outside the airport, such as from Ferney, generally requires a taxi or private vehicle as there is no direct public transport link to this part of the airport.

Access Restrictions

Travelers have noted that access between the French and Swiss sectors of the airport is restricted. Only passengers with a valid air ticket for the day or the days immediately before or after can cross internally at the airport. Others must use external roads and go through customs at Ferney-Voltaire.

Travel and Transport Tips

Some users suggest that for easier access and potentially fewer complications, renting a car from locations outside the airport like Annemasse might be more straightforward. This is especially relevant for those not arriving or departing by air on the same day as their rental car pickup or drop-off.

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Geneva Transport Card Eligibility

According to forum posts, the Geneva Transport Card is provided free by hotels and some registered accommodations to their guests. This card grants unlimited public transport within the canton of Geneva for the duration of the guests' stay.

Card Usage and Coverage

Travelers have noted that the card includes travel on buses, trams, and trains within the canton. However, it does not cover transportation outside of Geneva or to tourist destinations like Rochers de Naye, which are beyond the canton’s limits.

Obtaining the Card

Some travelers mentioned that the card is typically given upon check-in at the hotel. However, there are instances where hotels send a digital version of the transport card via email a day before the guests' arrival.

Usage Before Hotel Check-In

For many users, a common concern is whether the transport card can be used for a free transfer from the airport to the hotel. Posts indicated that this is generally not the case unless a digital version is received before arrival. In the absence of the card, there are ticket machines at the airport offering a free ticket valid for 80 minutes within Geneva.

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Local Cuisine

According to forum posts, for authentic Swiss food, Restaurant Les Armures in the Old Town is recommended by several users. It offers a very Swiss menu and is characterful, located near the cathedral. Another option for Swiss dining is Restaurant Edelweiss, which provides a Swiss experience with live music, although it is noted as a tourist spot by some.

Italian Cuisine

For Italian food, especially from the Genova region, Ristorante Boccadasse in the Paquis area is suggested by travelers. It specializes in Ligurian cuisine, including dishes with basil cream sauces and basil pesto.

General Recommendations

Travelers have called out the Brasserie de L’Hôtel de Ville and Chez Papon, both located in the Old Town, for good local dishes. Relais de l'Entrecôte, known for its steaks and special sauce, is another recommended spot by visitors.

Vegetarian Options

For vegetarian food, the posts mention that while Geneva tends to be meat-centric, many restaurants offer vegetarian options. However, finding cheap vegetarian dinners under £15 might be challenging due to high local prices.

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Recommendations from Travelers

According to forum posts, Les Armures is highly recommended for cheese fondue in Geneva. It's located in the Vieille Ville (Old Town) and is praised for its quality, although it's noted to be on the pricier side.

Alternative Options

For a more budget-friendly option, some travelers mentioned Bains des Paquis, which offers a unique fondue experience but is only available in winter. Another frequent recommendation is Café du Soleil, known for allowing two people to share one fondue and appreciated for its hospitality.

Seasonal and Location Considerations

Travelers have pointed out that while fondue is traditionally a winter dish enjoyed in mountain settings, Geneva offers year-round options in the city. Les Bains des Pâquis and Les Armures are particularly noted for their consistent quality throughout the year.

Personal Recommendations

Many users on the travel forum sought personal experiences over general listings, emphasizing the value of recommendations based on individual dining experiences at these locations.

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Free Airport Transfer Pass

According to forum posts, travelers arriving at Geneva Airport can obtain a free ticket for public transport valid for 80 minutes across the canton of Geneva. These tickets can be collected from machines near the Customs area.

Hotel-Provided Transport Pass

Some travelers mentioned that if you are staying in a Geneva hotel, you will receive a Geneva Transport Card, which allows free use of public transport for the duration of your stay. This card is typically sent by the hotel via email a day before check-in.

Geneva City Pass

For many users, the Geneva City Pass is a popular option that covers free public transportation and offers additional benefits like free or discounted entry to various city attractions. This pass is available for purchase online and is often on sale, making it an economical choice for exploring Geneva.

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