Reuters Business Traveller

Geneva – Overview

On the edge of Lac Léman, divided by the River Rhône into the south bank (rive gauche) and the north bank (rive droite), and surrounded by the snow-capped Alps, Geneva cannot help but be cosmopolitan: home of international diplomacy (the European headquarters of the UN and the base for around 200 other international organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross), this is one of the most international cities on earth, where the foreign community runs to some 45% of the population.

The wealthy community of international civil servants and bankers demands good food, top hotels and entertainment, and Geneva has these in spades. Seemingly serene, a lot happens below the surface, and the vibrant community is more than happy to welcome business travellers.

Visitors in winter should bring their skis; come summer you’ll want to swim in the lake or sail. All year round the alluring boutiques around Rue de la Rôtisserie demand your custom. Get your bearings with a stroll from the lake shore along the right bank. Continue along park-like promenades into Geneva’s ritzy shopping and banking district before coming upon the Old Town, a gothic maze of cobblestone streets topped by historic Saint Peter’s Cathedral. Finally wander down along the old city walls to the theatre district at Place Neuve.

Money: Swiss Francs (CHF)

Euro notes and coins are accepted at many locations.