First time · Geneva

First time in GenevaGenève

Geneva is a compact lake city: do the old town on the hill in the morning, walk the quays in the afternoon, and let the airport train and the tram carry every bag.

Everything here is a short version of the Geneva guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Geneva's sights are small and close, but it is one of Europe's most expensive cities and the old town is a hill of cobbles. Trips go wrong when bags meet the slope, when a Sunday closes the shops, or when the Jet d'Eau is switched off for wind. Four walking clusters cover a first visit; Lausanne, Montreux and the Alps are trips away from one kept bed.

From the airport

Geneva Airport (GVA)

Fastest: Train to Geneva Cornavin · about 8 min
Cheapest: Taxi or ride-hail car from GVA to your door · about 20 min · about CHF 45

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Old town morning + quays afternoon
3 days: Four clusters, mornings and evenings
5 days: Four clusters + a Lausanne or Montreux day + one slow day

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Street petition or bracelet offers near Cornavin end in a demand for money: walk on.(Scams)
Cathedral: quiet, covered shoulders.(Survive · red lines)
Pickpockets around Cornavin and on trams: keep phones and bags in front.(Survive · safety)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: CHF 70–110 excl. bed
Paying: Cards and contactless almost everywhere; keep a little cash for kiosks and markets. Euros are sometimes taken with francs back as change.
Cash: Cards work almost everywhere; keep about CHF 50 in small notes for kiosks and markets.
SIM: Install an eSIM before you fly; Switzerland is outside EU roaming plans.

Money, SIMs and apps →