From the airport
Train: trains to go to Geneva's main station Cornavin and the journey takes 10 minutes.
Shop
For luxury shopping, you need look no further than the department store Globus. It is the Harrods of Switzerland and stocks everything you could want, from fashion to furniture, at a price. Browse the food department and fabulous delicatessen.
For one-stop shopping try Manor. The supermarket and delicatessen are a real treat.
In restaurants, be careful how you ask for the menu. If you request le menu this means a set meal, usually comprising a starter, main course and dessert. If you want to read the restaurant's menu, ask for la carte.
Both banks of the lake come alive in August with the host of fairground rides and games. The Jardin Anglais is taken over by Fetes de Geneve activities and is a great place to try dishes from around the world at one of the many food stands or relax with a massage in the fresh air. For outdoor movies check out the summer cinema Cinelac, at Port Noir.
Geneva's Old Town is made for the wintry months, when a stroll through the cobbled back streets seems to take you back in time. Check out the 14th century Maison Tavel and Cathedrale St Pierre, before heading to the Place de Bourg du Four and warming up in one of the many cafes and bars. Browse the antiques and art shops then grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafes. Alongside the traditional Swiss restaurants you will find all the international cuisines you would expect from a multicultural city.
Switzerland's cosmopolitan city sits on Lake Geneva at the foot of the Jura Mountains. It is 90-minute flight from the UK and has an amazing restaurant scene.
The Swiss are renowned for their clock-making skills and are, accordingly, very keen on punctuality. It is worth remembering that most restaurants stick to strict serving times at lunch (noon - 2pm) and even just a minute later than that may result in a refusal, so make sre you are prompt if you want a bite to eat.
Day trip
Yvoire. For an interesting excursion, why not sail the lake and take a steamboat to France? The medieval town of Yvoire is famous for its flowers, gardens and labyrinth, as well as its many restaurants. There are scores of lace and craft shops, too, making it a great spot for souvenir hunters. Regular departures from Geneva's Jardin Anglais.
Saint Cergue. For a snow-filled day of skiing and tobogganing, take the train up the mountain to this picturesque village. You can hire all your equipment on site and there are plenty of restaurants for the less active to sit back in and savour the sights. Trains leave regularly from Cornavin, via Nyon. Check times on www.cff.ch
Train: trains to go to Geneva's main station Cornavin and the journey takes 10 minutes.
Shop
For luxury shopping, you need look no further than the department store Globus. It is the Harrods of Switzerland and stocks everything you could want, from fashion to furniture, at a price. Browse the food department and fabulous delicatessen.
For one-stop shopping try Manor. The supermarket and delicatessen are a real treat.
In restaurants, be careful how you ask for the menu. If you request le menu this means a set meal, usually comprising a starter, main course and dessert. If you want to read the restaurant's menu, ask for la carte.
Both banks of the lake come alive in August with the host of fairground rides and games. The Jardin Anglais is taken over by Fetes de Geneve activities and is a great place to try dishes from around the world at one of the many food stands or relax with a massage in the fresh air. For outdoor movies check out the summer cinema Cinelac, at Port Noir.
Geneva's Old Town is made for the wintry months, when a stroll through the cobbled back streets seems to take you back in time. Check out the 14th century Maison Tavel and Cathedrale St Pierre, before heading to the Place de Bourg du Four and warming up in one of the many cafes and bars. Browse the antiques and art shops then grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafes. Alongside the traditional Swiss restaurants you will find all the international cuisines you would expect from a multicultural city.
The Swiss are renowned for their clock-making skills and are, accordingly, very keen on punctuality. It is worth remembering that most restaurants stick to strict serving times at lunch (noon - 2pm) and even just a minute later than that may result in a refusal, so make sre you are prompt if you want a bite to eat.
Day trip
Yvoire. For an interesting excursion, why not sail the lake and take a steamboat to France? The medieval town of Yvoire is famous for its flowers, gardens and labyrinth, as well as its many restaurants. There are scores of lace and craft shops, too, making it a great spot for souvenir hunters. Regular departures from Geneva's Jardin Anglais.
Saint Cergue. For a snow-filled day of skiing and tobogganing, take the train up the mountain to this picturesque village. You can hire all your equipment on site and there are plenty of restaurants for the less active to sit back in and savour the sights. Trains leave regularly from Cornavin, via Nyon. Check times on www.cff.ch
