Much More than Cheese & Chocolates

Located in central Europe, Switzerland is bordered by Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, and France. A small country, Switzerland's very name conjures up images of chocolates, cheese, watches, bankers, and snow-capped mountains.
The picturesque city of Zurich, located on the banks of the Limmat River, is the intellectual and cultural capital of Switzerland and the hub of tourist activity. The 13th-century St. Peter's Church and the Fraumunster Church are two important sights. An evening walk along the banks of Lake Zürich or the alleys of the old town will cover almost all the attractions of the city.
On the banks of the River Rhone is Geneva, a city that houses over 200 international organizations. The ropeway journey to Mont Saleve offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. The Cathedral St Pierre, Place du Bourg-de-Four, Museum of Art and History, Petit Palais, Museum of Old Musical Instruments, and the Horology Museum are some attractions of Geneva.
On the hills and lower valleys of Switzerland a moderate climate exists, with an average yearly temperature of about 10° C. The temperature decreases about 2° C for every additional 300 m of elevation. Rain also varies considerably according to elevation. Much of the rain occurs during the winter in the form of snow; the peaks of most mountains about 2,700 m or higher are snow-covered throughout the year. Large glaciers exist especially in the Alps.

Geneva, a truly global city
Say 'Geneva' to a person and what will come up first? An inhabitant of the city itself will probably say that it is 'a continent on its own'. Say it to a foreigner and he or she will probably refer to the building of the United Nations located in Geneva. After the foundation of the Red Cross in 1864, Geneva became the home of many international organizations. The European head-office is located here still, together with departments of organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Particle Physics (CERN).
Geneva is divided in two parts by the Rhone river that flows out of the lac Leman (lake Geneva). The old city is located on the southern shore (rive gauche or left bank), the train station north of the river, and the airport north-west of the city, straddling the French border, but only a short bus ride away. Most sights are within easy walking distance and the public transport system (with busses and trams) is very reliable.
This 'smallest of the large capitals', as it is called, offers nearly everything, ranging from extensive banking and shopping areas to rich artistic and cultural input. Geneva is packed with museums and, to a lesser extent, historical sights. When you have had it for the day, go to one of the many parks, largely created by the financial input of many wealthy citizens. Most of the time during the summer, you can watch a free concert in one of the theatres or simply prepare yourself for the nightlife in Geneva.

Nightlife and Entertainment
It won't be difficult to find a café at Place du Bourg de Four. An empty seat might be more of a problem, especially during summer when the terraces are packed with people watching the world go by. The Old Town is a good area to head for when you're looking for some entertainment during night-time as well as the Rues basses. There are plenty of bars and discos and the venues where you can hear and see live music performed are still increasing. Check the newspaper for the latest news on what's happening where in Geneva during your stay

United Nations & Museums
The building of the United Nations is one of the famous buildings in Geneva. This enormous complex, which covers a surface area equal to that of Versailles, was completed in 1936. Since 1946 it has housed the offices of the United Nations.
Besides this, Geneva has over thirty museums. Together with the private galleries, they house some prestigious collections, which bear witness to the creativity and cultural influence of Geneva. For those interested in history and architecture, the Old Town has a number of exceptional sites and Genevan emblems, such as the Jet d'Eau Fountain' and the Floral Clock. When you want to breathe in some fresh air, you can find lushy parks and splendid botanical gardens

Quick meals
Quick meals won't be a problem in Geneva. Fries, kebabs, burgers can be bought in most areas. Many cafes offer Plats du Jour, a tasty dish that doesn't ruin your wallet. Besides that, there are of course fancy restaurants where the gastronomic masters rule and a whole bunch of restaurants dedicated to all sort of cuisines, ranging from spicy Mexican food to soft and sweet local fish dishes.