"Geneva: the un-Swiss city of Switzerland" Geneva by Ritchie_Lionheart

Geneva Travel Guide: 1,238 reviews and 2,070 photos

Geneva seems to belong to everybody

In Geneva, everybody is a foreigner - local Swiss included - so don't be surprised that you are not being welcomed like a stranger, a visitor. Geneva officially has 38 percent of foreign population, but this does not include the large UN community, the visitors, the refugees or "illegal immigrants". The Swiss population, on the other hand, includes local French just like German or Italian speakers, plus a large number of "new" Swiss from all continents. Just about any language is spoken in some part of this cosmopolitan town, animating its business and cultural life.
A small example: Easter Sunday night 2005: I am just back from a small cafe, owner Portuguese, waitresses Brazilian, customers (about 40-60) just about all from Ecuador watching the football game Ecuador against Paraguay (Ecuador won 5:2 in Quito).

Intro Updated Mar 27, 2005
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Reviews (36)

For British sports and live music - Geneva

For British sports and live music Nightlife (4)

Geneva's first English pub (opened in July 1969) has always been a favourite among Geneva's large British and US... more travel advice

A boat trip on Lake Geneva, Summer 2005 - Geneva

A boat trip on Lake Geneva, Summer 2005 Things to Do (6)

The scheduled boats on Lake Geneva offer a wide variety of excursions. The pre-season starts on Easter (25 March) and... more travel advice

Creative music lovers Nightlife (4)

This informal club belongs to AMR -Association pour l'encouragement de la Musique impRovisée - with concerts on most... more travel advice

Best location in town Hotels (5)

Right across from the main station, 10 mis by train to the airport or 15 mins by bus 10, A little noisy though, better... more travel advice

Restaurants (12)
See All Thai at its best
Transportation (4)
See All Golden Pass Line
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Currency exchange

Comments (11)

Quero Mar 31, 2009 at 10:11 PM Report Abuse

Richard I saw your contribution on the Phuket forum and then checked out your Geneve page. I lived in Collonge-Bellerive for 4 years before coming to Asia, and your Geneve page made me "homesick" and nostalgic for those years. Thanks!
baronedivandastad Mar 5, 2006 at 10:33 AM Report Abuse

Nice tips, Ritch, I have to come back to your town one day or the other. Barone
Sunshine64 Feb 4, 2006 at 3:13 PM Report Abuse

Great insider tips on your hometown!
Callavetta Nov 9, 2005 at 4:45 PM Report Abuse

Diversity is what I love about Geneva too! I was there when Brazil won the world cup a couple of years ago and couldn't believe how many Brazilians there were. Beautiful city!
hojasdehierba Nov 8, 2005 at 6:34 PM Report Abuse

I liked your tip on shopping in Geneve when being on a budget. Original and useful!
Nemorino Oct 30, 2005 at 7:23 AM Report Abuse

I take it you are a cyclist? Thanks for the tips on cycling and on renting bicycles.
RickinDutch Sep 21, 2005 at 4:59 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the tips - especially to find a hotel away from town...
tommix Jun 1, 2005 at 5:28 PM Report Abuse

I just dicovered here a lot of great tips about Geneva... Keep them coming!
sprdak11 Apr 17, 2005 at 6:56 AM Report Abuse

Hello. Interesting tips. Best wishes!
prunila Apr 2, 2005 at 7:51 AM Report Abuse

Nice tips in restos. Funny: I also like Paquis et Choiseuil. When I will go to Gva I will call you. I miss Gva!