Click any part of the photo to zoom in.

Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

Hugging the southwestern shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French, Genfersee in German), Geneva is Switzerland’s second largest city. At the foot of the Jura Mountains, within view of Mont Blanc, it boasts a deeply rooted French influence and cosmopolitan flair. Geneva has played a pivotal role in Europe for centuries – helping launch the Reformation movement in the 16th century, later becoming an important banking and watch-making centre and now acting as European headquarters of the United Nations. Occupying an area of 282 square kilometres (109 square miles), its diverse population of almost 185,000 includes over 86,000 people from foreign countries.

Straddling the right and left banks of the lake and the Rhône River, Geneva encompasses charming quays, lakeside promenades, leafy parks, a lively Old Town and chic stores. A cultural hot spot, it has more than 30 museums and art galleries, theatres, an opera house, gourmet restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Four Seasons guests enjoy the combined advantage of staying at the city’s most exclusive hotel while experiencing all that Geneva has to offer.

Time zone

GMT +1 hour
Central European Time

Language(s) spoken

Official language is French, but English, German and Italian are also spoken in most restaurants, information centres and tourist attractions.

Electrical system

Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts. Adapters are available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Major stores are open on Thursdays until 9:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Working hours

9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Time and distance to city centre

The Hotel is located in the city centre.

Time and distance to shopping

The Hotel is located 0.5 kilometres (0.3 miles) from the famous rue du Rhône, the city's most upscale shopping street, which can be reached via a pedestrian bridge over Lake Geneva – about a two-minute walk.

Time and distance to financial district

The Quartier des Banques is 0.7 kilometres (0.4 miles) from the Hotel, about a five-minute walk.

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

Back to top

Seasonal highlights

Spring

• Geneva Marathon
• Geneva Motor Show: This famous motor show is held every March in the Palexpo arena. It is the largest and most prestigious in Europe.
• Open Doors at Genevese Cellars: In mid-May, hundreds of wine cellars throughout the city welcome visitors for wine and food tastings.

Summer

• Bol d’Or: This annual regatta takes place on Lake Geneva in June. More than 600 yachts participate, and the lake’s challenging sailing conditions attract sailors and spectators alike.
• Fêtes de Genève: The two-week long Geneva Festival takes place in July and August on the waterfront, with highlights that include a lake parade with fantastic floats, open-air concerts, spectacular fireworks displays, funfairs, street entertainers, and stalls selling food from around the world.
• Fourth of July: The celebrations to honour American Independence Day are the biggest in the world outside of the States.
• La Bâtie – Festival de Genève: This lively festival features live music and theatrical performances.
• Midsummer Festival: Though it started as a celebration of Geneva's Swedish roots, it has turned into a celebration of summer, with an exciting parade, arts and crafts show, old-fashioned carnival, food and drink, music and live entertainment.
• Swiss National Day: Spectacular festivities take place every August 1 to mark this important day.

Fall

• Festival of the Vine: A celebration of the autumn harvest with food and wine tastings, flower markets, carriage rides, live music and entertainment.

Winter

• Christmas Tree Festival: Beautifully decorated trees are on display around the city during this festival. Artists from Switzerland and all over Europe create themed trees with ribbons, artistic lighting and other innovative touches. Some of the best places to see them are around Place St-Gervais, Place de Chevelu, Place de l'Ile and other areas near the Rhône River.
• L’Escalade: This three-day celebration begins on December 11 and marks an unsuccessful attempt to invade Geneva in 1602. During its citizens’ resistance, a local woman tipped a pot of hot soup over the head of a Savoyard soldier who was passing below her window. Besides torchlight parades and a huge bonfire in front of the Cathedral, Genevans celebrate by smashing small chocolate cauldrons filled with marzipan vegetables, specially made for the occasion, and eating the resulting pieces.