Is Geneva the Capital of Switzerland? Everything to Know (2024)
Most people have heard of Switzerland, but don’t know much about the country…Is Geneva the capital of Switzerland? Or is it Zurich? Or maybe it’s someplace you’ve never heard of. It’s safe to say if you aren’t sure what Switzerland’s capital is or where it’s even exactly located — you’re not alone. Fortunately, though, I’ve got answers and will provide you with all the essential information you need to know!
Is Geneva the Capital of Switzerland?
I’ll cut to the chase, despite popular beliefs and being the second most populous city in Switzerland, Geneva is NOT the capital of Switzerland. That said, Geneva still plays an incredibly important role in Swiss culture and history.
The city is located on Lake Geneva (locally called Lac Leman) at the French-Swiss border and provides visitors with some of Europe’s most picturesque settings. Geneva also has a unique and cosmopolitan atmosphere as it’s the home of many international organizations, such as the United Nations and the International Red Cross. Thus, you’ll often encounter a good amount of foreigners also residing in the city, both for leisure and business.
Why Is Geneva Not the Capital City of Switzerland
With that kind of demographic, you may be wondering why Geneva isn’t the capital city of Switzerland. Part of the reason is actually because of the city’s international connections and influence. In other words, Geneva is an international powerhouse. This leaves the potential for members of government to be swayed by outside interests. As such, to ensure that their country’s internal interests are kept separate from external powers, Geneva was never really in the running when it came to deciding what would be the capital.
And it’s for a reason that’s in a similar vein that Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland either. When Switzerland formed its federal government in 1848, the members of parliament opted to not have Zurich be the capital because it was the country’s economic powerhouse. They didn’t want so much importance and weight to be given to Zurich. Instead, members of the government wanted there to be some semblance of balance. So, members of parliament looked for other options…
What Is the Capital City of Switzerland?
Since Switzerland’s two most populous cities aren’t the capital city of Switzerland, you’re likely wondering what Swiss city is. Technically speaking, you may be surprised to learn that Switzerland doesn’t have an official capital city. Instead, the country has a de facto capital. This means that the designated city performs all the functions that a regular capital city would, but it isn’t officially stated in the Swiss constitution as the capital city.
So, for all intents and purposes, the small city of Bern is Switzerland’s capital. It’s where you’ll find the official seat of the Federal Council, the departments, and the Federal Chancellery. It’s also where the Federal Assembly meets.
Why Is Bern the Capital of Switzerland?
Bern was selected as the de facto capital for a couple of reasons. For one, it has a central location in the heart of Switzerland. This means, it effectively serves as a bridge between the French and German-speaking regions of Switzerland.
The second reason is that Bern is relatively neutral. It isn’t an economic powerhouse like Zurich, and it isn’t under threat of immense international influence, like Geneva. Add in the fact that compared to most other European capitals, such as Paris, London, Madrid, Zagreb, Bratislava, Vienna, etc., Bern is only the fifth most populous city in Switzerland; there’s no threat of a heavy concentration of power.
Oh, and if you’re genuinely curious, you can read through the various articles of the Swiss government here. The articles that affirm what’s above are articles 32 and 58.
What is Geneva Famous For?
As mentioned before, Geneva is famous for being an absolute international powerhouse. Within the mere 6.151 mi² area of the city, you’ll find around 40 major organizations with their headquarters located in Geneva.
Some of the more prominent ones include the United Nations Office, the International Labor Organization, the World Health Organization, the International Red Cross, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Together, these international organizations make the city a vibrant place, filled with people from all over the world and cultures.
But that’s not all — Geneva is also famous for being a financial hub for Europe. The city offers a good amount of luxury shopping, has a top-notch educational system, and provides its residents with a high standard of living — well, those who can afford to live in the city at least.
Finally, no description of Geneva is complete without mentioning the stunning scenery around Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman). This expansive lake rewards visitors with not only crystal clear waters but also majestic views of the Swiss Alps in the background! All these factors combined make Geneva a must-visit destination for anyone, even if you plan on just passing through for a few days!
Oh, and, just as a little reference, Lyon is 18.48 mi², Nice, France is 27.77 mi², and Milan is 70.18 mi². So, if you’ve been to any of these cities, they practically dwarf Geneva. But, despite its petite size, Geneva has significantly more international influence and power than any of these other major cities.
5 Places to Visit in Geneva
1. Palais des Nations
The first place I recommend visiting is the Palais des Nations (United Nations). Although you can’t go inside, you can still see the awe-inspiring exterior! Sounds dramatic right? Well, on the front lawn, they have the flag of every country that is part of the United Nations lined up in perfect lines. And, for any amazing race fans, you’ll recall season 28 when the teams gathered on the lawn and had to identify the flags of a few countries!
Oh, and one of my favorite parts about visiting this site is that you’ll find a massive broken red chair in the middle of a large plaza next to the famous lawn. It’s an art piece meant to remind the world’s nations to protect and aid victims of war-torn areas. It urges us “to denounce what is unacceptable, to stand up for the rights of individuals and communities, and to call for their rightful compensation.” 🥹 I remember just looking at it and thinking how something so simple could send such an incredibly powerful message to everyone.
2. Bains des Pâquis
The second spot I recommend visiting is the Bains des Pâquis. These are areas in Lake Geneva with brilliant blue waters that have been sectioned off to make public baths. As such, it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the sun and take a dip in the lake! There are even floating structures, like a rock climbing wall, in the lake that kids and adults can play on. Or, if you’re you’re craving a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can jump off diving boards of varying heights.
Oh, and if you’re hungry, there is an on-site restaurant that serves some pretty delicious food. I recommend trying the Swiss fondue as that’s what the region is known for! Just remember to bring cash with you as they don’t accept card payments and there is a small admission fee. But, in general, if you’re keen on a chill day out on the lake, Les Bains des Pâquis is the perfect spot!
3. Geneva Botanical Garden and Greenhouse
Next up, for a lovely respite from city life, I recommend you pay a visit to the Geneva Botanical Garden and greenhouse. This area is filled with a wide array of exotic plants, lush trees, and colorful flowers. And, the greenhouses are a must-see as they create different climates and include various species you’re unlikely to see elsewhere. They’ve even combined different plants into territories like Siberia, North America, and Spain so you can observe plants based on region.
Not to mention, admission is free. Thus, it’s a fantastic budget option. Just wear comfy shoes if you plan on spending a few hours here because you’ll be doing a bit of walking!
4. Jet d’Eau
The fourth place to visit in Geneva is the Jet d’Eau, one of the city’s most iconic symbols and probably the most popular tourist spot. As the “Largest fountain in Europe,” it propels water 140 meters high from about 9 AM until 10:30 PM, depending on the time of year. Sometimes, they’ll even display thematic illuminations on the water corresponding to special events taking place.
Tourists can walk up a boardwalk and get pretty close to the jet. Although, you may want to bring a jacket since you’ll likely get sprayed with a good amount of water if the wind suddenly changes direction! And as you stroll back along the harbor, you can pass through the Jardin Anglais, which has an impressive and perfectly manicured flower clock.
5. Pointe de la Jonction
The last place I recommend is Pointe de la Jonction. It’s the place where the Rhône River and the Arve River meet. Here, you can witness the contrast between the clear turquoise waters of the Rhône and the ✨not-so-clean✨ brown waters of the Arve. And, as you can see in the picture below, what’s unique is that you can easily differentiate the two rivers as their waters never mix. This is likely due to each water’s composition, density, and velocity. So, make sure to bring your camera to take a few pictures of this special phenomenon!
Oh, and the views along the Rhône River are simply stunning. If you visit on a hot day, there are a few areas where you can swim or jump in and float until you reach the next exit point. Just make sure to scout out the area ahead of time as even my chocolate tour guide warned that sometimes people miss the last exit point… yeah having to be rescued doesn’t sound *fun*.
And for those curious, the waters that make up the Rhône River come from Lac Leman. Meanwhile, the Arve River is considered a French river…my Swiss tour guide also made a few jokes about that river’s origins and the clarity of the waters, but I’ll choose to stay neutral lol. 😅
Ultimately, if you’re ever in Geneva, be sure to check out these five awesome spots that demonstrate exactly what Geneva is famous for. And if you want an insider look or a more immersive experience, I highly recommend taking a tour!
How Many Days in Geneva
Since there aren’t a whole lot of places to visit in Geneva, 3 days in Geneva should give you enough time to explore at a relatively leisurely pace. That said, my friends and I spent 4 days in Geneva and it was perfect — we took a chocolate tour, went swimming multiple times, saw most of the major tourist attractions, and just wandered around! And, in all honesty, I wish we could’ve stayed longer, but alas, broke student budgets don’t allow for that kind of thing… 🙃
Where To Stay in Geneva
If you’re looking for places to stay, I recommend these hotels based on my extensive research and personal experience in the city!
Low-Cost Stays
- Hôtel Sagitta — Centrally located 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 7.9 / 10
- Hôtel Suisse — Family-friendly 3-star hotel w/ laundry & breakfast buffet available | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- Hôtel Eastwest — Luxurious 4-star hotel right next to Lake Geneva | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Crowne Plaza Geneva — Beautiful 4-star hotel w/ free airport shuttle | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva — Gorgeous 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.1 / 10
- Has views of the Jet d’Eau Fountain, Mont Blanc, and the French Alps
- InterContinental Geneve — Excellent 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10
- 3 on-site restaurants, a swimming pool, and spa facilities
- Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva — Elegant 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10
- Includes 3 on-site restaurants, a spa, and a gym and is pet-friendly
Visit Geneva: FAQ
Geneva is a global city because it is home to numerous international organizations, including several larger names – the United Nations, Red Cross, the World Economic Forum, etc.
Since Geneva is located right next to the French border, French is the language spoken in Geneva. However, I found that most locals could also speak English as well!
The currency used in Geneva is the Swiss Franc, which is stronger than the American dollar. This means $100 is equivalent to less than 100 Swiss Francs.
Yes — Geneva is expensive! In fact, according to the reputable news source, the Economist, Geneva is listed as one of the top most expensive cities in Europe, along with Zurich and Paris! You can expect to pay about $27.35 for a single meal!
Despite the pain to my wallet that my trip to Geneva caused, I would still argue that Geneva is well worth visiting! It’s similar to Paris in that you get the big city atmosphere, and there’s a great transportation network. But, the difference is that the freaking Alps surround you! So, it’s perfect for those who want to be in a fast-moving environment but also love spending time in nature!
Wrap-Up: Is Geneva the Capital of Switzerland?
Geneva is not the capital of Switzerland, but that doesn’t mean the city isn’t worth visiting! In fact, I’d argue that Geneva is a truly global city representing a melting pot of people, cultures, and ideas. Not to mention, the city offers visitors access to those famed breathtaking Swiss views and there are plenty of activities and tours to fill your itinerary. Regardless of whether you decide to visit, I hope this post has been insightful and you can walk away with more knowledge about Geneva, Switzerland!
Discover More About Switzerland
- Want to explore Switzerland from a bird’s perspective? Read about Paragliding through the Swiss Alps — It’s one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve had!
