Is Geneva the Capital of Switzerland? Everything to Know (2023)
Most people have heard of Switzerland, but don’t actually 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!
Table of Contents
- Is Geneva the Capital of Switzerland?
- What Is the Capital City of Switzerland?
- What is Geneva Famous For?
- 5 Places to Visit in Geneva
- How Many Days in Geneva
- Where To Stay in Geneva
- Visit Geneva: FAQ
- Wrap-Up: Is Geneva the Capital of Switzerland?
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.
In addition, Geneva has a unique and cosmopolitan atmosphere as it’s the home of many international organizations, such as the United Nations and even the International Red Cross.
Thus, you’ll often encounter a good amount of foreigners also residing in the city, both for pleasure and business.
Why Is Geneva Not the Capital City of Switzerland
Now 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. Geneva is an international powerhouse, which leaves the potential for members of government to be swayed by outside interests.
Thus, 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.
As a result, members of parliament looked for other options…
What Is the Capital City of Switzerland?
Alright, so if Switzerland’s two most populous cities aren’t the capital city of Switzerland, you’re likely wondering what city is.
Technically speaking, you may be surprised to learn that Switzerland doesn’t have an official capital city.
Instead, it 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. It isn’t under threat of immense international influence, like Geneva.
And compared to most other European capitals, such as Paris, London, Madrid, Zagreb, Bratislava, Vienna, etc., Bern is not the most populous city in the country! In fact, it’s only the fifth most populous city in Switzerland.
Thus, there’s no threat of a heavy concentration of power.
If you’re really 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, International Red Cross, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
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. Despite its petite size, Geneva has significantly more International influence and power than any of these other major cities. But, at least Geneva beats out little ole Andorra la Vella! 😅
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 really go inside, you can still get to see the exterior! On the front lawn, they have the flag of every country that is part of the United Nations lined up in perfect lines.
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!
In addition, one of my favorite parts about visiting this site is that they have a massive red chair that’s broken in the middle of a large plaza.
It’s an art piece that’s meant to serve as a reminder to 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 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.
It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the sun and take a dip in the lake! Plus, there are also some structures, like a floating rock climbing wall, in the lake that kids and adults can play on.
Additionally, they have a few diving boards of varying heights that you can jump off if you’re craving a bit of an adrenaline rush!
Oh, and if you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant on site that serves some pretty delicious food.
Make sure you try out the Swiss fondue! Just remember to bring cash with you as they don’t accept card payments and there is a small admission fee.
The place has an overall laid-back vibe and is a great place to just spend a day out at the lake.
3. Geneva Botanical Garden and Greenhouse
Next up, I recommend you pay a visit to the Geneva Botanical Garden and greenhouse. The lush greenery and colorful flowers offer a lovely respite from city life!
The area is filled with a wide array of exotic plants, trees, and flowers. And, the greenhouses are a must-see as they create different climates and include plants 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.
Admission is free too, so it’s a fantastic budget option. Just make sure to 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! It’s one of Geneva’s most iconic symbols and probably the most popular tourist spot.
This “Largest fountain in Europe” propels water 140 meters high every day from about 9 AM until 10:30 PM, depending on the time of year. Sometimes, they’ll even display thematic illuminations on the water that correspond to special events happening.
Tourists have the opportunity to 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.
You’ll be able to clearly differentiate the two rivers as their waters never mix. This is likely due to the composition, density, and velocity of the water.
Regardless, it’s worth bringing your camera to take a few pictures of this special phenomenon. Plus, the views along the Rhône River are simply stunning.
If you visit on a hot day, there are a few areas that you can swim or jump in and float until reach the next exit point.
Just make sure to scout out the area ahead of time as even my tour guide warned that sometimes people miss the last exit point… yeah having to be rescued doesn’t sound *fun*.
And for those who are curious, the waters that make up the Rhône River come from Lac Leman. Meanwhile, the Arve River is considered a French river…
My Swiss guide 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, make 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!
✅ Explore the various tours available in Geneva
How Many Days in Geneva
I would suggest a full 3 days in Geneva. There aren’t a ton of places to visit in Geneva, so you should have enough time to explore at a relatively leisurely pace.
My friends and I personally spent 4 days in Geneva and it was perfect — we took a 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 — 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 8 / 10
- Hôtel Suisse — 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- Crowne Plaza Geneva — 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Hôtel Eastwest — 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva — 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- InterContinental Geneve — 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.0 / 10
- Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva — 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
Of course, if you want to check out other places in Geneva, you can check availability and prices with the buttons below.
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 USD 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 you’re surrounded by the freaking Alps! 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?
Is Geneva the capital of Switzerland? No, it is not. But, that doesn’t mean that the city isn’t worth visiting!
Geneva is a truly global city that represents 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, I hope this post has been insightful and that you’re able to walk away with a little more knowledge about Geneva, Switzerland!
Read More About Europe
- 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!
- Visiting Paris and an art lover fan? Don’t miss out an exploring Giverny, Monet’s hometown that inspired many of his most famous works of art!
- Staying in Krakow for a few days? Give yourself the ultimate relaxation experience at the thermal baths in Zakopane!