Car rental in Geneva

Compare & Save on car rental in Geneva

A city of outstanding beauty and cultural history, Geneva is fringed by the vast mountain ranges of the Alps and Jura, and also straddles the River Rhône at the south-western end of Lake Leman (otherwise known as Lake Geneva), one of the largest freshwater lakes in Europe. Switzerland's second-most populous city, Geneva is one of the world's major centres of international diplomacy, having been the birthplace of the United Nations and the Red Cross, as well as being home to the World Health Organisation. While 780,000 people live in the suburban area, the city itself is small, with a population of just 188,000. Today, Geneva is a thoroughly sleek and slick modern city, very cosmopolitan, renowned for great shopping and dining, as well as serving as a great base from which to explore the beautiful Alps.

Things to Do in Geneva

Right on the shores of Lake Geneva, no visit is complete without a trip across the largest Alpine lake in Europe. Vieille Ville, the city’s old town is well worth exploring for an hour or two to soak up some gorgeous architecture and traditional shopping, as well as the house that Rousseau was born and raised in. For an eyeful of architecture that’s as Gaudi-esque as you’ll find outside of Barcelona, head for the Quartier des Grottes area, home to “les Schtroumpfs” buildings, created by architects who were seeking to avoid using straight lines. And for something a little cooler and grittier, make a beeline for the Pâquis quarter. Here you’ll find hot new boutiques, creative types, warehouses being turned into music venues and artists studios, as well as plenty of hip bars, restaurants and arts venues.

Top 3 Must See: Geneva

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  Jet d'Eau, the iconic fountain

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  Boating on Lake Geneva

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  Cathedral St-Pierre

Driving Around Geneva

The motorway network brings you right into Geneva, only 40km from Annecy and 80km from Chamonix with customs at Bardonnex - Saint-Julien. You’ll need a compulsory motorway sticker (aka Vignette) to come through this customs office. Purchase of the motorway tax sticker (aka Vignette), which you’ll find on sale at petrol stations, post offices and tourist offices, is obligatory if you want to drive on the motorways. Geneva itself is a small town, easily navigable, but car rental is a great option for exploring outwith the city too. With the vast Lake Geneva on your doorstep, as well as those breathtaking Alps, and the cheese and chocolate of Gruyere just a short drive away, most visitors will get more from their trip with an excursion or two out into the glorious Swiss countryside - and a hire car affords you the freedom to travel where and when you want.