Which is better, Geneva or Zurich? Geneva and Zurich are two of the most iconic cities in Switzerland. Geneva is called the “Peace Capital” because it hosts many international organizations and is known for being mostly French-speaking while the rest of Switzerland tends to speak German. Zurich is the largest city in the country, one of the largest financial centers in Europe, and one of the most expensive cities in the world. If you are are trying to decide between Geneva or Zurich, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide.
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Geneva or Zurich Overview
Geneva
Geneva is the 2nd largest city in Switzerland with just over 200,000 residents. Most of Switzerland speaks German but since Geneva is so close to France, most of the locals speak French as their main language.
Geneva is often referred to as the “Peace Capital” of the world because it hosts the most international organizations in the world. The United Nations and the Red Cross both have headquarters here. Being the 7th most expensive city in the world, but you have to remember that Switzerland as a whole is an expensive place to visit.
Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland with 435,000 residents. The city has been around since 15 BC when the Romans founded it. The main language spoken here is German but most of the locals speak multiple languages including French, Italian, and English.
In recent years, Zurich has been ranked as having the highest quality of living in the world. They have also been ranked as the happiest people in the world, in years passed. Zurich is one of the world’s largest centers for finance. Every August, Zurich hosts the Street Parade which is Europe’s largest techno parade and one incredible party.
Places to See
Geneva
The Geneva Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Geneva.
The United Nations Palace is the second largest of the 4 major official offices of the United Nations. It is only smaller than the headquarters in New York City.
The University of Geneva was founded in 1559 and founded by John Calvin.
St. Pierre Cathedral was originally a Roman Catholic Cathedral. It became the Reformed Protestant Church of Geneva during the Reformation.
Zurich
Lake Zurich is a large lake that has the city sitting on its northern banks.
Grossmünster is a Protestant church that was built in 1100.
Bahnhofstrasse is the main street in Zurich. It is one of the world’s most expensive shopping avenues in the world.
Altstadt is the Old Town of Zurich.
The Zurich Opera House has been open since 1891. It was the first theater in Europe with electrical lighting.
Food
Geneva
As you would expect in Switzerland, fondue can be found in many places throughout Geneva. Longeole is a popular food for Genevois people. It is a form of pork sausage and cumin which can be found in the Old Town. If you want your mouth to water, you should try Malakoff which cheese beignets or Swiss cheese balls. Rosti is sometimes considered the national dish of Switzerland. It is grated potatoes fried together to form a fried potato pancake.
Zurich
Fondue originated in Switzerland and the earliest accounts of it came from Zurich so you need to try some fondue when you visit its birthplace. There are many places to find fondue but Le Dézaley and Swiss Chuchi Restaurant are great places to get some. Zopf is a type of braided bread that is traditionally eaten on Sunday mornings but has become popular throughout the week.
Getting Around
Geneva
The center of Geneva is very pedestrian-friendly. Some of the most popular attractions, like the United Nations Palace or the Pâquis Baths, might require you to use public transportation. The main form of public transportation in Geneva is the network of trams or buses. Though there are buses that run in the city, they might take you longer to reach your destination.
The network of trams seems to be the most efficient way to get around the city on the outskirts of the city. One of the unique things about Geneva is if you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or campsite, you are typically given a Geneva Transport Card. The Geneva Transport Card gives you free, unlimited access to public transportation in Zone 10 which is the greater part of Geneva.
Zurich
Most of the major sights in the city are able to be seen on foot. The furthest the major attractions get from each other is less than 2km which can easily be walked if took your time. If you want to see some of the attractions outside of the city center, like the Zurich Zoo or Le Corbusier House, you will want to use public transportation. If you buy the Zurich Card you will have access to all public transportation, free exhibitions, and you can get special treatment at certain restaurants.
Nightlife
Though Geneva is not typically known as a city to party, there is still a pretty lively nightlife here. The old town has many bars and pubs. Old Town is considered to be a little more laid back but there are a few places where you can hit the dance floor. If you want to go to the bigger nightclubs in Geneva, you will have to go outside of the center of the city. Some of the biggest and most popular nightclubs in Geneva are Le Zoo, Motel Campo, and Bypass.
Zurich
The nightlife in Zurich is one of the best in Europe which seems to surprise people. Zurich has more bars per capita than anywhere else in Europe. Niederdorf in the old town and Zurich West are the best places to find nightlife in Zurich. With a vast number of bars, there is also a ton of nightclubs you can choose from.
Langstrasse is a street that is sometimes regarded as Zurich’s red-light district. Frieda’s Büxe, Hive, Supermarket, and Space Monki are some of the best clubs in the city but most of the clubs here are a good time regardless of the one you choose. Since you’re in Switzerland, you can expect prices to be rather high during your night out.
Day Trips
Geneva
Chamonix is only an hour away from Geneva by train making it the perfect day trip. It sits at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps.
Annecy is only 42km south of Geneva. Annecy is known for its Old Town which has beautiful buildings and cobbled streets.
Lausanne is only a 40-minute train ride from Geneva. The city is known for having beautiful vistas and medieval architecture.
Zurich
Jungfraujoch is part of the Bernese Alps that connects the peak of Jungfrau and Monch. The Sphinx Observatory, one of the world’s highest observatories, is located here.
Lucerne is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland. It sits on the banks of Lake Lucerne.
Liechtenstein is a small country to the east of Switzerland. It is one of the smallest countries in the world.
Between Geneva and Zurich are many beautiful cities including Bern and Lucerne.
Overall
Geneva and Zurich are the two largest cities in Switzerland so, as you would expect, both cities are worth visiting. Geneva is a smaller, more laid back city, which has more of a French feeling to it than a traditional Swiss feeling. Zurich is a livelier city with better nightlife and has a more traditional Swiss feeling. Both cities have beautiful waterfronts, sitting on large lakes. It really comes down to whether you want to experience a French or Swiss feeling city.
