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Geneva, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful, thriving cities in Europe and one that everyone seems to pass through sooner or later. The sweeping landscape holds an appeal for many people who come to the city. It sits on the Geneva Lake, with the Jura Ridges to one side and the peaks of the Savoy Alps to the other. The city is also famous for its neutrality, with international agencies like the Red Cross, World Health Organization and the United Nations all having a strong presence in the city. Because of this, flights into the city are frequent and many direct flights can be found from the US. Airports: Geneva Airport serves most major airlines and connects to most European cities. BA, easyJet and Swiss Air all fly direct from London to Geneva while Swiss and Continental fly direct from NYC. There are also direct flights from Montreal and Washington DC. The airport has also become a hub for easyJet which serves a number of European destinations at cheap prices. The Geneva Airport has a UBS bank, ATMs, exchange machines, cafes and an American Express office. There are also airports in Basel, Bern, Zurich and Lugano. Getting Around: From the airport, to get into the city you can hire a taxi, ride the number 10 bus or take the train which stops at the main bus station. Once in the city, there is very little need to rent a car as the public transit is quite extensive and includes trams, buses, trains and shuttle boats. A good way to see the city is by foot, where you will be able to access car-free cobblestone streets and alleyways. Best Times to Go: The best time to visit Geneva is during the summer when temperatures are warm, mild and mostly sunny. June and September are the best times to go if you want to enjoy the warm weather without the throngs of tourists. Winters can sometimes be mild, and other times are very cold with temperatures below freezing. Sites: Jet d’Eau: The Jet d’Eau is one of the world’s largest water fountains. The 459 ft tall column of water is very impressive to stand under, especially at night when the fountain is illuminated. Cathédrale St-Pierre: The Cathédrale St-Pierre sits on the highest point in the Old Town. There is also the International Museum of the Reformation on the ground floor of the Maison Mallet. While at the Cathedral, take a climb up to the north tower of the cathedral for impressive views of the city and lake. Musée d'Art et d'Histoire: The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire features an impressive collection of varied pieces of art from the early Renaissance to Swiss-French and impressionist works. Because Geneva is such a hub for business people, diplomats and international organizations, there are plenty of flight options to the city. Remember to check early for flights, however, to get good deals. You might also want to avoid the high season (July – August) to get the best possible deal on your trip.
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