Geneva

Alongside German and French languages, Italian also holds official status in Geneva. This linguistic diversity can be attributed to the city’s unique geographical location.

Situated in Switzerland, Geneva finds itself in close proximity to both the French and Italian borders.

Just 100 kilometers away from Italy and a mere 10 kilometers from the nearest French village, this cosmopolitan city truly embodies the essence of cultural fusion.

While some European cities may be situated near water but far from mountains, and others find themselves perched at high elevations but distant from the seaside, Geneva offers the best of both worlds.

Nestled beside one of Europe’s largest and deepest lakes—a body of water that has even been explored by submarines—Geneva is a haven for yachting enthusiasts and a perfect destination for long, sun-soaked weekends with friends and family.

Moreover, being surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, it becomes an ideal winter getaway for those seeking thrilling ski adventures.

As you descend upon Geneva’s airport, located just five minutes from the city center, this picturesque landscape is the first thing that will captivate your senses.

Now, let me share one regret I have from my time in Geneva—I never took a boat tour on Lake Geneva. Whenever I visit cities situated by the water, I always make it a point to embark on a boat excursion.

There’s just something enchanting about observing the bustling life on the shorelines from a leisurely perspective. Oh, and here’s an interesting fact—the lake is shared between Switzerland and France, adding another layer of intrigue to Geneva’s allure.

The city itself is divided by the left and right banks of the lake, and as you can imagine, residents of each side take pride in their respective areas.

It’s a friendly rivalry, but there is a noticeable difference. The left bank, known for its elegance, tends to attract a wealthier crowd, making it a bit more expensive. However, as a visitor, this distinction may not be something you experience firsthand, as it mostly resonates with the locals.

Buffalo meat and bisons from the hills surrounding Geneva add a unique touch to the culinary scene.

It’s not uncommon to spot these magnificent creatures roaming freely in the mountains.

If you’re intrigued, a visit to the local market is a must, as you can find bison meat becoming increasingly popular gourmet food and sought after in Geneva.

Over the past three decades, the farming of bisons has gained traction in the area after their importation from Canada.

Today, it is becoming a norm in the Swiss Alps, and trying bison meat has become quite an experience.

This lean and flavorful meat serves as a healthy alternative to beef, so don’t hesitate to inquire about it at the market.

Both pork and fish play significant roles in the local cuisine.

Pork, known as “porc” in French, is a popular meat in Geneva. It is widely available in various forms and is used in numerous traditional Swiss dishes.

 And when it comes to fish Lake Geneva(Lac Léman) offers an abundant supply of freshwater fish. The lake is home to various species.

These fish are often featured in traditional Swiss cuisine.

Ah, the cheese! I must say, I had the pleasure of bringing back quite a bounty of cheese from my skiing trip.

Switzerland is renowned for its exquisite cheese, and it’s one of the things that truly makes the country famous. Indulging in Swiss cheese is an absolute must when visiting.

One delightful dish you should try is cheese fondue, a true culinary delight that can be found in most traditional food restaurants around the city.

The experience of dipping of bread into a pot of melted cheese is simply divine. And let’s not forget about another cheese specialty called Malakof, a fried cheese bundle with a delightful surprise of more melted cheese inside.

The name Malakof actually comes from the historic Battle of Malakoff. So, as someone who brought back an abundance of cheese, I can assure you that Switzerland is a cheese lover’s paradise that should not be missed!

If you curious to learn about Jamón ibérico or Olive Oil we wrote about it in our article about Spanish city, Cordoba!