The second most populous city in Switzerland is Geneva. Geneva is surrounded by two mountain chains the Jura and the Alps and is situated where Lake Geneva flows into the River Rhone.

Jet d Eau is the city s landmark it is a fountain situated on Lake Geneva. It is a 140 metre water column and is visible from most of the city, and on a clear day can be see Mont Blanc.Geneva was awarded the Wakker Prize in 2000 for the preservation and development of its architectural heritage. Geneva has over 40 private and public museums as well as art galleries. The Brunswick Monument contains the tomb of Charles 11 Duke of Brunswick. He left his fortune to the city of Geneva on condition that he was place in a replica of Veronas Scaligeri Masusoleum.

The famous flower clock is in the English garden and it is a reflection of Geneva s preoccupation with watch making. The dial of the clock has 6500 flower and are update several times a year. Geneva is a world leader in the watch industry dating back to the 1600 centaury with top brand watch markers found in the city including Swatch, Omega and Piaget.

The largest out door flea market in Geneva is Plaine de Plainpalais where locals go to sell their often valuable junk.

The old town is alleyways filled with boutiques cafes and historical landmarks. Bourg de Four is a former roman market place and the oldest public square in Geneva.

For 10 days in the summer the Fetes de Geneve is the highlight with concerts variety shows carnival rides and parades along the shore of the lake. Firework shows every night and the festival finale is the Techno Parade where each float have costumed dancers.

The United Nations in Geneva is the biggest United Nation duty station outside the head quarters in New York with 1600 staff

If you want to go shopping in Geneva your best place is Rue de la Confederation. This street is one of the main pedestrian streets in the city where all the shops boutiques and stores are. From clothes, chocolate, watches, music you will find everything here.
Geneva is definitely not a cheap city. Everything is expensive. You can get a good deal on your Swiss army knife cuckoo clock and items with cow patterns on them.

The VAT rate in Switzerland is 7.6 % and is included in the sales price.