Geneva is the ultimate destination if you’re looking for an ultra-clean, slick and modern place to be. It’s one of the world’s centres of power, with the UN, the World Health Organisation and the International Health Organisation all meeting here. It’s very easy on the eye, spread around the largest alpine lake in Europe, and the prices of the hotels, bars and restaurants reflect that beauty. Go to Geneva for luxury, style and safety, but make sure you have the budget to cover it all.

Geneva is famous for a few things; the Convention, banks, chocolate, and jewellery. It would seem a shame not to indulge in the last two whilst you are there, but there is more to the third-largest Swiss city. For the seriously political, a visit to the International Red Cross Museum might be in order; whilst it’s not exactly light-hearted, the museum offers excellent resources on the Red Cross’ struggle to save people in times of war. For something a little more uplifting, try the Jardin Botanique for exotic plants and birds. Or, for history fans, there is the Cathedrale St Pierre, one of the homes of sixteenth-century Calvinism (John Calvin himself preached there). Aside from the sight-seeing, there are gay venues aplenty in Geneva. For girls, there’s mainly lesbian bar L’Evidence, or for a more mixed crowd, give La Bretelle, boasting live entertainment, a try. Le Phare also draws a mixed gay and lesbian crowd, and boasts a summer terrace for sundown drinks. Le Boudoir de Barrone is a late-night cabaret gay club that attracts both lesbians and gays. For camp disco, and a mostly male environment, gay club Pretexte is located on Rue du Prince. There are two well-known men’s gay saunas, Bains de l’Est and Les Avanchets. If you like your gay activity a little more intellectual, the gay and lesbian library O Mots Doux is definitely worth a look.

Switzerland granted gay couples the right to civil unions in 2007. The city of Geneva, as with many cosmopolitan cities, is generally accepting and welcoming of gay and lesbian travellers, so you can rely on feeling safe there. 

Geneva’s international airport runs regular flights to and from major global cities. From within Switzerland, there are regular buses from Swiss Flaine and Verbier. There are also regular trains to Geneva from many destinations in France.