Finding Friends in Geneva: An Expat’s Guide to Building a Social Circle

Let’s be honest: moving to Geneva sounds exciting – international flair, high quality of life, beautiful Lake Geneva – but making friends in Geneva as an expat can be surprisingly hard.

Whether you’ve relocated for work, studies, or personal reasons, many newcomers find the social scene here polite but distant. The good news? You’re not alone – and there are real ways to break the ice and build meaningful friendships.

Here’s how to meet people in Geneva and start building your social circle:

1. Join International Clubs and Associations

Geneva is one of the most international cities in Europe – home to the UN, NGOs, and multinational companies. That means plenty of social clubs and expat associations welcome newcomers.

👉 Try:

• Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI) – Offers help and events for newly arrived internationals
• Internations Geneva – Global expat community with monthly events
• Toastmasters Geneva – Build your confidence and meet new people through public speaking

2. Explore Language Exchange Meetups

Don’t worry if your French isn’t perfect – language exchanges are a fun way to meet locals and fellow expats, all while learning.

👉 Platforms to try:

• Meetup.com – Search for “language exchange Geneva”
• Tandem – App to find one-on-one language partners
• Café Polyglotte – Casual multilingual meetups in bars around town

3. Take Part in Sports, Hikes & Outdoor Events

The area around Lake Geneva is made for social activities – sailing, paddleboarding, running groups, weekend hikes in the Jura mountains.

👉 Tip: Join a local hiking or outdoor group. You don’t need to be a pro – just show up and enjoy the shared experience.

4. Get Active on Expat-Friendly Platforms

Social apps and digital communities are a great way to break the ice, especially if you’re starting from zero.

👉 Recommended:

• City Mates – Find curated events and groups for real-life connections with other newcomers
• Facebook groups like “Expats in Geneva”, “Geneva Friends”, or “Geneva Social Network”
• Bumble BFF – Swipe-based but friendship-focused

5. Understand the Local Culture – and Be Patient

People in Geneva often separate work and private life. That doesn’t mean they’re unfriendly – just a bit reserved at first. It takes time to build trust.

👉 What helps:

• Show genuine interest in local culture (even small things like enjoying fondue or understanding Swiss humor)
• Say “Bonjour” – it goes a long way
• Don’t expect instant friendships – invest time, and you’ll be rewarded

6. Join Volunteering Projects

Giving back is a great way to meet like-minded people. Many international organizations in Geneva rely on volunteers.

👉 Try:

• Serve the City Geneva
• Caritas or Geneva Red Cross
• Sharing Minds (if you’re looking to stay involved in wider social impact projects)

7. Create Your Own Event – Yes, Really

Still not finding your tribe? Why not create the kind of meetup you’d like to attend?

👉 On City Mates, you can easily start your own small event – coffee meetups, walk & talks by the lake, board game nights. If you’re looking for Freunde in Genf, chances are others are too.

Final Thoughts

To make friends in Geneva, you’ll need a bit of patience, initiative, and the right platforms. The city might not open up overnight – but once it does, the international and local mix offers some of the most enriching friendships you’ll ever experience.

Ready to make your Geneva chapter unforgettable?

👉 Join City Mates and discover social events for expats in Geneva