Actually both Geneva and Zurich are nice cities. Geneva has more of a latin-french influence. Zurich more of a germanic one. Neither would be considere either France or Germany though. It's still Switzerland.
Source(s):
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Switzerland-157/Geneva-vs-Zurich.htm

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They are both very nice cities. If you like French culture such as the language, townscapes, attitudes, cuisine and more, then go to Geneva. If you prefer Germanic versions of above, go to Zurich.

Museums: Great museums both places
Shopping: Similar shopping experience
Dining: Both have great dining, Geneva is nicer.
Sightseeing: The Lake of Geneva is nicer

It's a coin toss, yet I would check out Geneva first.
Source(s):
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa;jsessionid=51500A833EA640...
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/zurich-or-geneva-4.cfm

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Having lived in both Geneva and Zurich I think I can quite confidentally say Zurich is nicer, Geneva is smaller and doesnt have a real city vibe, partly because many diplomats and internationals live there. Zurich however has a real proud identity an great atmosphere. The shopping in Zurich is better and there is a much arger selection, Geneva has many of the same highend shops like Zurich but Zurich has more, by far. Dining is about the same I would say, but once again larger selection in Zurich.

The city of zurich is also cleaner, Genevas proximity to France definetaly leaves is traces, atleast for my idle Swiss standards. Both the lakes are beautiful and both cities allow beautiful white mountain scenery on nice days. However Zurich is definetaly THE city in switzerland, culturally and economically, and it also has a much larger and better connected airport than Geneva. Again both cities are nice but I favour Zurich. In any case both are worth to see and I think the cities cover places 1 and 2 on Mercers World Index of most beautiful cities.
Source(s):
Experience
www.mahalo.com/zurich

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