Geneva is a true world city in the sense that the United
Nations is based here and that a large part of the population are foreigners.
With this in mind, Geneva’s cosmopolitan status means it offers a slew of
attractions that are sure to entice tourists from most parts of the world, while
Lake Geneva and the River Rhône provide year-round enjoyment.
The Old Town
Geneva’s Old Town is loaded with historical intrigue and a string of cafés,
terraces and boutiques. Much of it is pedestrianised including Bourg-de-Four, a
former Roman marketplace and the oldest public square in Geneva. Apart from the
many bistros and shops in the Old Town, major attractions include: the 15th
century Hotel De Ville, the seat of government in Geneva and venue of the
founding of the League of Nations; the Old Arsenal; and The Treille Promenade,
offering outstanding views of the city.
Visit this website for further information about
Geneva Old Town and
the Place du Bourg-de-Four.
Jet d’Eau
This powerful fountain, essentially a glorified 19th century
hydroelectric safety valve, is Europe’s tallest and one of Geneva’s most talked
about sights. The jet of water is made white by the addition of a special
aeration valve, which makes the fountain look most impressive when lit up at
night. However, don’t be disappointed if the fountain is turned off when the
wind picks up.
Batiment des Forces Motrices
Originally a hydroelectric power station that provided Geneva with
electricity and water, the 19th century Batiment des Forces Motrices on Place
des Volontaires has today been converted into a large opera house with a
stunning location overlooking the River Rhône.
Visit this website for further information about
Concerts and Operas in Geneva.
Palais des Nations
The European Headquarters of the United Nations is located on avenue de la Paix,
just to the north of the city centre. The building is a huge complex and can
only be visited on a guided tour. Features you will see on a typical tour of the
United Nations include the Council Chamber, with its gold murals, and the grand
2,000-seat Assembly Hall. The building is open daily from 10:00 to 12:00 and
from 14:00 to 16:00, with longer opening hours during the peak season. Visitors
are required to show their passports in order to gain entry.
Cathédrale St-Pierre
A Romanesque cathedral with Gothic forms, St Peter's Cathedral was
designed in the mid-12th century, yet it wasn’t completed for an additional 150
years, lending it its Gothic styles. The cathedral was converted from a Catholic
cathedral to a Protestant church in the 1500s and a major addition in 1750 saw
the inclusion of a neo-classical façade. Features of St Peter’s Cathedral
include the restored frescoes near to the main entrance and the stunning views
afforded from the north tower. The cathedral is open daily from 09:30 to 18:30,
Monday to Saturday, with slight seasonal variations.
Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum covers the history
of the International Red Cross, an organisation set up by Geneva resident Henri
Dunant in 1864. The museum features statues and audiovisual exhibits of some of
the organisation’s projects around the world and a sombre look at world
disasters and the struggles of humans in adversity. Musée International de la
Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge is open from 09:30 to 17:00, Tuesday to
Sunday.
Collections Baur
Founded by Alfred Baur, Collections Baur is Switzerland’s largest
collection of Far Eastern art and it features staggering permanent and temporary
examples. Major exhibits at this fine 19th century townhouse include Japanese
smoking pieces, fine Chinese ceramics and jade, and numerous prints, lacquerware
and intricate sword fittings. You will find temporary exhibits in the basement.
Collections Baur is open from 14:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Sunday.
Plainpalais Cemetery
There are many alternatives in Geneva for getting away from the
pleasant bustle of the city including the lovely Plainpalais Cemetery, which is
located on rue des Rois in the heart of the city. Some of the gravestones in the
cemetery date back to the late 15th century and notable Geneva greats buried
here include the likes of John Calvin, Augustin de Candolle, Henri Dufour and
Sergio Vieira de Mello, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Jardin Botanique
The Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden) is located between the United
Nations building and the southwestern shore (right bank) of Lake Geneva, to the
north of the city. The gardens were created in the 19th century and feature
acres of beautiful greenery intertwined with delightful walking paths and a
sprinkling of streams. The gardens are loaded with colour including exotic
hothouses, rose gardens, iris beds, a garden of scent, a deer park and an
aviary, while some of the trees here date as far back as the 17th century. Entry
to the gardens is free and they are open daily from 08:00 to 19:30, with some
seasonal variations in opening times.
Schtrumpfs Building
Also slightly out of town and located on rue Louis-Favre in Les Grottes
neighbourhood, the Schtrumpfs Building - Schtrumpfs being ‘smurfs’ in French –
is one of Geneva’s more curious sights. It is actually an apartment complex that
was the brainchild of three architects bent on producing an eye-catching
building using a hodgepodge of styles. There is a definite hint of Gaudi in the
design and colouring, although far more elaborate than the Art Nouveau genius
could have dreamed.
Carouge
Carouge is also out of town and more of a suburb of Geneva. It is
located to the south of the city, on the other side of River L’Arve, and it
closely resembles the French Riviera resort town of Nice. With Bohemian
tendencies, Carouge is best known for its collection of boutiques and studios,
lending it the oft-quoted title of the ‘Greenwich Village of Geneva’. Lovers of
jazz will enjoy the night scene here.
Top Things to Do
Walk the Old Town.
Those who are into walking will find Geneva city centre a delight for an
afternoon stroll, with a tangle of pedestrian-only
ancient alleyways in the Old Town and great shopping areas throughout. The
Cathédrale de St Pierre is the main feature of the Old Town, where you will also
find a fascinating collection of museums and galleries including Maison Travel
and Petit Palais. The international zone lies to the north of the Old Town and
the city centre and it includes the likes of the Palais des Nations (United
Nations) and the Red Cross Museum.
Enjoy Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva and the River Rhône are the
lifeblood of Geneva and the city’s main focus. The lake offers plenty of
opportunity for recreation, with lake cruises, sailing and waterskiing enjoyed
year-round.
View the World's highest fountain jet. Without doubt the
biggest attraction on the lake is the 400 foot high spray from the Jet d’Eau
fountain, the world’s highest spurting fountain. Water shoots out at close to
124mph and is aerated on, leaving the valve to give the water a brilliant white
appearance, appearing even more dramatic when viewed at night. The lake is also
the venue of the annual Lake Regatta, which sees hundreds of sail boats racing
from one end of the lake to the other and is one of the biggest events of its
kind.
See the attractions around the lake. Farther
along the left and right bank shorelines near the city centre are a myriad of
cafés, street markets and parks as well as a string of amusement rides, while
Jardin Anglais, not far from the fountain, is home to the giant Horloge Fleurie
clock, with its 6,500 flowers. Attractions are also aplenty on the western shore
and include the popular Bains des Paquis; a fun area that has
been fitted out with attractive bathing areas and saunas.
Visit this website for photographs of
the Flower Clock in Geneva.
Ski the Alps. Although skiing is a seasonal activity, with the
exception of year-round sliding being offered at some of the nearby glaciated
mountains, walking and mountain biking trails take the place of the downhill
slaloms for the rest of the year. However, those who come for the winter skiing,
France’s world-renowned Haute-Savoie ski region, of Mont-Blanc fame, is just to
the southeast of Geneva and includes the ski resort of Chamonix, with its
perfect snow and the world’s longest ski slope.
Closer to Geneva and presenting stunning views over the city is Mount Saleve,
which is only three miles from Geneva and has cable car access to the peak.
Mount Saleve again lies in French territory, in the Haute-Savoie
region, and it sports a mountain-top café and a myriad of walking trails that
radiate off in all directions. Closer to the city, Rousseau Island
features a bird sanctuary and a statue of the great man. While providing respite
from the Genevan bustle, Rousseau Island also affords fine views over the city
and boasts a quality restaurant.
Visit this website for further information about
Mount Saleve in Geneva.
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