Visit to the international city of Geneva

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The city of Geneva is a cosmopolitan city. During our city trip, we discovered more than just banks, jewelers and chocolate shops

Geneva in Switzerland is the definition of a global city. Since almost half of the population consists of foreigners and expats, it only seems right that the city houses the United Nations headquarters as well as another 20 international organizations, including the Red Cross and the World Trade Organization.

Here the Geneva conventions were signed and today the city is a symbol of progress. From a charming and historical city center to international landmarks and institutions, the city of Geneva is a symbol of the modern Europe of the 21st century.

We have spent a long weekend to explore the city of Geneva and to discover more than just banks, jewelers and chocolate shops. We did the following.

1. Jet d’Eau (water jet) at Lake Geneva

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Wherever you go in the city of Geneva, you will probably have this record -breaking water well in sight. It is the most famous landmark of Geneva and, thanks to its height of 140 meters, visible all over the city.

We spent our evenings walk on the banks of Lake Geneva and look at the Jet d’Aau before we let ourselves be spoiled in one of the many gelaterias of the city.

2. Allée des Nations in the Palais des Nations

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The Palace of the Nations (Palais des Nations) has served as the headquarters of the United Nations and its predecessor, the League of Nations since 1936. With a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, the Nations Palace houses thousands of intergovernmental meetings every year.

Opposite the palace is the impressive sculpture Broken Chair, a monument to the resistance of the organization against landmines and screecue bombs. Guided tours of the palace are offered in 15 languages ​​and last an hour.

3. Red cross and red moon museum

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We visited this fascinating museum with its permanent exhibition The Humanitrian Adventure and a temporary exhibition on Gandhi. The main exhibition examines three major challenges in today's world: the defense of human dignity, the restoration of family ties and the reduction of natural risks, while at the same time conveys a unique story of humanitarian action.

The museum hits the perfect tone: comprehensively informative and deeply moving.

4. Cern (European Organization for Core Research)

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We refreshed our particle physics before visiting CERN, but despite the efforts of our tour guides (which are also nuclear physicists) we didn't really understand much!

The scientists here operate the largest particle physics laboratory in the world and are probably the smartest people we will ever meet. Therefore we were silent when they asked if the group had any questions!

5. St. Pierre-Cathedral

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The most famous church in Geneva is over 850 years old and offers an excellent view of the city center and Lake Geneva from the north and south tower. The cathedral is located in the old town of Geneva and enthroned on an archaeological site where the remains of the former basilica were found. There is a small museum on site in which the excavated artifacts are exhibited.

6. Platz du Bourg-de-Four

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The Geneva old town is a labyrinth of small streets and picturesque places full of cozy cafes, restaurants, galleries and museums, and the Place du Bourg-de-Four is the heart of it.

The main square is supposed to be the oldest place in Geneva and housed a Roman market place for centuries. We met with an old friend of Kia and enjoyed a coffee and a snack while watching the world passed in every conceivable language.

7. Maison Tavel

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There are larger and more magnificent museums in Geneva (Natural History Museum and Art and History Museum, to name just two), but we really enjoyed this intimate museum in the old town. The Maison Tavel, built in the 12th century, is the oldest house in Geneva and shows a number of artifacts and historical objects.

One of the best exhibits is the multimedia presentation and 3D card, which shows how the city of Geneva has developed over the centuries from a medieval commercial city to the modern international city that it is today.

8. Patek-Philippe Museum

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One thing about Geneva and Switzerland in general is that it is always on time, and there is a very good reason for that. The watchmaker's art was developed and refined in Geneva by Antoni Patek, who had a passion for timepieces and developed it into the luxury watches for which the country is known today.

The Patek Phillipe Museum shows the history of luxury watchmaking from the 16th century to the present day and houses a huge collection of precious watches.

9. Jardin Anglais and L’Horloge Fleurie (flower clock)

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in the Jardin Anglais (English garden) is the once largest flower clock in the world. Unfortunately, it no longer holds the title, but it still has the longest second pointer in the world with 2.50 meters! The iconic clock was created in 1955 as a tribute to the city's watchmakers. Unmistakably Swiss.

The city of Geneva houses some other excellent parks, including the Parc des Bastions, the Parc de la Grange and the botanical garden.

10. Mont Salève cable car

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Image: Yann, CC BY-SA 3.0

Mont Salève at 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) is geographically in France, but is only a short bus ride away. It offers a wide view of the city of Geneva as well as the Mont Blanc and the Alps.

The ride on the cable car takes less than five minutes, but the panoramic view from above is entertained for hours. In addition to the view, exciting activities such as paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, trekking and skiing are offered in winter. Bus no. 8 from the center of Geneva drives to the cable car station, which she brings to the summit of Mont Salève.

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City of Geneva: The essential

Was: Visiting the International City of Geneva, Switzerland.

Where: We spent two nights in the Eastwest Hotel and in the Tiffany Hotel. The first offers modern rooms with a seductive mix of East and West decor. The rooms are elegant and modern and equipped with a Nespresso machine-a bonus that was not unnoticed! Tiffany in the Arts District is more traditional and radiates Art Nouveau throughout the 19th century building.

Both four-star hotels offer excellent facilities and restaurants on site as well as access to the old town and the most important traffic hubs in the city. Parking spaces are available, but unnecessary because the hotels provide the guests free tickets for public transport!

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When: Geneva is located in the Alps and is therefore best to visit the spring, summer and early autumn months between April and October.

In winter, the cable car does not drive and many attractions close earlier and/or on weekends. In addition, the Jet d’Aau is only in operation from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. compared to the summer months in which it stays in operation until sunset.

July and August are the best travel times for the weather, but it is also the most overcrowded and most expensive travel time of the year. Due to the city's international and business clientele, the weekends are often calmer and good offers can be found in hotels.

like: The city of Geneva is one of the best networked in the world. The international airport is only 4 km from the city and can be easily reached by public transport.

The main train station is Gare Cornavin, where there are many international and domestic train connections. It is also the center of the municipal bus and tram system, which of course runs like clockwork.

Geneva is dealt with in detail in Lonely Planet Switzerland.

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