Visit to the international city of Geneva

Visit to the international city of Geneva

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

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

The Geneva Conventions were signed here and today the city is a symbol of progress. From a charming and historic city center to international landmarks and institutions, the city of Geneva is emblematic of modern 21st century Europe.

We spent a long weekend exploring the city of Geneva and discovering more than just banks, jewelers and chocolate shops. Here's what we did.

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

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Wherever you go in the city of Geneva, you're likely to see this record-breaking water fountain in sight. It is Geneva's most famous landmark and is visible throughout the city thanks to its height of 140 meters.

We spent our evenings walking along the shores of Lake Geneva and gazing at the Jet d'Eau before indulging in one of the city's many gelaterias.

2. Allée des Nations in the Palais des Nations

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The Palace of Nations (Palais des Nations) has served as the headquarters of the United Nations and its predecessor, the League of Nations, since 1936. Overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps, the Palace of Nations hosts thousands of intergovernmental meetings each year.

Opposite the palace is the impressive Broken Chair sculpture, a monument to the organization's resistance to landmines and cluster bombs. Tours of the palace are offered in 15 languages ​​and last one hour.

3. Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

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We visited this fascinating museum with its permanent exhibition The Humanitarian Adventure as well as a temporary exhibition on Gandhi. The main exhibition explores three major challenges in today's world: defending human dignity, restoring family bonds and reducing natural risks, while providing a unique story of humanitarian action.

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

4. CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)

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We brushed up on our particle physics before our visit to CERN, but despite the best efforts of our tour guides (who are also nuclear physicists), we didn't really understand much!

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

5. St. Pierre Cathedral

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Geneva's most famous church is over 850 years old and offers excellent views over the city center and Lake Geneva from the north and south towers. The cathedral is located in the old town of Geneva and sits on an archaeological site where remains of the earlier basilica were found. There is a small museum on site that displays the unearthed artifacts.

6th place du Bourg-de-Four

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Geneva's Old Town is a labyrinth of small streets and picturesque squares full of cozy cafes, restaurants, galleries and museums, and the Place du Bourg-de-Four is the heart of it.

The main square is said to be the oldest square in Geneva and was home to a Roman marketplace for centuries. We met up with an old friend from Kia and enjoyed coffee and a snack while watching the world go by in every language imaginable.

7. Maison Tavel

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There are larger and grander 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. Built in the 12th century, Maison Tavel is the oldest house in Geneva and displays a number of artifacts and historical objects.

One of the best exhibits is the multimedia presentation and 3D map that shows how the city of Geneva developed over the centuries from a medieval trading city to the modern international city 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 art of watchmaking was developed and refined in Geneva by Antoni Patek, who had a passion for timepieces and developed them into the luxury watches the country is known for today.

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

9. Jardin Anglais and L’horloge Fleurie (Flower Clock)

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

The city of Geneva is home to several other excellent parks including the Parc des Bastions, the Parc de la Grange and the Botanical Gardens.

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 wide views over the city of Geneva as well as Mont Blanc and the Alps.

The cable car ride takes less than five minutes, but the panoramic views from the top will keep you entertained for hours. In addition to the view, exciting activities such as paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, trekking and skiing are available in winter. Bus no. 8 from the center of Geneva goes to the cable car station that takes you to the summit of Mont Salève.

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City of Geneva: THE ESSENTIALS

What: Visit the international city of Geneva, Switzerland.

Where: We spent two nights each at the Eastwest Hotel and the Tiffany Hotel. The first offers modern rooms with an alluring mix of Eastern and Western decor. The rooms are sleek and modern and come with a Nespresso machine - a bonus that didn't go unnoticed! Tiffany in the Arts District is more traditional, exuding Art Nouveau throughout the 19th-century building.

Both four-star hotels offer excellent on-site facilities and restaurants, as well as access to the Old Town and the city's main transport hubs. Parking is available, but unnecessary as hotels provide guests with free public transport tickets!

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

In winter the cable car does not run and many attractions close earlier and/or on weekends. Additionally, the Jet d’Eau only operates from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., compared to the summer months when it remains operational until sunset.

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

How: The city of Geneva is one of the best connected in the world. The international airport is just 4 km from the city and is easily accessible 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 city's bus and tram system, which of course runs like clockwork.

Geneva is covered in detail in Lonely Planet Switzerland.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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