Destination Features
- Geneva offers a great selection of experiences in one of the most beautiful natural locations in the world. The second largest city in Switzerland, Geneva is known for being at the center of diplomacy and is home to the European headquarters of both the United Nations and the Red Cross. Geneva has a long history of diversity and tolerance, dating back to the Protestant Reformation. Today, the city of Geneva is a cultural center featuring world class entertainment, top rated restaurants and unlimited opportunities for recreation.
- Arriving in the city, you will see the famous Jet d’eau, the water fountain which forms a 140m dramatic landmark on the lake. The Palais des Nations is the home of the United Nations and visitors can take a guided tour of the offices, as well as reflect on the 12m high ‘Broken Chair’ sculpture. Geneva’s oldest square is the Place du Bourg-de-Four which is a bustling area of high-end shops and cafés with patios and fountains. This is near The St Pierre Cathedrale, a 12th century cathedral famous as the adopted home of John Calvin. The International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has a permanent exhibition highlighting the humanitarian work of the Red Cross.
- Geneva leads the Swiss watchmaking industry in terms of excellence and craftsmanship. Companies like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, Frederique Constant, Alpina and Vacheron Constantin occupy an entire zone of the city combining old world craftmanship with cutting edge computer-aided design. The Patek Philippe Museum in the Plainpalais district is considered one the world’s foremost horology museums. A Geneva Watch Tour also includes a visit to the horloge fleurie flower clock in the Jardin Anglais park decorated with over 6,500 colorful flowers that change seasonally. As well as watches, Switzerland is home to the greatest chocolate makers in the world and Geneva offers plenty of opportunity for chocolate tasting. Here are the top 5 chocolate shops in Geneva.
- Eating out in Geneva is part of the fabric of the city and there are plenty of restaurant options to choose from. If you prefer haute-cuisine, The Tsé Fung at La Réserve, Izumi in the Four Seasons, or Rasoi in the Mandarin Oriental are all exemplary. If you want to enjoy modern Swiss and European food, the Old Town of Geneva has plenty of options including Café Papon, Café des Négociants, Café des Bains, or Brasserie Lipp. If you would like to enjoy a cocktail, try L’Atelier Cocktail Club, Yvette de Marseille or L’Apothicaire Cocktail Club. La Verre à Monique has a smart dress code and an eccentric cocktail menu.
- The most helpful website for fact finding and general information about Geneva is provided by The House of Switzerland.
