Tourist Guide for Getting Around Geneva

Posted by Sir Kackavalj on November 24th, 2020

Geneva is the second-largest city in Switzerland. This city is one of the most important financial and diplomatic centers in Europe and also a place where the most international organizations in the world have their center seats - including many United Nations agencies and the Red Cross. It's one of the reasons why Geneva is known as the Capital of Peace. 

This city is not only one of the most important locations when it comes to diplomacy – it is also the 7th most expensive city in the world, according to a declaration from 2017. This means there are dozen of luxurious destinations in Geneva, make sure to check them out as well.  In 2019 it was included in the list of the top 10 cities best for living. 

All these information give you the first main characteristics about Geneva – luxurious, one of a kind and culturally enriched city which represents Swiss main politic standards. French language is primarily spoken in Geneva, which is expected for a city that is the center of diplomacy. Although Geneva is not primarily a tourist destination, it certainly has a lot to offer. Here are some places you definitely need to visit :

1.       Lake Geneva 

It’s official name is Lac Léman and that’s the second largest lake in Central Europe. Switzerland shares its smaller part with France. Lake Geneva is 73 km long and 14 km wide. In the part of the lake which belong to Swiss, in Geneva, the Rhone River flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Locals, as well as tourists, are enjoying the lake in hot summer days – you can go swimming, rent a boat and explore many more activities on water. The Lake is the main tourist attraction in Geneva.

2.       Jet d'Eau Fountain

If you ask any resident of Geneva for a symbol of the city, everyone will say the same thing - a fountain on Lake Geneva. Jet d'Eau is considered the tallest fountain in Europe, throwing water up to 140 meters in height, 500 liters of water per second! It’s also interesting that the fountain doesn't work "full time" throughout the whole year– in summer days this fountain is active longer than in winter months.

3.       Cathedral of St. Peter (La cathédrale de Saint Pierre)

The work of St. Peter's Cathedral began in the middle of the 12th century, but it was completed 150 years later. From the top of its north tower you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city, the aforementioned Jet d’Eau fountain and the mountains that surround the city. If you're visiting Geneva in the period from June to September, you can enjoy organ concerts and church bells that fill the city with its music.

4.   The English Garden (Jardin anglais) 

When it comes to gardens and green areas in Geneva, the English Garden is definitely the most famous one. Jardin anglais is located in the very center of the city, right next to the lake Geneva. It is recognizable by its large flower clock, called Horloge Fleurie, which stands here from 1955. This symbolizes Swiss watchmakers as the best in the world, but it is a masterpiece of flower arranging technology and art. Geneva is a city where you can come across countless watchmakers and watch shops - from the expensive ones like Rolex to the ordinary cheaper ones. Behind this recognizable clock there is a bronze fountain and also a monument to the unification of Switzerland.

5.       United Nations Palace 

As we’ve already mentioned, Switzerland is a strong economic country which has a long tradition in political neutrality. Therefore, this country is the seat of many international and European organizations, especially Geneva, which includes, among other things, the United Nations Palace. In front of the United Nations building  you can see all the flags of the UN member states. The most interesting tourist attraction is also a high wooden chair, which is about 12 meters high. It has one leg torn off and you can see it directly in front of UN Palace, just across from the entrance. This chair is a symbol for opposing the use of antipersonnel mines.

6.       Museums of Geneva 

Considering it’s interesting history, it doesn't come as a surprise that Geneva has a large number of museums. Some of the most famous are: Musée d'ethnographie de Genève, Muséum d'Histoire naturelle, Patek Philippe Museum, Musée d'Art Et d'Histoire. All museums have separate opening hours, tickets are not as expensive as you might expect. You can see everything - art , history of Geneva, ethnography, watch industry development and many more.

7.       The European Organization for Nuclear Research

If a scientist lies in you, that this research center is just the place you have to visit! The European Organization for Nuclear Research is known as CERN. It was founded in 1954 and located 8km from the center of Geneva. CERN is the world's largest laboratory for research in nuclear physics. It is important to mention that the guided tour of CERN lasts 3 hours and should be booked at least a month in advance! You will also need an ID card or passport.

Although some people think of Geneva as an urban and boring little city, after visiting those places we guarantee that your mind will be changed! Geneva is a unique city where you can also try all kinds of streets from all over the world, enjoy music festivals and botanical gardens on which you can stumble on in any part of the city. It will be quite clear to you why this city is nicknamed the smallest metropolis in the world.