Embedded between the Alpine peaks and the Jura region lays the peaceful city of Geneva. Switzerland's second largest city is often said to be the smallest metropolis in the world. Being home to around 200 international organizations including the Headquarters of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the International Red Cross, Geneva is a major stage for world politics and humanitarian campaigns and you can actually visit these organizations and take a peek behind the scenes.
Its location makes it a good place to stay and to find accommodation of almost any type. Many of the hotels offer features that are ideal for longer holidays. Hotel guests can count on comfortable surroundings, with attentive service for all of their needs.
Top Places to Visit in Geneva
Lake Geneva (Lac Leman in French) offers stunning scenery and is the place to be for fun leisure activities such as kayak trips, swimming, horseback riding and hot air balloon rides. The famous fountain in the Lake (Jet d'Eau) and the Floral Clock in the English Garden symbolizing the watch industry are Geneva's landmarks. One of the major tourist attractions however is the St. Pierre Cathedral, one of the key sites of the Reformation.
The vineyards bordering the shores of the lake offer scenic trips and free wine tasting on Saturdays. The harbor is lined up with luxurious yachts and shopping opportunities, especially if you're looking for antiques, are abundant. The Old Town area is worth seeing, with its wealth of historical buildings. Many of the buildings go back to the time of the Reformation.
St. Pierre Cathedral is worth a visit, especially for history lovers. The cathedral is host to its own museum, and has served as both a Catholic and Protestant church.
A visit should always include the Palais de Nations. This building was built as the headquarters of the League of Nations, and has an impressive assembly hall.
This lakeside city has a sophisticated cosmopolitan feel to it and blends beautifully with the brilliant places to visit, the vibrant nightlife, sheer natural beauty and the international atmosphere it has to offer its visitors.
Arts and Entertainment
Being Switzerland's centre of arts and culture, Geneva hosts plenty of museums, cultural events, trade fairs and festivals and offers a wealth of fine dining possibilities. The famous avant-garde MAMCO museum for modern and contemporary art exhibits great sculptures and performance art. The International Museum of the Reformation details the history of the Protestant Reformation through a number of exhibits. There is also a very well-known museum that documents the history of the Red Cross. Several events and festivals are held throughout the year. In May, Caves Ouvertes takes place, allowing visitors to sample wine for free. A large yacht festival is held on the lake every June.
Geneva Hotels
Geneva accommodation includes a number of upmarket hotels that offer luxury amenities. Those who are travelling on a budget can find hostels, as well as a few good cheap hotels in Geneva. Many of the mid-range hotels feature studio rooms or full apartments with kitchen facilities. The luxury hotels offer features such as hotels and spas, and many of them are housed in historical buildings. Visitors can easily choose from a number of options that provide them with everything they need.