Geneva: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Geneva

The business and political center of Switzerland is located in the southwest by Lake Geneva. International summits, scientific conferences, legendary banks, and the most accurate watches in the world – all of this is Geneva.

The main attractions of Geneva are hidden in the narrow streets of the Old Town. Be sure to include a visit to St. Peter's Cathedral, the university, and the Reformation Wall in Bastions Park in your itinerary. Popular museums include those of art history, ethnography, Patek Philippe, and the MAMCO gallery. The everyday life of residents from the Middle Ages to the 19th century can be traced in the oldest private residence, the Maison Tavel.

For stunning photographs, head to the English Garden with its flower clock or the observation point at the confluence of the Rhône and Arve rivers. The best panoramic view of the city is from the top platform of the cable car on Mount Salève.

From the train station to the lake, tourists stroll through the Paquis district, which is full of hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. By the waterfront, you'll find ferry docks, a yacht club, and public baths. The mobile pedestrian bridge provides easy access on foot to the famous Jet d’Eau fountain on the lake, which stands 140 meters tall. In the evenings, there are light and music shows with the fountain as a backdrop.

For creative inspiration, visit the galleries in the Les Bains district. Tourists are attracted to the bohemian Carouge area, which has theaters and art salons. The best area for outdoor recreation is Eaux-Vives, with beaches and parks.

Not far from the city is the famous CERN, with its Large Hadron Collider and Antimatter Factory. Tours to the interactive scientific space Science Gateway require advance booking.

Geneva's international airport offers direct flights to cities in the USA, Europe, North and Central Africa, and the Gulf countries. It's easy to reach the city center from France, Italy, and the Benelux countries by high-speed train.