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Tourist guide: what to do and see in Geneva
An international city in the heart of Europe.
In the very heart of Europe there is a city surrounded by mountains which is practically on the French border. It is located on the shores of lake Leman and beside the origins of the Rhône river. Such is Geneva, headquarters of many an international organisation, governmental and non-governmental alike, which gives this small city an unexpected cosmopolitan flavour. What is more expected, for many, is the fact that Geneva is the city that offers the best urban quality of life in the world. A quality you may also enjoy exploring its historical centre, its parks and monuments... pleasures you should not miss.
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
Shopping for every budget
Exclusive stores or high street brands, more or less expensive, whatever you are looking for, you'll find it!
Where to go if your pockets are not so deep.
If luxury is not really your thing and you'd rather not spend that much when shopping, go to the area near the cathedral, the Rue du Marché in the nearby Place du Molard, or the Rue de la Croix d'Or (one of the commercial streets par excellence) and its adjacent streets you can take a look at the most expensive stores and go into the cheaper ones or the department stores. In this area you will find practically every international fashion franchise at good prices, as well as small shops selling t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts or shoes by Swiss brands, and also chemists, bookstores, traditional shops and a few coffee shops to sit and renew your strength with a great cup of coffee.
Tourist shops on Rue des Alpes
Souvenirs in all shapes and colours.
Swiss Corner.
If you are the kind of person who always buys a little something for family and friends when abroad, or maybe just for yourself, do not miss the Swiss Corner, a well-known souvenir shop on the Rue des Alpes. There you can choose among the most typical Geneva products, such as a cuckoo clock or a Swiss Army knife, or even a Mont Blanc pen. However, there are many other places where you can buy presents: the old part is full of shops selling these kinds of things. We strongly recommend you do not leave this sweet-toothed city without some Swiss chocolate, which comes in all kinds of varieties and sizes.
Plaine de Plainpalais
Food, antiquities, paintings, music, etc. Even the least expected stuff can be found here.
A little of everything.
Plaine de Plainpalais is an area where, practically everyday you can wander among its stalls and buy local products. This traditional open-air market attracts the expert and the curious alike, in search for that object they didn't expect to find. Surrounded by the Boulevard Georges-Favon and the Avenue Henri Dunant, on Tuesdays and Fridays the stall keepers offer fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, wine, Swiss cheese and other local specialities. On those same days you can also find books, lithographies and postcards. In addition to this, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and the first Sunday of the month there is a market selling antiquities, paintings, records and music. Simultaneously, the Place de la Fusterie, the most versatile place in the city, on Wednesdays and Saturdays hosts a food market, while on Thursday the market offers local crafts, candles and other similar objects. If you come before Christmas, it becomes the Noel market, selling Christmas-themed decoration items.
Open-air market open every day
All kinds of street stalls in a flower-scented environment.
From Monday to Saturday.
The natural colours and scents of flowers and plants surrounds anyone entering the Place du Molard. Here you can buy flowers but you may also admire their variety while strolling around the stalls and breathing in their aromas. Not far from there, in the Place de la Madeleine, there's an oasis in the heart of the city: a market of manufactured produce. In the streets of the old Geneva, among the traditional establishments and the terrace tables of bars and restaurants, the stall keepers offer locals and tourists a wide range of local products, such as fashion accessories, hand made jewellery, hats, exotic objects... Be aware that this shopping mirage only happens from Monday to Saturday.
How to get the best Swiss chocolate
"Rhône" or "Martel" are the best places to taste the delicious Swiss chocolate.
The best Swiss chocolate stores.
There's more to Geneva than watches, parks and lake Leman. This city also has a deep-rooted chocolate tradition, a pleasure that can be enjoyed at any time, anywhere in the city, for not that much money. This local product, loved by young and old alike, reaches such quality here that you will probably experience sensations and textures you had never felt before. Go to "Rhône" (www.du-rhone.ch), on the Rue de la Confederation, where they have been making chocolate since 1875. There is a chocolate shop and a "tea room" where you can sample some of its sweets. Another noteworthy place is "Martel". It is always full of people, so don't for a quick visit. Here, in addition to a great hot chocolate or a piece of cake, you can have a sandwich or a drink.
Other famous department stores in Geneva
Find them on the Rue du Marché, Rue du Rhône or Rue de la Croix d'Or.
Bon Génie, Globus and EPA.
When on the Rue du Marché, look for a narrow building full of well-lit windows with mannequins. That is "Bon Génie" (www.bongenie-grieder.ch) where, as soon as you go in, you'll be surrounded by the incredible world of high-end fashion. In its fashion, shoes and accessories shops there are items by the greatest designers, such as Armani, Jimmy Choo, Balenciaga or Hugo Boss. On the Rue du Rhône is "Globus", another large store with all sorts of shops: clothing, jewellery, watches and decoration. After an exhausting shopping session, you can have lunch or a glass of wine in the bar at the ground floor. Another multi-brand store in Geneva where you can buy almost any product you want is the "EPA" shopping centre, at number 4 of Rue de la Croix d'Or.
Balexert
The perfect place for a shopping spree.
Shopping and leisure in Geneva.
With 115 shops and 13 cinema theatres spread over over 50,000 square metres, this shopping centre is one of the biggest shopping areas in the city. Here you can go window shopping and, if you want, you may buy not just clothes but also jewellery, decoration items, see the latest technological gadgets or even enjoy a beauty session. Although it opened in 1971, it has been refurbished and enlarged several times without losing its essence. You can get to this enormous shopping centre in Vernier with bus lines 10, 14, 18, 51 and 53.
Rue du Rhône
VIP watches and jewellery: this is no place to be thrifty.
The most exclusive shopping area
Nowhere else in the world will you find better watches; Geneva has a watchmaking tradition that goes back to the 17th century and, despite the fierce competition from the rest of the world, Swiss watches are still unmatched. In the exclusive Rue du Rhône there are flagship stores for the most famous brands: Omega, Piaget, Patek Phillipe, and the exquisite Bucherer jewellery, things that will make you think of time in a different manner. On the other side of the bridge is Swatch, on the Rue du Mont-Blanc, another place to see watches made in Switzerland. Do not come here looking for bargains! These are true Swiss watches, top quality... and top prices too. For more pure luxury, keep going up Rue du Rhône, where you'll see the windows of designer shops such as Armani, Gucci, Hermès or Chanel.
Cité du temps
Creative, inspiring and peculiar, think about the relativity of time while dining in its restaurant "Au Phil du Temps".
Swatch Group
As its name suggests, time passes here in a different way than anywhere else. The Swatch Group opened this exhibition centre in a stately building from 1840 by the Pont de la Machine, the original purpose of which was to supply water for the city fountains; the building was restored in 2005. Its interior is full of creativity and inspiration. There are two storeys: in the lower one the relativity of time is questioned, while on the top one, there are two identical spaces for temporary art exhibitions, events and conferences. There is also a permanent exhibition of the company's watches, starting in 1983. Since 2011, the bistró "Au Phil du Temps" has offered a singular culinary experience to visitors. Don't miss any details! Visit www.citedutemps.com.
Ariana Museum
Centuries of ceramics from around the world are kept in this Neoclassical building.
An homage to ceramics
Not far from the United Nations headquarters, surrounded by greenery, you will find the only museum in the country dedicated to ceramics. Its 25,000 item collection reflects the evolution of this art over twelve centuries. Ceramic, glass and crystal objects from the Middle Ages are exhibited in this splendid Neoclassical building, along with other more modern and contemporary ones. This project was carried out thanks to the donation to the city made by Gustave Revilliod, a writer, patron of the arts and collector. The collection includes Mesopotamian pottery, Delft porcelain, Renaissance ceramic, unique Swiss traditional pieces as well as Chinese and Japanese porcelain imported to Europe in the late 18th century. The Ariana Museum is also, unsurprisingly, the headquarters of the International Academy of Ceramics (AIC), an institution founded in 1952 that currently has 400 ceramic experts from different countries.
Carouge Museum
Interesting museum and activities organised in accordance with the season. Find out what they are about and be part of it!
Carouge at its best.
Open in 1984 thanks to the donation made by the Geneva painter Emile Chambon to the city, this museum -located in Carouge- is exclusively devoted to the town's heritage. Always in relation with local traditions, they also organise temporary exhibitions about life in the city. Set in a typically picturesque house, its back garden is very popular among visitors as the perfect place to rest after the visit. Depending on the season, the museum organises its exhibitions around specific themes: while spring is the season for concerts, exhibitions, storytelling and conferences, summer is devoted exclusively to botanics. Autumn is the season of the International Ceramics Competition and during the winter, the museum showcases the work of local artists. For more information on exhibitions, visit: www.carouge.ch/jahia/Jahia/accueil/pid/41.
Olympic Museum
Olympic spirit and a chance to relive the milestones that have made the history of sport.
Ready, steady... go!
If sport and Olympic history are your things, you might as well use your visit to Lausanne, headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, to see its Olympic Museum. Through videos, interviews, images and many interactive activities you can relive the first 10 point score by Nadia Comaneci in Montréal 1976, the eight gold medals by Michael Phelps in Beijing 2008 or the 8.9 metre jump by Bob Beamon in Mexico 1968. But there more than historical milestones. The museum also shows the IOC's struggle to keep the "Olympic spirit" alive and everything else related to the Games, from the first Olympic Games in Athens, 1896. One of its rooms shows the curious evolution of torches, medals, shoes and uniforms throughout these modern-day Olympic Games.
Institut et Musée Voltaire
Learn all about Voltaire in this museum-house, which was once the philosopher's home.
‘Les Délices’.
This Geneva house, known as "Les Délices", is on the street of the same name and was Voltaire's home between 1755 and 1760; nowadays it is a museum devoted to the famous French philosopher. Beside the paintings and portraits of the philosopher himself and his contemporaries, there is an important collection of personal objects, such as letters, autographs and mementoes he kept. This house, also the headquarters of the Institut Voltaire, has a large library with over 25,000 books, over a thousand manuscripts and a number of iconographic documents. Simultaneously, there is a documentation and research centre on Voltaire and the 18th century, open to researchers and readers who want to know more about his life and work. In addition to the interesting permanent collection, the museum, officially inaugurated in 1954, also offers temporary exhibitions that change with the season. Prepare your visit at www.ville-ge.ch/imv.
Puppets, a timeless art
Everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, will enjoy this lively, colourful exhibition with 200 puppets from all over the world.
A timeless art.
But you need not travel with children to go back to your own childhood and enjoy the original Marionette Museum. In addition to a colourful exhibition with over 200 marionettes from 25 countries, they also organise puppet making workshops or entertaining puppet shows (in French, but easy to follow nonetheless) that will take you back in time. Located on the Rue Merle d'Aubigne, beside the Parc des Eaux-Vives, the museum keeps alive the art of telling stories through these magical characters whose perfection, in most cases, makes them look almost human. At the other end of the city, opposite the Pont des Acacies and reachable by the line 1 buses, is the Théâtre des Marionettes de Genève (dev.marionnettes.ch/public.php) where more modern puppet shows can be seen, and which even tour around the world.
Maison Tavel
This old house owes its name and artefacts to one of the richest families in the city.
Essence of the 16th century.
Beside the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire is the oldest house in the city, turned into a museum and belonging to one of the richest families in the region, after which it has been named. Inside it, time has stopped in the 16th century. But there are no props here, every object and image has been used by the Tavel family in their daily life. The kitchen and its wares, the high painted ceilings, the doors, the rooms, the silverware... everything has been carefully kept. After years of dereliction, this palace-house has been restored to preserve the building and the collection shown inside. On the top floor you will find what is probably the most interesting part of the visit, "le relief Magnin", an enormous model built between 1880 and 1896, showing Geneva still surrounded by its walls in the 19th century.
Patek Philippe Museum
Geneva had to have a museum devoted to the great Swiss watchmaking tradition, and this is it.
Watches and clocks.
Displayed on four storeys of giant glass cases set out on carpeted floors, it is the largest private timepiece collection in the world. Time, that essentially uncatchable thing, has found a home in this majestic early 20th century building on the Rue des Viex-Grenadiers, whose rooms showcase the great Swiss watchmaking tradition through unique jewels that have been passed down from generation to generation. An interesting collection for whoever wants to know about the history of this industry, from the 16th century to the introduction of the latest technological advances. Of course, the museum also has a large collection of the watches created and designed by Patek Phillipe since its foundation in 1851.
Art and History Museum
A walk down through the ages of art, from prehistory to the present, with "The Adoration of the Magi" as its centrepiece.
One of the richest collections in the city.
This museum, built by Marc Camoletti and opened in 1910, shows us how life was in the ancient western civilisations. The collection in this museum is one of the richest in the city, and it has been put together by joining several museums and by the donations of collectors, foundations and private citizens. The collection is internationally well-regarded: its archaeological artefacts, watches and jewellery, its porcelain, sculptures, paintings, drawings and applied arts, even contemporary art, are direct testimony of life from prehistory to the present day. There is also a collection of Byzantine antiquities, weapons, objects of daily use and even antique clothing. One of its masterpieces is "The Adoration of the Magi" by Konrad Witz, although there are Italian, French, Dutch and -obviously- Swiss paintings in the collection,. As is often the case, it is closed on Mondays. For more information: www.ville-ge.ch/mah.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
If only Henry Dunant could see what the organisation he founded to help soldiers has become!
One of a kind.
Geneva, headquarters of the organisation, has also the only museum devoted to the history of the Red Cross, exhibiting its work and exploring the challenges it faces. This place has little to do with a traditional museum. It has three independent areas, designed by three different architects, and offers a wide perspective on the most conflictive periods and areas throughout history. An attractive, interactive chronology sows its 150 years of history through the activities the institution carries out around the world. Closed on Mondays, but otherwise open every day, its rooms exhibit powerful images, historical artefacts and audiovisual presentations showing how the Red Cross has grown since Henry Dunant, a Geneva banker, created it to help the soldiers from the Solferino battle. For more details: www.micr.org.
MAMCO (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art)
An immense, diverse collection of modern art housed in an old, early 20th century factory.
62 rooms of modern art.
The four storeys of this early 20th century factory house an important cultural spot where you can enjoy modern art. Despite its overwhelming 62 rooms, each one has a sign with its contents, so if you don't have much time, you can easily choose what you want to see. There are hundreds of installations, sculptures, videos, photographs and paintings; the works range from the 60s to the present. This is a museum in constant motion: its exhibitions are renewed three times a year. With a collection of over 3,000 pieces, of which about a third are property of this institution, the museum has presented over 300 different exhibitions since it opened in 1994. Although it is closed on Mondays, every Wednesday it is open until 9pm. Find all the information about the museum at www.mamco.ch.
A visit to Chamonix-Mont Blanc
This natural oasis with its impressive glaciers, halfway between Switzerland and Italy, is actually French territory.
Exceptional belvederes
Nature fans wearing hiking boots should visit Chamonix-Mont Blanc, a town at 1,100 metres of altitude that is less than an hour's drive from Geneva. The town, however, belongs to France and it's located at the foot of the highest mountain in western Europe. There are exceptional belvederes that can be reached by long hiking paths or mechanical lifts that will help you reach the so-called "Roof of Europe", 15 km away from Switzerland and 15 km away from Italy. Gazing over the entire valley you'll find two giant, fascinating glaciers: Bossons, considered the largest ice fall in Europe, and the Mer de Glace, at which you may visit the ice cave, on a trip to the heart of the glacier.
Trip to Gruyères
Cheese lovers will appreciate a visit to Gruyères and La Maison du Gruyère.
A medieval-style cheese.
An hour and a half drive from Geneva, after bypassing Lausanne you get to Gruyères, a historic medieval city best known for its cheese. In the highest part of the city there is a castle that is over eight centuries old, once the residence of the Counts of Gruyères, and since 1938, a museum with an interesting guided tour (www.chateau-gruyeres.ch) to know all about local history. For passionate cheese lovers, La Maison du Gruyère is a mandatory stop. Located at the foot of the castle hill, for seven francs you can visit this traditional cheese factory, a real sensory experience: you'll discover the secrets of cheese making and, depending on the time of your visit, you may actually see how they are made. For more information on visits: www.lamaisondugruyere.ch.
A day trip to Lausanne
In hilly Lausanne, take good note of the mysterious character that makes the town go mute every night.
Discover the north shore of lake Leman.
It may be tiring to climb its steep streets, but it's also well worth the effort: the views on the northern side of lake Leman are simply spectacular. The place is dominated by the Gothic Notre-dame cathedral, which has a curious eight metre organ that can be played, thanks to a ground-breaking electronic system, from anywhere in the world. To climb its steep hills you can use the Escaliers du Marché, a roofed wooden staircase that was built to join the medieval markets and that go up the street to the Cathedral and the Place de la Palud, where there is still a market twice a week, perfect for buying local produce. But the most noteworthy thing about Lausanne is the mysterious character that, every night from ten to two in the morning, climbs the watchtower to tell the city with its powerful voice that "all is well", as a reminder of the sentinels who warned the town about fires when Lausanne was mostly built from timber.
A day at Montreux and its Château de Chillon
This is the true jewel of the Swiss Riviera: charming, inspiring, interesting.
Freddy Mercury loved this place.
A stopover for skiers during the winter and for the ferries in the summer, 100km away from Geneva you will find Montreux, the jewel of the Swiss Riviera. There's a train every half hour from the Cornavin station to this town, which can be used to visit its beautiful Château de Chillon, a medieval castle erected by the lake. Wandering through the cold corridors of this fortress on Roman foundations, observing the subterranean vaulted ceilings and dreaming in the chambers that still keep their original Medieval decoration, when the castle was residence of the Counts of Savoy, will take you back in time. To know more about its history, we recommend joining a guided tour at www.chillon.ch/en/visit/guided-tour. Montreux has been inspirational for artists, writers and even musicians like Freddy Mercury, to whom the town paid homage with a statue by the lake. And talking about music, jazz lovers should not miss the International Jazz Festival that takes place every year in July. More information at www.montreuxjazz.com.
Go high on the cablecar.
A ride at 1,200 metres of height is not for everyone. But if you fancy this, do not miss it!
If you're not a fan of heights, you may want to abstain.
Although very safe, the Mont Salève cablecar ride is not for those afraid of heights. There are buses from the downtown area to Veyrier-Ecole or Veyrier-Douane, close to the French border, that will leave you near the bottom end of the ride. Once in, the ride to the top, at about 1,200 metres of height, is only four minutes long. On sunny days, the views on the south of the city, the lake and the water jet are unmatched. Prepare your camera because you will also see the magnificent French Alps, with the imposing Mont-Blanc. For those into trekking, wear your walking boots and try the path to the top. The cable car is closed during November and December due to the weather.
A boat ride on the lake
Getting to see Geneva from a motorboat is a unique experience. You'll have a chance to take fascinating pictures during the ride.
The typical "mouettes".
One of the best ways to see Geneva, weather permitting, is from a mouette (motorboat), on the lake Leman. They operate regularly from Place du Molard to Quai du Mont-Blanc and Quai Gustave-Ador. Sailing these famous waters, getting so close to the Jet d'Eau that your face gets sprinkled and the pictures you will have the chance to take are good reasons to discover the magic and beauty of this most typical, local watercraft. There are four shuttle lines belonging to the company Mouettes Genevoises Navigation (www.mouettesgenevoises.ch) which, every ten minutes, will take both tourists and locals trying to avoid the traffic, from one end of the lake to the other. Another option for a boat ride is on the Swissboat watercraft (www.swissboat.com), which also does cruises around the area.
Other tourist routes around the city
Jump on a bus, boat or segway to discover various tourist routes.
Different ways to go around the city.
At the Tourist Office, ask about the Geneva Pass, a card that you can buy (from 25 Swiss francs) that will let you into museums, take a boat ride around the lake or a guided tour for free. If you are into adventure, put on a helmet and a reflective vest, and get on a segway. A guide will take you to the most important, emblematic places in the old part, and you will see Geneva from a different perspective. But if you'd rather sit down comfortably in a vehicle, they also organise two-hour bus tours to see the main tourist attractions, as well as showing you the international side of Geneva. There is also a three-hour tour, which includes a visit to the Palais des Nations. Find out all about it at www.geneve-tourisme.ch/seeing-doing/guided-tours.
Guided walking city tours
While you walk, the guide will uncover for you the city's best kept secrets.
Discover the old Geneva
Every Saturday at ten o'clock, for ten Swiss francs, the city's Tourist Office organises guided tours of its old part, starting at its offices on Rue du Mont-Blanc. A guide will tell you about the hidden treasures and the curious facts regarding every corner of the historical part of Geneva, dominated by the Saint Pierre cathedral, which was the heart of the Reformation. Through its streets you will get to Reformation Wall, but not before you have taken a break or two at some of its many green areas. If you prefer a private tour, with explanations given in your own language, you can choose one of the themed routes, on foot or in a private bus. And if what you want is to know all about the city at your own pace, forget about maps and get a audio guide, which will help you discover the old part in your own time. All the information you need on prices and options at www.geneve-tourisme.ch/seeing-doing/guided-tours.
Picturesque Carouge
A bohemian community, full of artists and street stalls of all kinds, just 3 kilometres away from central Geneva!
Picturesque Carouge
In only 20 minutes the 27 bus line will take you the three kilometres from the Cornavin station to this community bathed by the river Arve. Carouge, choked-full of booksellers, antiquities, glass blowers, watchmakers, clothing designers, hatters and restaurants, reflects the good Swiss life. Created during Illustration times, during the day it attracts artists in search for the perfect place to admire the Baroque buildings, not unlike those in the city of Turin. Its narrow alleys host cultural activities all year round, second hand collections, jumble sales where real antiquities can be found or a clay modelling contest are some of the fixed features that shouldn't be missed in this picturesque village. After a long day wandering about, relax under the canopy of its leafy squares, enjoying its many and beautiful fountains and gardens. Find all the information you need at www.carouge.ch.
For those of you who prefer international food.
The most exquisite gastronomic offerings in the city, with a special note about its almond, honey and cheese pudding.
"Vertig’O" and "Ù Bobba"
A mixture of Mediterranean and French food is what you'll find in Vertig'O (geneva.concorde-hotels.es/es/dining/dining01.aspx), on the shore of lake Leman. In the kitchen, Michelin-starred Jérôme Manifacier prepares traditional menus with more than a pinch of innovation. We recommend the fish with any of the imaginative side dishes. And of course, you cannot leave without trying the aromatic almond, honey and cheese pudding. At the foot of the Parc des Bastions is Ù Bobba, an inspiring place with sheet music painted on the roof and walls, which is the perfect prelude for a night at the nearby Victoria Hall or Grand Théâtre. Enjoy the creative international cuisine dishes, which will leave an unforgettable orchestra of flavours in your mouth.
Central, classy places to stay on your route
If you love fondue and good wine, "Les Armures" is an essential stop on your gastronomic route around Geneva.
Local quality.
To taste a good fondue, Swiss wine and local produce, go to "Les Armures" (ww.hotel-les-armures.ch/fr/restaurant-geneve.php). Located in the hotel that bears the same name, you can sit in the lower floor, also known as the artists' room, or go down to the Carnotzet basement, which looks like a cellar. In addition to this, during the summer they open a terrace outside, on a quiet pedestrian street. When you are near the theatres looking for a French cuisine spot, try "Le Lyrique" (www.cafe-lyrique.ch), a warm place with astounding, tear-shaped lamps on the roof and large mirrors on the walls, where you can sample wonderful fish and salads. Or let yourself be surprised by the whiteness of the tablecloths of the outside tables of the "Café du Centre", on one of the big corners of the Place du Molard. Its location, its seafood bar and its long wine menu make it very popular, so don't forget to book a table in advance to taste the delicacies served in this gastronomic institution of the city.
Taste Swiss cuisine
A great variety of cheeses, steak tartar, sweetbread, roasted mushrooms and other Swiss specialities that you must not miss.
The most typical dishes.
While in the country of good cheese and great gastronomy, we recommend you go to any of the traditional restaurants offering local food to get fully enveloped by Geneva culture. At "Le Patio" (www.lepatiorestaurant.ch), a typically Swiss place, you can sample the steak tartar or its delicious veal steak, in the company of any of the local wines. Open from Monday to Friday, it also has a small terrace on the pavement. If you want to taste sweetbreads or excellent roasted mushrooms, we recommend you go to "Chez Jacky" (www.chezjacky.ch), where you will find a warm ambience both inside and on its canopied terrace. Closer to the lake, beside the Parc de Mon Repos, is "La Perle du Lac" (www.laperledulac.ch), surrounded by a large green area with impressive views over the bay. In its magnificent dinning room, under large lamps and with soft carpets, you'll discover a world that is very different from the rest of the city.
The best French cuisine restaurants
Smell the sauce, the meat and the freshly cooked potatoes in "Le Relais de l'Entrecôte"... yummy!
Voilà!
Cross the Pont du Mont-Blanc and, after walking down the opulent Rue du Rhône, you'll be at "Le Relais de l'Entrecôte" (www.relaisentrecote.fr). In this charismatic 1912 building you will find, as well as this restaurant, a number of expensive boutiques and luxurious shops. "Le Relais de l'Entrecôte" has a long tradition: its origins can be traced back to Paris in the 1950s. And yes, the aroma of meat in its sauce with potatoes is sure to make anyone hungry. If you would like to continue to sample the marvellous French cuisine, do not miss the "Brasserie Lipp" (www.brasserie-lipp.com), open since 1986 on the Rue de la Confédération. A great place to go to at the end of your day out exploring Geneva, because their kitchen is open until after midnight.
Le Mortimer
Its chocolate fondant and its affordable prices will lure you to this traditional French food place.
Paris in Geneva.
In the very heart of Geneva you will find this restaurant that looks like a Paris café, complete with wood panelled decoration. "Le Mortimer" (closed on Sundays) has very affordable prices and serves traditional French fare, although you can also have an aromatic mid-afternoon coffee. Go early because it is always full, especially at lunchtimes, but in any case, it is well worth the wait to taste its specialities: roast lamb and salads, but do not get too full: you cannot leave without trying the unparalleled chocolate fondant. This brasserie, located in a building from 1580 right opposite the Saint Pierre cathedral, is perfect to go with friends when you want to have a nice time, either inside or on their attractive outside terrace during the summer.
Buffet de la Gare
Celigny can boast having a restaurant-museum that is ideal for a quiet, romantic time out.
Fish, risotto and carpaccio.
It really is worth going out of town to Celigny, only 20 minutes away by car, where this cosy, romantic restaurant is located. On the outside, it is a rustic, 1949 brick building, surrounded by trees and greenery that give it the air of a hidden treasure. Once inside, the ambience is totally different. The whispered conversations go perfectly well with the railroad-inspired decoration and the old signals, almost museum material, that make you feel as if you are in an old train carriage. The premises are divided in two areas: the restaurant, where you can taste traditional French food and excellent seafood, and a small, cosy bistro, which looks more like a bar. From the outstanding menu, the best choices are fish, risotto and carpaccio. During the summer you can enjoy the terrace, eating under the canopy of the garden trees.
Les Brasseurs
Incredible home-made beer and flammekueche, the perfect dinner to share with friends.
Home-made beer at "Les Brasseurs".
Located right opposite the train station, "Les Brasseurs" is the only place in Geneva that makes its own beer. For this reason it has become a meeting point for beer lovers, who come to taste its many varieties or just to spend some time with friends. Try it from one of the large containers (up to ten litres) with a tap dispenser, which keep the beer cold until the end. And you can also enjoy other things while sipping your refreshing ale in this enormous place: typical Alsatian dishes, like choucrut, stew, or the house speciality, flammekueche, a sort of pizza with a very fine crust that goes very well with the flavour of beer. "Les Brasseurs" has three more branches in the country, one in Lausanne, another one in Nyon and a third one in Neuchâtel.
Le Grill
Would you like to see how they cook their sophisticated dishes? At "Le Grill" you will see it live!
Open kitchen.
This elegant restaurant, with spectacular views over lake Geneva, is perfect both for business lunches and for a special evening out. Its open kitchen will allow you to admire, along with the stunning views, the extraordinary precision with which the chef and his helpers prepare each and every ingredient. "Le Grill" is not just a sophisticated restaurant, it is also a place to live an experience in the Grand Hotel Kempinski (formerly Le Palace Hilton), because the views, encompassing the Water Jet and the Alps on the background, are unmatched. From the menu, we recommend the fish, in particular the sea bass, as well as the beef steak and tartar steak. Discover this modern place where, by the way, you shouldn't go if you're wearing jeans or your wallet is not at its fullest.
Chez Ma Cousine
Roast chicken, mousse au chocolat, tarte Tatin with ice cream: the three essential delicacies of this modern and cheap restaurant.
Roast chicken with potatoes.
This traditional yet modern, comfortable French restaurant-bar chain has low prices and a relaxed atmosphere, and can be found at its three locations in the city. The one in the Place du Bourg, close to the Saint Pierre cathedral and the Parc de la Treille, was the first one to open. Along with a wide variety of beers, the star on the reduced menu is a succulent roast chicken with potatoes and salad. And that's why the scent of roast chicken, so typical when passing by this restaurant's door, fills this small place. If, once you finish your meal, you are still hungry - the plates are quite big - we recommend the delicious mousse au chocolat with a capuccino in the winter, or the tarte Tatin with ice cream during the summer. The menu is about 20 euros, which is quite a bargain for this part of Geneva.
Le Sud
Classic French fare, good wine, top quality and a renowned chef in "Le Sud".
Enjoy this paradise boasting three Michelin stars.
Tasting any of their dishes or enjoying their famous seasonal menu is a real feast for the senses. In addition to the lovely river views, this restaurant, under the direction of the legendary, multi-Michelin starred chef Paul Bocuse, specialises in French food and on its menu you will find only the best fresh produce. On the menu, the stars are the aubergine caviar and the free range chicken tahin with lemon cous cous and confit raisins. And of course, these delights need some liquid company, for which "Le Sud" has a cellar with over 1,500 bottles of the very finest wines, both local and international. Inside, its red and blue seats add a colourful note to the snow-white of the tablecloths. The restaurant has also a terrace outside, recommended for summer nights by the river.
Genève-Plage
Sun, beach, water and sports at Cologny. An easy-going plan for the whole family.
Water leisure.
If you love relaxing by the water, you must visit this place in the Cologny area, which you can get to by water-taxi or bus. This ample beach is a great place for switching off and doing some exercise by the riverside. Adults can enjoy the olympic-sized swimming pool or play volleyball on the sand, while the younger ones have fun in the paddling pool and the 9 metre high helter skelter. After a busy day of sport you can satisfy your appetite in the bar or the restaurant, which has a terrace with views over the entire Genève-Plage. Although the fee for a whole day is only seven francs, it is hard to find a quiet spot on weekends from May to September, because this place is popular with the local families.
The Library of Geneva
A pleasant experience for book lovers, this building houses zeal manuscripts and unique, ancient books.
Books and chestnut trees.
Geneva, a city devoted to tourism and culture, has a number of museums and other places with free entrance. The City Library (BGE - www.ville-ge.ch/bge/index.html), which belongs to the University, is one of those buildings that book lovers will enjoy getting lost in. We recommend visiting the Ami-Lullin room, a venue for exhibitions and conferences where the most important treasures of the library are exhibited several times a year. With an extensive catalogue that goes from papyrus to digital books, it is well worth visiting this great stone building to spend some time under the century-old chestnut trees around it with a book in your hands. Despite a long pause during the 20th century, this library's collection is the second oldest, after that of the French National Library, and includes manuscripts and other unique jewels that cannot be found anywhere else.
The Molard Tower
A military stance for this spectacular tower, splendid vigilant over the Place du Molard.
Discover its historical door.
This tower of military origin, built in the 14th and originally part of the city walls, rises in a corner of the Place du Molard in the old part, near the Pont du Mont-Blanc. The Molard Tower, the door of which was used until nearly two hundred years ago to go in and out of the city, for the protection and control of the Geneva port, is a witness to its commercial past. Rebuilt in 1591, this tower has maintained its military essence thanks to its friezes and coats of arms, and it is a good example of the spectacular constructions of its day. It is also worth going inside, where you will find an interesting bar - and you might be tempted to have a glass of wine or an aperitif. At its foot, in addition to these engraved words that honour the spirit of the place: "Geneva, city of shelter", you will discover a beautiful octogonal fountain with a marble obelisk erected in 1771.
Enjoy the views from one of the longest benches in the world.
A green, 126 metres long bench, ideal for taking a break and contemplating the beautiful landscape.
Enjoy the views.
After walking around the city for hours, you deserve a break, and what can be better than sitting on an endless, green-coloured bench. Located at the Parc des Bastions, on the top part of the Reformation Wall, this original bench is, with its 126 metres of length, the longest in the world, and it is shared by many people who come here to have a snack or just to sit for a while. And there, under the leafy chestnut trees, you can let your mind drift in this quiet environment, admire the distant and often snowy mountains and gaze over the magnificent city skyline. In the same park at the Rampe de la Treille, you'll find the "official chestnut tree" (le marronier officiel). This historical tree is an important feature of identity in the city, because the appearance of its first flowers, called "l'éclosion", signal the start of the spring in Geneva, with a famous image that is shown in every form of local media.
Bains des Pâquis
It is essential to visit this curious beach with special views, swimming pools in the lake, a good restaurant, boat trips, saunas, massages...
Water, sun and relaxation.
Not far from the Jet d'Eau, and with wonderful views of the lake, the Bains des Pâquis, created in the '30s, are a mandatory visit for every tourist in Geneva. In addition to strolling around its piers, you may -weather permitting- jump into the lake swimming pools or, if you prefer, enjoy a good fondue at the restaurant while admiring the great Leman lake. This beach (entrance fee 2 swiss francs) is fascinating for those lovers of sun and relaxation who, in the summertime, can enjoy an unusual view of the city and even take a quiet boat trip. It is also a place worth visiting during the winter, since there are saunas and Turkish baths, a massage parlour and tai-chi classes. Find all the relevant information about services and timetable at www.bains-des-paquins.ch.
The largest disco in Geneva
Beautiful people and electronic music in this exclusive disco.
The largest disco in Geneva.
When the night falls, a must for everyone who can afford it is the Java Club (www.javaclub.ch), at the Grand Hotel Kempinski. Considered the jewel of the city's nightlife, this disco is the meeting point for the most exclusive people in Geneva, because it offers the best electronic music six nights a week. A fancy place with a huge dancefloor and a private area where the attentive staff will take care of every last detail. More centrally located, there's the Platinum Glam Club (www.platinum-club.ch), meeting point of the top VIPs in the city. With very high prices and a strict door policy, it is best to arrive early to avoid the doormen making it hard for you to get in. And if you prefer a quieter evening, not far from the Java Club you'll find Scandale (www.lescandale.ch), another trendy place with retro décor where you can have dinner, enjoy art exhibitions and live music.
La Place des Volontaires
Arthur's and Barrio's Latino, with nearly opposite proposals, will make your evening interesting and fun indeed.
Various ideas for nocturnal entertainment.
At the edge of the lake there is an area where you'll find the most alternative spaces in the city; we recommend starting the night here, among a wide variety of people. Arthur’s (www.arthurs.ch), located on the Rue du Rhône and surrounded by many bars, is the perfect place for a mid-morning coffee, for dinner, or for a mid-evening apperitif that can stretch into the wee small hours. Open from Monday to Saturday, its sofas offer a warm, quiet evening in good company, while admiring the modern artwork on its walls. But if you are into salsa, do not miss Barrio's Latino, a bar with a safari-themed décor where you can hear bachata, merengue or even reggaeton. Many locals often come here in the afternoon to learn or copy the dance steps from the experienced dancers that can be found in the premises.
A few places in the city's old part to kick start the night with music and drinks
Enjoy the jazz evenings at Le Baroque Café and Au Chat Noir.
Nights of music and drinks.
Despite its youth (this place was "born" in 1993), Le Baroque Café (www.lebaroque.ch) is already considered one of the legendary clubs in the city. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a good time after the sun sets, this place is a sure bet. Its comfy sofas will take you to a magical world, enveloped in a mysterious aura thanks to its curtains and the black and purple of its private areas. Open from Thursday to Saturday, under the skilled hands of its DJs, jazz music becomes carefully selected electronic music as the night moves on. Further away from town you can find Au Chat Noir, a mix of bar, restaurant and theatre where, in the small, intimate stage downstairs, you can hear French singers and jazz musicians. Except for Sundays and Mondays, after midnight its eclectic public can dance to the rhythms of a wide range of music. You can also have a cocktail on the terrace or savour some of the dishes in the menu. All about this Cat: www.chatnoir.ch/site/fr/resto/la-carte.
A musical night at the prestigious Victoria Hall
For those of you who love classical music, this is a jewel of a French Neo-baroque venue with a gigantic organ that you cannot miss.
Musical night.
This concert hall, famous for its excellent acoustics, was designed by the local architect John Camoletti and is dedicated to Queen Victoria. A true jewel inspired in classic and Renaissance architecture, it was built between 1891 and 1894. The eye-catching façade, dominated by two monumental Ionic columns on a red background, is just a sample of what is inside. After the sobriety of the lobby, you enter the sumptuous, splendid hall with its Neo-baroque stage which can hold up to 125 musicians. Gold and red on the walls and on the seats - of which there are 1,835 - and the resplendent Baroque balconies of box seats nearly reach the ceiling and its crystal lamps. However, its main attraction is the gigantic organ, destroyed by a fire in 1984 and restored by Van den Heuvel. If you are into classical music, you must attend one of the Sunday concerts. Find the season programme at www.ville-ge.ch/culture/victoria_hall/en.
Geneva's theatre scene
With over 40 theatres, there's room for any repertoire, programming or show in Geneva.
A great range of cultural offerings.
The city has over 40 theatres to entertain you of an evening. La Comédie de Genève (www.comedie.ch), directed by Hervé Loichemol and one of the main theatres, offers classic and contemporary plays. Located in the heart of the city and opened in January 1913, it was the first space in the city devoted to drama. For contemporary plays, the place to go is the Théâtre Le Poche-Genève (www.lepoche.ch), an intimate room with just 130 seats with a curious, daring programme, where there's always room for the boldest plays. On the other hand, the Grand Théâtre (www.geneveopera.ch) is the most traditional venue. This is the place for dance, classical and contemporary music; their performances are often by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and by the Ballet Du Grand Théâtre. This theatre also hosts the best opera productions in town. Its magnificent building, refurbished in 1962 after a fire, has 1,500 seats.
Other beautiful religious buildings
Do not miss the stained glass windows at La Madeleine or the giant granite sphere at the Sainte Trinité.
Churches and temples
One of the oldest temples in Geneva, the Gothic church of Saint-Germain, has been through centuries of turbulent evolution of religious beliefs. Guillaume Farel, another Reformer, came here to preach, although once the Napoleon troops entered the city, the church reverted to being a seat of the Catholic faith. During the summer there are free chamber music concerts in this church. Still in the old part, you will find the Madeleine church, historically a Protestant temple, famous for its seven stained glass windows under design of the Chilean artist José Venturelli. Built in the 15th century and property of the Protestant church, it can nowadays be hired for cultural activities, as a way to overcome financial problems. On the other side of the lake is the last Roman Catholic church to be built in the city, that of Sainte Trinité, which is unusually shaped as a 20 metre granite sphere, a design of architect Ugo Brunoni.
Monument to Miguel Servet
A portrait of Servet, to remember his suffering when he was burned at the stake.
A small corner for a homage.
The Spanish scientist and theologist has a small corner in the city, close to the street that bears his name. Since 1903, on the 350th anniversary of his death, a commemorative monument keeps his memory alive in Champel, not far from where he was burned at the stake in 1553. On the front of the monolith there is an expiatory text which, rather than praising the illustrious philosopher, is a defence of Calvin. About three metres away, in October 2011 the Council inaugurated a beautiful statue of Servet, as an acknowledgement of the Spaniard's suffering. Paradoxically, a similar statue by local sculptress Clotilde Roch (a disciple of Rodin) had been rejected by the Council over 100 years ago, with the excuse that it could hurt the Calvinists' feelings.
Broken Chair
Let yourself be surprised by its size, its broken leg and its meaning.
A giant wooden chair
Following the theme of Geneva as the world capital of peace, and opposite the large Palais des Nations, your attention will be drawn to a 12 metre chair with a broken leg. Installed in August 1997, this sculpture by Swiss artist Daniel Benet, based on an idea by Paul Vermeulen, co-founder and director of Handicap International, denounces the use of anti personnel mines and cluster bombs in armed conflicts. Its five ton weight is held by three of its legs, while the third, broken, symbolises the destiny of the victims of these weapons. Interestingly, this monument was going to stay up for only three months, until the signing of the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of landmines in war zones. But, since not every country signed the Treaty, it was decided to keep it in place, as a reminder for the UN and the visitors, of the civilians who, on a daily basis, suffer the loss of limbs or even life because of these weapons.
"Schtroumpfs" building
Its unconventional aesthetic is sure to astonish you. The curves, materials and colours will take you to the world of the Smurfs.
The Smurfs in Geneva
Although a bit out of the way, it is worth going to Les Grottes neighbourhood. The "Schtroumpfs" (Smurfs in French) building will leave you flabbergasted with its unusual style. This flamboyant block of flats, built between 1982 and 1984, brings to mind the designs of Antonio Gaudí. Its unexpected shapes and colours will surely be a pleasant surprise; everyone has something to say about the building on Rue Louis Favre, a five minute walk from the Cornavin station. It was designed by three architects who wanted to create an entirely original ensemble, standing out from the conventional city buildings. With this purpose they used mosaic, wrought iron railings, mouldings, chrome... so that all the materials create a unique composition in this urban sculpture full of eccentric curves. When looking at the strange knots in the design, the variety of colours and the shape of columns, you will be reminded of the small mushroom village in which the cartoon Smurfs lived.
Palace of Nations
In the wake of its homonym in New York This must-see Palace is house of the United Nations.
For peace.
Located on the Avenue de la Paix (Peace Avenue), it is the international symbol of peace in Geneva, the city of peace par excellence. Surrounded by one of the oldest green areas in the city, the Parc de l'Ariana, this palace was built between 1929 and 1936 and, nowadays, this huge European seat of the United Nations is second only to the one in New York. For a fee of 12 Swiss francs, a guide will take you along its long corridors to discover the spectacular painted dome painted by the Spanish artist Miquel Barceló in the Human Rights Room. You will also visit, among others, the Council Chamber, where the most important historical negotiations have taken place and which is decorated with murals by Catalan artist José María Sert. This large building, whose size is similar to that of the Palais de Versailles, was initially built to house the League of the Nations, founded in 1919 to preserve world peace. Further information on opening hours at www.unog.ch
Reformation Wall
A colossal sculpture centred on the four Reformers that were key in the history of the city.
‘Post Tenebras Lux’.
At the Parc des Bastions, can be found this colossal sculpture group representing the four reformers that had an influence on the history of the city: John Calvin, Théodore de Bèze, John Knox and Guillaume Farel. Its construction started in 1909, on the fourth centenary of John Calvin's death, although it was opened only eight years after. Engraved on a 100 metre long wall, the city's motto can be read: "Post Tenebras Lux" (after darkness, light), which was also the motto of the Reformation. The Reformation Wall, a landmark in the park, watches over this beautiful green area. On both sides of the central figures there are smaller statues and bas-reliefs representing other important Protestant characters from other countries. On the floor there is a large mosaic representing three coats of arms: those of Geneva, Berne and Scotland.
The Water Jet
This curious hydraulic monument, drenching the Geneva horizon, is 140 metres high.
500 litres per second, 200 kilometres per hour.
If you look up and you see the Jet d'Eau, you are in Geneva; its 140 metres of height can be seen from anywhere in the city. With about 500 litres per second and a speed of 200 km per hour, the Water Jet, which started as a functional element, has become one of its symbols. Curiously enough, it was created almost by accident, when the Coulovrenière hydraulic power network was being built in 1886. To avoid excess pressure, a valve was opened to let the water flow in a 30 metre high jet. In 1891, after its great success, the fountain was moved to the port, a central spot where the jet reached 90 metres and the tourists could better appreciate this hydraulic monument. But it was only in 1951, with an independent pump and by the using the Leman lake's own waters, that the current 140 metres were reached, using a 16 cm diameter nozzle. It works all year round, except in sub-zero temperatures (not an unusual occurrence in the winter) or when the wind is too strong.
The National Monument in the English Garden
Two bronze women, representing the unification of Geneva, sword in hand!
Watching over the waters of the lake.
When taking a walk under the trees of the central English Garden, you will get to the National Monument, located on the side of one of the largest bridges in the city, the Pont de Mont-Blanc, built in 1862. But who are these bronze young ladies who watch over the lake from their pedestal? On the left, a woman with a crown symbolises the Swiss Confederacy. The other woman, on the right, holding a shield with a cross, represents the Republic of Geneva. Both carry sharp swords in one hand while holding each other round the waist, like friends. This sculptures symbolises the union of Geneva as a sovereign canton when the Swiss Confederacy was created in 1814. Although inaugurated in 1869, this monument represents the historical adhesion that, since then, has presented the country as a place of armed neutrality.
Horloge Fleurie - The Flower Clock
The most original, exact and flowery time can be found in the Jardin Anglais (English Garden)
What time is it?
It is very easy to find out what is the exact time while taking a stroll under the cool shade of the trees in the central Jardin Anglais, thanks to this wonderful clock and its generous size: five metres wide and boasting a circumference of over 17 metres. A particular homage of the city to the country's watch making tradition. "Planted" in 1955, it made up of over 6,500 plants and flowers of all kinds and colours. It is always changing. The Flower Clock changes its image four times a year, in every season. What was initially a mere ornament has nowadays become a true piece of art. In 2002, the original idea was modified by introducing eight different dials, thus creating a unique clock on the typically vibrant green Swiss grass. Its second hand, over two and a half metres long, is the longest in the world. The clock is always at the correct time because it is electronically connected to a satellite.
Saint Pierre Cathedral
A symbol of Geneva, built in a sober Romanesque style with Gothic and Neoclassical touches, which make it a not-to-be-missed masterpiece.
Hail Caesar!
This Romanesque cathedral was built between 1150 and 1250 on top of a hill in the Old Part and has become the emblematic image of Geneva. Despite its simple lines, this temple shows a nearly perfect combination of Neoclassical and Gothic elements, which make it an essential stop in your visit. It really is worth climbing the 153 steps to the north tower to enjoy, after paying the fee, one of the best views over the lake and even, when the weather is good, of Mont Blanc. During Reformation times, John Calvin adopted the Cathedral as an emblem of the Calvinist spirituality, which avoided the use of images, an idea reflected in its stark interior. The current organs are from 1965; until the 15th century there was no music, due to the fact that it was forbidden by Calvin. In the colourful Chapelle des Macchabees, from the 15th century, there is a profusion of gold contrasting with the red and blue tones of the floor. Under its foundations, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe was discovered in 1976.
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