10 Best Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is a cosmopolitan city in Switzerland located on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Swiss Alps. The city is known for its picturesque views, scenic parks, and the famous Jet d’Eau fountain. If you’re heading to this glamorous Swiss city, here are the best things to do in Geneva.
Geneva is the headquarters of many international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Red Cross. This makes Geneva an important center for diplomacy and international cooperation.
Geneva has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with many important European events happening on its grounds. The city is also home to many museums and galleries showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the area.
Historical Hotels
Geneva has a rich history and a number of historic hotels that have been around for decades or even centuries. If you’re planning a visit to Geneva, consider staying in one of Geneva’s storied hotels. Here are some of the most notable hotels in Geneva.
Located on beautiful Lake Geneva, Hotel Beau Rivage has been welcoming guests since 1865. The hotel has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Victor Hugo, Charlie Chaplin, and Nelson Mandela.
Hotel d’Angleterre is a historic hotel located in the heart of Geneva and has been in operation since 1872. It has been frequented by many notable guests over the years, including Queen Victoria and Mark Twain.
Founded in 1854, Hotel Metropole has a traditional, luxurious feel.
Opened in 1896, Hotel Bristol is one of the oldest hotels in Geneva. It has a classic, elegant feel.
These historic hotels offer a glimpse into the history of Geneva and are a testament to the city’s status as an international hub for diplomacy, culture, and luxury.
Bains des Pâquis
Bains des Pâquis is a cool public beach and cultural center located in Geneva, Switzerland. It is located on a small peninsula on Lake Geneva, near the city center.
The Bains des Pâquis is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and relax, with stunning views of the lake and the mountains in the background.
Jardin Anglais
Jardin Anglais, which translates to “English Garden” in English, is a public park located in Geneva, Switzerland, along the banks of Lake Geneva. The park is known for its beautiful flower gardens, fountains, and sculptures, as well as its views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the most iconic features of Jardin Anglais is the Flower Clock, a large working clock made entirely of flowers that have become a symbol of Geneva. The clock is over five meters in diameter and is composed of more than 6,500 plants, including petunias and begonias. The clock changes with the seasons, as different flowers bloom at other times of the year.
Jardin Anglais is also home to several notable sculptures, including a statue of the Swiss national hero William Tell and a bronze fountain that depicts a group of children playing with dolphins. There are also several walking paths and benches throughout the park, making it a popular spot for strolling and relaxation.
St. Pierre Cathedral
The St. Pierre Cathedral of Geneva played a key role in the Protestant Reformation, which was led by the French theologian John Calvin. The cathedral was his primary place of worship, and it was from here that he preached his sermons and spread his ideas.
Geneva’s St. Pierre Cathedral is an impressive example of Gothic architecture, with its high vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and stunning rose window. The cathedral also features a mix of other architectural styles, including Romanesque and Renaissance.
In addition to its religious and cultural significance, the St. Pierre Cathedral is also a significant archeological site. Visitors can explore the underground archeological site beneath the cathedral, which includes the remains of an early Christian church and a Roman sanctuary.
The St. Pierre Cathedral is located in the heart of the Old Town in Geneva, making it easy to reach from anywhere. It is surrounded by other historic landmarks, such as the Reformation Wall, the Place du Bourg-de-Four, and the Geneva Museum of Art and History so you can continue exploring.
Reformation Wall
The Reformation Wall is a famous monument located in Geneva, Switzerland that commemorates the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. The monument is situated in a public park called the Parc des Bastions and is one of the most popular attractions and best things to do in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Reformation Wall is a massive structure, measuring over 100 meters in length and 9 meters in height. It consists of a series of statues and bas-reliefs that depict the key figures of the Protestant Reformation, including John Calvin, William Farel, Theodore Beza, and John Knox, as well as other important reformers.
The monument was created in the late 19th century as a tribute to the role of the city and its leaders. It was created by the French sculptors Paul Landowski and Henri Bouchard and was completed in 1917. The wall is carved out of local sandstone, and the statues and reliefs are all intricately detailed and highly realistic.
Place du Bourg-de-Four
Place du Bourg-de-Four is a historic square in the Old Town of Geneva, Switzerland. It is one of the city’s oldest public squares and has been a center of civic and social life in Geneva for centuries.
The square is surrounded by charming old buildings, some of which date back to the medieval era. These buildings now house a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, and their colorful facades and wrought iron balconies make the square a popular spot for taking photographs.
In the center of the square is a fountain, which was built in the 19th century and features a statue of a young boy holding a fish. The fountain is a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors alike.
Palais des Nations
The Palais des Nations is a complex of buildings located in Geneva, Switzerland that houses the European headquarters of the United Nations. The complex is situated on Lake Geneva and covers an area of over 46 hectares.
The Palais des Nations was originally built in the 1920s to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations. Today, it is the second-largest United Nations office, after the headquarters in New York City, and is home to numerous UN agencies and organizations, including the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The complex includes a number of impressive buildings, including the Assembly Hall, which is the largest room in the Palais des Nations and has been the site of many historic meetings and negotiations. Other notable features of the complex include the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, the Library and Archives, and the Council Chamber.
The Palais des Nations is also surrounded by extensive grounds, which include a number of gardens and parks. One of the most famous is Ariana Park, which contains a number of sculptures and fountains and provides a peaceful oasis.
One of the best things to do in Geneva is to take a guided tour of the Palais des Nations complex, which provides a fascinating insight into the work of the United Nations and its agencies.
Läderach Chocolate
Läderach Chocolate is a Swiss chocolate brand that has a boutique store in Geneva, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1962 by Rudolf Läderach, who started out as a chocolatier in a small kitchen in Switzerland. Today, Läderach is known for its high-quality, artisanal chocolate and has boutiques in several countries around the world.
The Läderach boutique in Geneva is located near the Rue du Rhône shopping district. It offers a wide selection of chocolates, including pralines, truffles, bars, and seasonal specialties. The chocolates are made with high-quality ingredients, including fresh Swiss cream and butter, and are handcrafted using traditional techniques.
In addition to its delicious chocolates, Läderach is also known for its innovative approach to chocolate-making. The company has developed several unique products, including its famous FrischSchoggi (fresh chocolate), which is made with fresh cream and has a smooth, creamy texture.
Payot Genève Rive Gauche
Payot Genève Rive Gauche is a well-known and beloved bookstore in Geneva, Switzerland. Payot has a long history, dating back to 1915 when it was founded by Charles-Albert Payot. Over the years, the bookstore has become a cultural institution in Geneva, known for its wide selection of books and its welcoming atmosphere. Payot is known for its extensive sampling of books, which includes both French and English titles. Visiting this store is one of the things to do in Geneva if you are a book worm!
Patek Philippe Museum
The Patek Philippe Museum is a museum in Geneva, Switzerland that is dedicated to the history and art of watchmaking. The museum was founded in 2001 and is located in the Patek Philippe headquarters building in the heart of Geneva.
The museum showcases a collection of over 2,000 timepieces, including watches, pocket watches, and clocks, dating from the 16th century to the present day. The collection includes pieces from some of the most famous watchmakers in history, including Patek Philippe, as well as other notable brands such as Vacheron Constantin and Breguet.
The Patek Philippe Museum is divided into several different sections, each of which focuses on a particular period or style of watchmaking. The exhibits include displays of watches and clocks from different eras, as well as information about the history and technology of watchmaking.
Have a fabulous trip to Geneva!
