Geneva, Switzerland: 19 Must-See Attractions

Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman as it is rightfully known, is one the biggest lakes in western Europe and a small snippet of it divides Geneva. In the summertime, the beaches of Geneva are full with sun bathers as the normally frigid water becomes a little more tolerable. Yachters, canoers and water skiers also take to the lake. Bring along your swimming gear in the summer and dive in.

On the outskirts of Geneva you’ll find CERN and its 27-kilometre ring of superconducting magnets (much of the Large Hadron Collider actually circles into the French countryside). If you time your visit right (when the LHC isn’t switched on) you may get to step inside. But even if you don’t get the chance there is the Microcosm and the CERN Laboratory, where you can discover how the scientists working there are trying to crack the secrets of our universe.

For some of the best and most accessible views of Geneva and the surrounding mountains, you should head to the top of the Salève. It dominates the skyline to the south and despite looking like a formidable challenge, it is quite an easy hike of no more than 1 to 2 hours. If you prefer a relaxed trip up the cliff side, you can also catch the chairlift (téléphérique) from Veyrier.

Geneva is at the cutting edge of the global contemporary scene, largely thanks to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Housed in a converted 1950s factory, it presents a boundary-crossing mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions. While you’re here, pop into the Centre d’Art Contemporain, which forms part of the same complex and turns the spotlight on the work of young and emerging artistic talent. Free guided tours (in French and English) are available at 3pm on Sundays. Recommended by Kerry Walker

Geneva is home to many international organisations that shape the world we live in. The Palais des Nations is open to be explored on guided tours where you’ll learn about the history of the United Nations. While the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is a harrowing walk through the atrocities that human beings are capable of, showcasing why organisations like the Red Cross are so important. Best place to start your exploration of Geneva’s international district is Place Des Nations, a large open square right in front of the gates of the UN building.

It is hard to miss the Jet d’Eau as it fires water from Lake Geneva 140 meters into the air. It apparently has its origins as a way to release excess pressure from a nearby hydraulic plant and now it’s the unmistakable symbol of the city.

Stroll through Geneva’s botanic gardens and wonder at over 12,000 species of plants, flowers and trees. Each section is laid out according to region, so you can learn about everything that surrounds you. All around is bird song, the buzzing of bees and the trickling of water in this natural escape.

During the summer months, Bains des Pâquis is one of the most popular beaches in Switzerland. From September to April, the restaurant La Buvette de Bains serves fondue and the wafts of cheese as you enter are unmistakable, if not a little overpowering for the uninitiated. It may not be the best fondue around and it may be a little loud at times, but the Bains des Pâquis is one of the best places to eat with locals.

Geneva’s old town is a winding maze of little streets. The best place to start off is Place du Bourg-de-Four, which is the oldest place in Geneva and is now lined with cafés and boutique shops. From any of the streets leading of the Place you can explore the old town. Another must see is St. Pierre’s Cathedral which was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and is the place where John Calvin, the protestant reformer, famously preached.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, Geneva’s Plainpalais square is transformed into a sprawling market place. Almost anything you can imagine is on sale here, from old war memorabilia, to sofas and crystal glasses. There’s also a fine food selection on offer. A little further out of town on the 18 tram line, there is a smaller but just as interesting market in Carouge, the Italian town of Geneva. Here you’ll find fresh produce that’ll be sure to make your mouth water.

Designer brands, beautiful jewellery and world-class timepieces are all on offer in Geneva, which is a hub for high-end shopping. If you are looking to splurge or for an innocent window-shop, Rue du Rhone is where the biggest brands are found with Louis Vuitton, Omega and Prada, which are just a few of the well-known stores found there. A street up on Rue de la Croix d’Or are where you’ll find the more affordable, yet still expensive shops and department stores like Globus, inside of which there is a fantastic food court with plenty of variety. For an alternative shopping experience, head to the boutique lined streets of Carouge.

Carouge was constructed in the 18th century by Italian architects and originally it was a separate town. To this day it still feels and looks different from the rest of the city, with the influence of the Mediterranean being far more stronger in both the architecture and the atmosphere. There are shops to explore, bars and cafés to relax in and a totally different side of Geneva to be experienced.

The real beauty of Geneva is how thrillingly easy it is to access the great outdoors. Rent a bike and head along signposted cycling route No 102 to pretty, wine-growing Satigny at the foot of the Jura mountains. The quiet rhythm of pedalling through parks is refreshing after a few sight-heavy days in the city. Stop off en route at the Maison de Voltaire, in Parc des Délices, where the French Enlightenment writer and philosopher lived from 1755 to 1760. In Satigny, wrap up with a wine dégustation at highly lauded La Cave de Genève before biking or taking the train back to Geneva. Recommended by Kerry Walker

Geneva has kept perfect time for centuries, and luxury brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe have their headquarters here. If you fancy creating your own timepiece, join a one-of-a-kind courses run by Initium. It divulges the secrets of watchmaking and lets you have a go at making your own mechanical masterpiece. Classes range from three-hour introductory sessions to a full day building your own watch. Recommended by Kerry Wcalker

One of Geneva’s best-loved summer hangouts, La Jonction is where the deep blues of the slow-paced Rhône River mingle with the milky browns of the fast-flowing Arve River in painterly fashion. Take a tram to La Jonction, then head up to the bridge for astounding views. In the warmer months, locals gather at the confluence of the two rivers for drinks, picnics and barbecues, as well as to and swim. Nearby is the Bois de la Bâtie, an urban forest with a free animal enclosure and children’s playground. Come at lunchtime so you can dine at the cottage-style Café de la Tour. Recommended by Kerry Walker

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is a fascinating, yet harrowing exhibition of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its history. Taking you through some of the most traumatic events in human history, you will leave with a greater understanding of why organisations like the Red Cross and Crescent are needed today.

The former home of Geneva’s botanic gardens still retains a certain charm. Its tree line promenade is a relaxing place to wander through and escape the summer’s heat. There are sculptures dedicated to some famous faces scattered through the park and there is also the Reformation Wall.

Built in 1909, the Reformation Wall is part of the old city walls of Geneva that run through Parc des Bastions. It is testament to the lives of those who shaped the Protestant Reformation. The wall features huge figures of John Calvin, who founded the University of Geneva in whose grounds the wall stands; John Knox, William Farel and Theodore Beza.

Standing in the centre of Geneva’s old town is the St. Pierre Cathedral, which is over 850 years old. It is a building that is steeped in history and is where John Calvin preached for many of the later years of his life. Climb the church’s two towers for spectacular 360° views of Geneva.