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Nestled in a beautiful valley at the southwestern end of Europe’s largest lake (Lake Geneva or lac Léman) and surrounded by majestic snowcapped peaks of the Alps, Geneva is the ultimate luxe tourist destination. Artisanal chocolates, expert watch making, museums, beautiful squares and waterfronts, scientific breakthroughs, high street brands – Geneva embraces history and its current cosmopolitanism with élan. No wonder travelers scramble to experience this slice of heaven year after year and return with a sparkle in their eyes!
Switzerland’s famous neutral stance (the country has not participated in foreign warfare since the 1815 Treaty of Paris!) makes it home to many peacekeeping authorities of the United Nations. As a result, this diplomatic hub attracts expats from all over the world. However, with only 50% of its population speaking English, you may face some language barriers (time to fall back on your high school French!).
But who cares? You’re going to Geneva!
But first, when should you visit Geneva?
The peak tourist season in Geneva is quite short – only from June to August. If you plant to visit Geneva during these two months, brace yourself to elbow through crowds and pay higher rates for hotels and other touristy activities. However, you will be rewarded with phenomenal weather with temperature ranging between 64 F and 20 F.
Now, if you’re planning a skiing trip, you’re good to go anytime between December and April, with Christmas time and February being the busiest.
May and November are wildly off-season, and you’ll end up with not much to do except lounge at a cafe and enjoy the views of a rainy Geneva.
So the best time to visit Geneva is in fall, between September and October. Explore the city unfettered without being jostled by the summer crowd. Although slightly chilly, these months are also great for hiking. There’s a catch though – most hotels in the mountains are closed during these months. However, some do stay open to tend to the tourists who want to experience a less-crowded Geneva at their own pace – book well in advance!
Things to see in Geneva
1. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Europe, has something for everyone all around the year.
Summer:
Lake Geneva comes alive with tons of exciting opportunities for its summer visitors – explore the beaches; go boating, skiing, or kayaking; or go on a cruise. Your choices are endless.
Fall:
Take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the gorgeous display of fall colors; get on a cruise boat and explore the shoreline; or get caught up in the Okberfest and Halloween festivities.
Winter:
Go on ziplining adventures, ski to your heart’s content, and cozy up by a fire near the lake.
Spring:
Go on a cruise, hike along the shoreline, and explore the quirky shops around the lake.
2. Jet d’Eau
Originally created as a release valve to relieve pressure from a hydraulic pumping station, Jet d’Eau was turned into a tourist attraction in 1891.
But what is Jet d’Eau?
Jet d’Eau, literally meaning water jet, is a fountain on the Geneva Lake that propels water 140 m high at a speed of 500 litres per second!
If the facts just blew your mind, imagine experiencing it in person! You can even see this fountain from Mont Saleve!
3. Mont Saleve
Mont Saleve stands 900 m about Jet d’Eau and is located only about 20 kms away from Geneva’s city centre. Many hiking trails lead to the 150 m high observatory and the cable cars of Mont Saleve offer a stunning panorama of the surroundings. You can even spot Mont Blanc on a clear day!
Adventure lovers can go for paragliding or mountain biking while more reserved travelers can go for a hike or chill at the restaurant at the top of the mountain.
4. Jardin Anglais (English Garden) and Parc de la Grange
Jardin Anglais is a beautiful urban garden that’s known for its flower clock near the entrance. If you’re making your way to the older part of Geneva or just finished a walking tour of the city, Jardin Anglais is a great place to catch your breath, have a bite, and enjoy the soothing touch of nature.
Located just a short walk away from Jardin Anglais and Jet d’Eau, Parc de la Grange is Geneva’s largest park and has the city’s biggest rose garden. The park also hosts plenty of events in the summer and fall. The park boasts of a huge play area for kids, a paddling pool, grilling space, and a fantastic restaurant with friendly hosts.
5. Jardin Botanique (Botanical Gardens)
Jardin Botanique is the most beautiful botanical garden in Switzerland and hosts a collection of more than living 12,000 species and a historical herbarium of almost 6 million specimens. It was built in 1817 to keep up with the naturalist traditions of the time.
6. Patek Philippe Museum
Located in the heart of the Plainpalais district, the Patek Phillippe Museum takes you on a remarkable journey of five centuries of watch making. You can also admire the museum’s collection of unique watches, music boxes, and enamel miniatures curated from all over Europe.
The museum is open 2 PM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Friday and from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday. It’s closed on Sunday and Monday. Tickets are reasonably priced at 7 CHF per person; entry for children is free.
Click here for more information about the museum.
7. Ariana Museum
Ariana Museum pays tribute to traditional glass and ceramic making and houses a grand collection of glass and ceramic arts.
You can visit the museum every day on any day between 10 AM and 6 PM.
(Heads up: Description of the all the artifacts are in French, so an audio guide is recommended.)
8. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is a modern wonder, allowing visitors to explore the three major challenges of contemporary society: Defending human dignity, Restoring family links, Reducing natural risks.
The interactive, avante garde exhibits of the museum will take you on a journey of 150 years of humanitarianism and will enlighten you about the numerous Red Cross and Red Crescent operations around the world.
You can visit the museum Tuesday to Sunday between 10 AM and 5 PM.
9. Musee d’histoire des sciences de la Ville de Geneve
Located in the park La Perle du Lac, this museum pays homage to the history of science and has a variety of archaic scientific instruments from the 17th-19th century on display.
You can visit the museum everyday between 10 AM and 5 PM, except on Christmas day. Entry is free for everyone.
10. Palais des Nations
This is the European headquarters of the UN and the largest in the world after the one in New York. Admire the various artworks on display and soak in its essence with a guided tour.
You can visit the museum from Monday to Friday between 10 AM and 12 noon in the morning and between 2 PM and 4 PM in the afternoon. Entry is free for children, while tickets for adults cost 12 CHF.
11. Quai du Mont-Blanc
Quai du Mont-Blanc is a promenade in Geneva known for its magnificent views of Mont Blanc. Decorated with flower gardens and statues, this place is a great place to relax, have a bite, and shop for souveniers.
12. Monument de la Réformation and Parc des Bastions
The Reformation Monument or de la Réformation and Parc des Bastions, a tribute to Calvinistic philosophy, is built into the old city walls of Geneva. This imposing monument portrays the forerunners of the Reformation: John Calvin, William Farel, Théodore de Bèze, and John Knox are at the center and others who spread the word about Calvinism in Europe are at the periphery.
Visit this monument to soak in the history of Geneva.
13. Temple de Saint-Pierre
Temple de Saint-Pierre or St. Peter’s Cathedral was built in the 12th century, but it underwent major transformations during the Reformation in the 16th century. The museum below the cathedral hosts various artifacts dating back to antiquity, and if you’re undaunted by the thought of climbing 157 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the city from the cathedrals towers.
Entry to the museum and cathedral are free, but you do have to pay 5 CHF to climb the towers.
Click here for details about seasonal timings.
14. Shopping at Rue de Rhone
High street brands, watches, jewelry, and artisanal chocolates – Rue de Rhone is every luxury shopper’s paradise. This small shopping district packs a punch and will charm any shopper with a penchant for high fashion and accessories.
15. Day Trip to Gruyères on the Golden Panoramic Express Train
A day trip to Gruyères, a tiny medieval town known for the delicious Gruyère AOP cheese, is highly recommended. This picturesque town is also known for its artisanal Swiss chocolates. Hop on the golden panoramic express train from Lucerne and travel all the way to Montreux while taking in the magnificent scenery – rolling hills, greenery, and beautiful lakes.
This one is for all those who want to immerse themselves in the Swiss chocolate and cheese making traditions!
16. Mont Blanc and Chamonix Day Trip from Geneva
Another day trip we highly recommend is the one to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, and Charmonix, the most acclaimed resort in France. Travel through the French Alps while taking in the marvelous view and top it off with a deluxe meal at a Michelin-star restaurant at the base of Mont Blanc. This cross-border day trip is as luxurious as it gets!
The Wrap
Geneva has a lot of offer to pretty much everyone: from adventure lovers to culture aficionados. The best way to soak in the city is to space out your trip by creating a rock solid itinerary. Walk around Geneva to experience it like locals, make your way to a museum to know all about the history of the city, or relax in the sprawling parks and gardens if your feet start protesting – there’s no fear of missing out no matter what you do!
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