Geneva is a stunning city in Switzerland that lies on the glacier-fed shores of Lake Geneva.
It is surrounded by the snowy Alps and Jura mountains, with magnificent views of the dramatic Mont Blanc (the Alp's highest mountain).
Geneva has a very strong French influence, from the language to the cuisine and it is the Headquarters of Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross.
It is also the home of Swiss knives, watches, chocolate and fondue (that alone is reason enough to go there!).
If Geneva is on your bucket list, here are some of the very best things to do:
Walk along the shores of Lake Geneva
No matter what the season, a stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva is a must. It is the largest lake in Central Europe and being surrounded by the mountains is a truly spectacular sight. The colours of the water are vibrant shades of blue, green and turquoise.
Grab some of the world's freshest air and enjoy the tranquil sights.
See the Jet d'Eau
It is one of Geneva's most famous landmarks, being featured on the city's official tourism website and on the official logo for Geneva's hosting of the 2008 UEFA Championships.
Originally built in 1886, soon after the fountain was finished it became the symbol of strength, ambition and vitality of Geneva and Switzerland.
Explore the beautiful Old Town
You will discover an ancient maze of charming pedestrian streets and squares, lined with quaint cafés and restaurants, galleries, museums and historical sights and architecture.
In the very centre of Geneva's Old Town is Bourg-de-Four Square - a must-visit square and the oldest place in Geneva, where the Roman marketplace used to trade its wares.
The St. Pierre (or St. Peter's) Cathedral stands tall in the Old Town of Geneva on the site of an ancient Roman Temple from the 4th century and is the church where John Calvin lead the Protestant Reformation
Work began on this spectacular cathedral in the 12th century. It was originally built in a Romanesque style with some Gothic influence, but today the cathedral displays a fusion of different styles.
Climb the many stairs to the top of the two towers for the best panoramic view of Geneva.
From Geneva, the Alps are readily available to be explored. A visit to Mont Blanc is the perfect day trip from Geneva - it’s only an hour away!
Chamonix, Mont Blanc is a popular resort area renowned for skiing, bordering France, Switzerland and Italy. Year-round, cable cars take visitors up to several nearby peaks with incredible panoramic views.
GVA's Geneva to Chamonix transfers specialise in private Geneva Airport transfers to and from all ski resorts in the French and Swiss Alps.
Outside of the ski season, they provide summer excursions and day trips to some of the most famous regional areas like Chamonix Mt Blanc, Annecy, Montreux/Lausanne, Gruyere, Interlaken, Evian and Yvoire.
Whether you ski or hike, it is some of the most beautiful natural scenery you will ever lay your eyes on.
No trip to Geneva is complete without a visit to The European Headquarters of the United Nations.
To many, the name Geneva is associated with peace and human rights. A particular state of mind prevails with the locals and gives Geneva a unique aura, known as the 'Geneva Spirit'.
The large complex is in constant use, hosting thousands of intergovernmental meetings each year, but it is open for hour-long guided tours that are available in 15 different languages.
Geneva is home to more than thirty museums and galleries offering a wide range of cultural, modern and historical offerings.
You can visit the International Red Cross and Crescent Museum, Maison Tavel - the museum of history of Geneva, the Natural History Museum or enjoy the largest art museum - The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire and many more.
You could easily spend hours and hours museum hopping among these fine buildings.
In Geneva they take their food seriously! With over one thousand restaurants, the city is the undisputed capital of cuisine in Switzerland.
In the very centre of Geneva's Old Town is Bourg-de-Four Square - a must-visit square and the oldest place in Geneva, where the Roman marketplace used to trade its wares.
Climb the Tower at St. Pierre Cathedral
Work began on this spectacular cathedral in the 12th century. It was originally built in a Romanesque style with some Gothic influence, but today the cathedral displays a fusion of different styles.
Climb the many stairs to the top of the two towers for the best panoramic view of Geneva.
Go skiing or hiking
Chamonix, Mont Blanc is a popular resort area renowned for skiing, bordering France, Switzerland and Italy. Year-round, cable cars take visitors up to several nearby peaks with incredible panoramic views.
GVA's Geneva to Chamonix transfers specialise in private Geneva Airport transfers to and from all ski resorts in the French and Swiss Alps.
Outside of the ski season, they provide summer excursions and day trips to some of the most famous regional areas like Chamonix Mt Blanc, Annecy, Montreux/Lausanne, Gruyere, Interlaken, Evian and Yvoire.
Visit the United Nations
To many, the name Geneva is associated with peace and human rights. A particular state of mind prevails with the locals and gives Geneva a unique aura, known as the 'Geneva Spirit'.
The large complex is in constant use, hosting thousands of intergovernmental meetings each year, but it is open for hour-long guided tours that are available in 15 different languages.
Soak up history at a museum
You can visit the International Red Cross and Crescent Museum, Maison Tavel - the museum of history of Geneva, the Natural History Museum or enjoy the largest art museum - The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire and many more.
You could easily spend hours and hours museum hopping among these fine buildings.
Indulge in the local cuisine
Local specialties include fondue, raclette, lake fish dishes, smoked sausage and a variety of casseroles.
As an international city, Geneva also offers plenty of choices from all around the world. Don't forget to try the chocolate either!
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Have you been to Geneva? Let me know what your favourite thing to do there was or if you're planning to go there soon!
Happy Travels,
*This post contains images that are not my own.
