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Geneva
Trip Planning & Itineraries
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Geneva is Switzerland's second-largest city, but surely the most international: a third of the population is from elsewhere. Geneva is crowded with museums, has excellent cultural events, even more good restaurants, and is ideally placed for quick hops to the Swiss and French Alps.
Basking in the sunshine of its peaceful setting on Lake Geneva's banks, it displays an obvious self-confidence. It is in pristine condition, clean, efficient and safe.
Best of Geneva: Must-Do Experiences
Best of Geneva: Suggested Itineraries
Location, location, location: Geneva has it. Sitting on the shore of Lake Geneva (also known as Lake Leman), Europe's largest alpine lake, with views to Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain, Geneva is tolerant, cosmopolitan and expensive. Home to many world organisations such as the World Health Organisation, the European Office of the UN, the Red Cross, and CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research), it resounds with style, money and many languages. And after working hard all week, it's the perfect place for weekends setting sail on the lake, skiing in the alps or sampling great cheese, chocolate and wines in the beautiful countryside.
Day 1: Geneva Downtown and Lake
The River Rhone flows through Geneva into the lake. Begin with a walk beside the river to the Tour d'Ile, the remnants of the 13th century city fortifications. Then head for Lake Geneva and gaze over Mont Blanc and marvel at the Jet d'Eau, 7 tonnes of water shooting into the air at 200 km/h.
Geneva's most significant building is the Cathedrale de St Pierre, dating from the 11th century and added to in a melange of styles until it got its dome and neoclassical facade in the 18th century. Also on the site are archeological digs including 4th century mosaics and a 5th century font. Geneva's oldest house Maison Tavel dates from the 14th century and now houses a museum of life through the centuries in Geneva. The philosopher Rousseau's birthplace is around the corner. Then there are many museums to visit: Musee d'Art Moderne et Contemporain (MAMCO) is a must, and if you like watches (essential in punctual Switzerland) see a treasure trove of timepieces at Patek Philippe Museum. There is also a clock museum, Musee de L'Horlogerie et de L'Emaillerie showing just how into timekeeping the Swiss really are.
When you are tired, head for the pedestrianised old town streets for its many bars and restaurants. You can find cuisine from almost any part of the world, or settle by the lake for unsurpassed views while you rest your weary feet.
Day 2: City of World Peace Organisations
You cannot visit Geneva without bowing to its world significance in peacekeeping. This is the place where the United Nations began, back then it was called the League of Nations and you can visit the Palais des Nations, now the European HQ of the UN. Take your passport to get past security. Then there is the Red Cross, established in 1863 by philanthropist Henri Dunant, and Henri Dufour along with the Geneva Convention for relief of those wounded in world conflicts. Dunant co-won the first Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. You can visit the Red Cross Museum. Less peaceful but just as significant is CERN, the European Centre for Nuclear Research, located just outside Geneva. In 1996 they created antimatter for the first time, and last year they hit the news when people feared they might create a black hole in the universe. They have a display called Microcosm you can visit.
And when your head is full of information, head for the Carouge district of Geneva. Once an independent village established in the 18th century by the Duke of Savoy, it's now part of Geneva itself and worth a visit for some fine buildings, bars and restaurants, good boutiques and bohemian atmosphere.
Time to hit those alpine surrounds. Take a day trip to Mont Blanc and the village of Chamonix. See views to astound you and even a glacier. You can take a cable car and walk on a glacier if you like. If you like cheese, chocolate or wine, or perhaps all three, head out to the village of Gruyeres and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Geneva from the famous Golden Express train. Lausanne is the cultural capital of Switzerland and well worth a visit. As are Montreux and Chillon, home of the lovely Castle Chillon.
Best of Geneva: Top 3 Hotels
- Plan Geneva vacations on Yahoo! Travel
- Geneva hotels, Switzerland from PlanetWare
- Accommodation deals in Geneva from HotelsCombined.com
- English-language news from GenevaLunch
