First of all, if you arrived by plane, do not forget to take a free ticket for public transport for 90 minutes at the Geneva airport near the baggage carousel. The airport is about half an hour from the city center. You can get around Geneva on foot, but you can drive up to some areas. The hotel should give you a ticket for unlimited travel around the city. If you come to Geneva for one day and do not stay at the hotel, you will have to pay 3 francs when buying a ticket for 1 hour of using public transport.
So, Geneva, a city in Switzerland, is my top 10 attractions in one day.
The cathedral was built and completed over several centuries, so its architecture includes Romanesque, Gothic elements, and classicism. Geneva is a Protestant city, so the inside of the cathedral will not amaze you with its chic wall and ceiling paintings, as well as gold trim, everything here is quite simple and strict.
When visiting St. Peter's Basilica, you can buy a combined ticket and see the Reformation Museum and the Archaeological Site. In the first one you will learn the history of the Reformation, and in the second you will see the stones of the ancient foundation of the temple, watch a film about how the cathedral was built and how Geneva changed over time.
If there is no time for museums, then you just need to climb the towers of the cathedral. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Geneva and the city. The main thing is that the fountain works, as it is periodically turned off.
You can have a cup of coffee with a croissant or a cake at the Place du Bourg-de-Four. In summer it is always crowded.
Cathedral address:
Place du Bourg-de-Four 24, 1204
Price:
combined ticket for visiting the Museum of the Reformation, the Archaeological site and the towers of the cathedral - 16 francs for an adult, 8 - for a child ticket. Climbing the tower only - 5 francs.
2. The old city of Geneva and the museum house Tavel. Some 200 years ago, Geneva was surrounded on all sides by fortifications in the form of stars. To get a better idea of what Geneva looked like and how these fortifications changed, find the Tavel Museum in the Old City. It is located in the oldest residential building in Geneva, built in the 12th century by the Tavel family. On the lower floor you can see a historical projection, and on the top floor there is a simply chic layout of Geneva. It repeats all the central streets, houses and even trees. This model clearly shows that the Old City was built on a hill above the lake, that the lower streets of the rues basses are really below, you can see some fortifications and borders where newer areas begin.
Next to the Tavel Museum is the city hall and the archives of Geneva. But tourists, as a rule, are more interested in the cannons of the old arsenal near the archive building and the mosaics on the walls.
Very close to the Old City, but already outside it is the Russian Orthodox Church. I once went to
Address of the house of the Tavel Museum:
rue du Puits-St-Pierre 6
Price:
free, temporary exhibitions paid
3. Walk along the embankment and the English garden to the fountain. There is also a flower clock on this side of the lake, which changes its floral arrangement several times a year. Next to the flowers is a large monument. Two ladies stand side by side and symbolize the accession of Geneva to the Swiss Confederation. Yes, Geneva became Swiss not so long ago - in 1814 its entry was approved by the Congress of Vienna, and in 1815 it became part of Switzerland.
Take bread crumbs with you - there are always a lot of ducks and swans near the fountain. Do not be afraid of splashing, come closer to the fountain. Its original purpose was to reduce the pressure of the water in the Geneva aqueduct, and its height was much less. Now it is a symbol of Geneva, about 140 meters high, and the fountain is visible from different parts of the city.
In summer, there is an ice cream cafe near the fountain. Not only tourists, but also locals like to sit here. A little further on is the beach, and a large spa has recently opened with a rooftop pool overlooking the lake. In the evening, the fountain is lit up, it's very beautiful.
Along the embankment, as well as in the Old Town, there is a tourist tram. There is no translation into Russian, and the recording is not always well audible. But, if you are tired, then it is quite possible to ride on it, especially with children.
Another entertainment is to cross the lake on a boat. This is our regular public transport, meaning you can use a free ticket from the hotel.
In good weather, you can still ride a boat on Lake Geneva and go to towns in the area: Nyon, Lausanne, Yvoire, etc.
4. Mausoleum of Brunsvik and the embankment with hotels. On the other side of the lake, you will immediately see a building that is not typical for Geneva. It resembles the tombstones of the Scaligeri family and was actually built in their likeness. The mausoleum was erected according to the will of a wealthy resident of Geneva of Anglo-Saxon origin. He bequeathed his entire fortune to Geneva in exchange for a promise to build such a luxurious burial place for him. Brunsvik was very fond of Geneva, the lake and dreamed of having such a gorgeous view after his death. All guides claim that Brunsvik's body is actually in this mausoleum, however, he does not look at the lake, but in the other direction.
Behind the mausoleum is a small restaurant Cottage Café. From its terrace, the view of the mausoleum and the lake is even more interesting; few tourists suspect this, mainly limiting themselves to a frontal view of the monument.
The mausoleum is located next to the five-star Beau Rivage Hotel, where Brunsvik lived in the last years of his life. This hotel was as good in those years as it is now, and many famous people of that time liked to stay in it. For example, the Austrian Empress Sissi also rented a room here on her last trip. She had come to Geneva to visit her friend the Baroness at Colony and walked along the quay to the boat on the pier on the opposite side of the lake. At that moment, the anarchist and anti-monarchist Luigi Lukeni ran up to her and plunged a sharp sharpening into the heart area. this weapon can even be seen in a special glass showcase. The princess at first did not understand anything, thought that it was an attempted robbery, and continued to walk. Only on the ship she suddenly felt ill, her corset was unbuttoned and a tiny speck of blood was seen. Quickly returning her to the hotel, they called the doctor, but it was too late. The favorite of Austria, the empress of a difficult fate, died in Geneva. In front of the Beau Rivage, you can now see the elegant monument of Sissi. Sometimes it is decorated with a scarlet rose.
This side of the lake also has a beautiful promenade. And the fountain looks very impressive in combination with flower beds. There is also an ice cream parlour. A lot of people praise the public baths and the Bains des Pâques beach, and especially the fondue in their restaurant. However, we have never been there before.
Address:
Quai du Mont-Blanc
Price:
a walk for free, you can walk along the Mont Blanc bridge or move to the other side on a boat.
5. There are a lot of international organizations in Geneva. You can visit the UN building, the Red Cross Museum, CERN.
The official languages of the UN are English, French, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish and Russian. Walk in the center of Geneva on Place Molard and find greetings in the stones of the pavement in all these languages. In the evening they glow, and the whole pavement looks very nice.
You can sign up for an excursion to CERN in advance, there is even in Russian and for free. They are conducted by the staff of the center. You can go underground to the Large Hadron Collider only at certain times of the year. Most often this is January, when the installation is turned off for technical work.
Addresses:
CERN - Route de Meyrin 385, 1217 Meyrin
UN - Avenue de la Paix 14, 1211 Genève
Red Cross Museum - Av. de la Paix 17, 1202 Geneva
Price: depends on the chosen tour
6. Bastion Park. In this park there is the University of Geneva and a huge wall of the Reformation and five-meter figures of the “fathers” of this movement: Calvin, Farel, Beza, Knox. The wall is truly impressive.
The attention of tourists is always attracted by large chess at the entrance to the park. In winter, there is a city skating rink, and on weekends, brunches are held in the restaurant. But, to be honest, not the best in Geneva. You can also write a separate post about brunches in Geneva.
Above the park, still within the Old Town, stroll through the small Promenade de la Treille park. Here is the longest wooden bench in Europe (and maybe in the world) and a chestnut tree, according to which the city authorities annually determine and officially announce the arrival of spring. True, this year the old chestnut fell ill and its functions were transferred to a younger tree.
7. Since Geneva is a city of watchmakers, you should also go to the Patek Philippe watch museum. A stunning collection of vintage and modern watches made of gold, diamonds, enamel, pearls. I once went on a private tour of the Patek Philippe Museum, and I'm still impressed.
Address:
Musée Patek Philippe Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, CH-1205 Geneva
Price:
10 francs
A simpler collection of watches - Swatch, located at address:
Cite du Temps SA CH-1204 Geneva
Price:
for free
8. What is a trip to Geneva without chocolate! Here is a list of our main chocolate boutiques:
AUER ALEXANDRE CHOCOLATIER FRÉDÉRIC DUCRET DU RHÔNE CHOCOLATS ET CACAOS FAVARGER PATISSERIE CHOCOLATERIE LESAGE , ZELLER CHOCOLATIER, LAEDERACH, PHILIPPE PASCOET, MARTEL, TEUSCHER
I like Teuscher the most, since the shop itself is already a landmark of Geneva, or rather, Switzerland. He is all buried in flowers, there is a muffled light and a chocolate aroma. Located on rue de la Corraterie.
But this chocolate is not Geneva, but Zurich. Therefore, for a real Genevan chocolate souvenir, you need to go either to Auer on rue du Marché or Stettler on Rue du Rhône. Take pavés de Genève there - chocolate cubes sprinkled with cocoa. They symbolize the cubes in the Geneva pavement.
We also have a French cafe La Durée in Geneva, where they sell the most delicious pasta cakes. You can buy them on Rive Square, in the Globus shopping center, and at 60, rue du Stand, 1204 Geneva, there is a small cozy cafe.
9. Another attraction of Geneva, and of all Switzerland, is fondue and raclette. Fondue is melted cheese, where you need to dip slices of bread or boiled potatoes on special long forks.
Raclette is also cheese, but it is melted on a special device. Then the cheese is picked up with a knife and watered over the same potatoes. Everything is very simple, but terribly high in calories. For two years in Geneva, we have already bought everything for fondue, raclette. They even bought a pot for the meat fondue. By the way, it is called coquelon. And meat fondue is also called bourguignon or Chinese. Thin pieces of meat, shrimp, mushrooms, vegetables are lowered on thin forks into a boiling broth. Also very tasty! I blogged
Where to eat fondue in Geneva. The best restaurants for fondue: Les armures, Hôtel de Ville, Edelweiss (a very colorful place, stylized as a wooden Swiss chalet, here even musicians with long national pipes will play the music of the Swiss mountains for you), Bains des Pâquis, Le Gruyerien, Café du soleil, Brasserie la Bourse.
Price: a portion of fondue per person is about 25 francs.
10. Geneva souvenirs. What to bring from Geneva? Gruyère cheese, chocolate, a set for cheese or chocolate fondue, real Swiss watches, or just souvenir watches in the form of a Swiss chalet, Victorinox Swiss knives (there is a shop on rue Marche), cups, key chains or plates with Swiss symbols, bells for cows, a toy St. Bernard dog and many other little things that you will see in souvenir shops. In November-December, a very popular souvenir is a chocolate pot food warmer. In early December, we celebrate the Escalade holiday, which I wrote about and. There you can also read the history of this pot. And don't forget to send postcards to your friends! About shopping in Geneva I have
Geneva has daily free city tours in different languages, including Russian. At 11 am people gather around the flower clock. I have not gone to them yet, as a crowd of 30 people is a little intimidating. I am more attracted to excursions with fewer people, although they are paid. I have already gone on several excursions of ours. If you decide to sign up for it, write to me in advance to receive a small souvenir as a gift 🙂
These were the main sights of Geneva in one day, about other places I am preparing the next post. We have a lot of interesting things: beautiful parks, colorful cafes, restaurants with terraces and lake views, picturesque picnic spots, markets, museums, galleries, as well as a piece of Italy in Geneva - the Carouge district, Mount Saleve, from where you can see all of Geneva, wineries, rivers and more.
I also want to write about the most beautiful towns in the vicinity of Geneva.
In the form below you can find tickets to any country. Several options are offered, from which you can choose the cheapest. You can also find hotels in the form.
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What to see, where to eat and what to bring from one of the most famous cities in Switzerland.
Geneva attracts with its comfort and tranquility, luxurious shops and excellent infrastructure, many parks and clean mountain air. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and today I will tell you what to see and do in Geneva.
1. Get wet under the Jet d'O fountain
The main pride of the city and the calling card is the Je-d'O fountain. It throws out 500 liters of water per second to a height of 147 meters. It was once the highest fountain in the world (now the King Fahd fountain in Saudi Arabia is 312 meters).
The fountain is illuminated by 12 spotlights, which turn off at night. The fountain itself is turned off only in case of strong wind, and when the temperature drops below 2 C.
Photo: Anastasia Fomchina
2. Walk along the embankment.
There is no better place to explore the city than the promenade along Lake Geneva! In good weather, you can see the top of Mont Blanc from here.
Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Tyutchev, Karamzin, Herzen lived not far from the embankment at different times. Nearby is the Orthodox Church.
3. Walk around the best boutiques in the world
On the main streets of the city (Rue du Rive, Rue du Rone) you can find shops of the best and most famous European brands. There are also bookstores with unique, sometimes facsimile editions.
Here you can look at the famous Swiss watches, jewelry and much more.
4. Go around the entire historical center
The historic center of Geneva is compact. The main attraction of the city is St. Peter's Cathedral. This cathedral is to Protestants what St. Peter's in Rome is to Catholics. Next to the cathedral is the Town Hall (the Geneva Convention of the Red Cross was signed here) with rows of souvenir shops and galleries.
Photo: Anastasia Fomchina
Nearby is a beautiful park of bastions, New Square, the Opera House, the Conservatory. A circus tent is often set up on Plenaple Square, and on Saturdays from 7 am until lunch, a flea market is located here.
Photo: Anastasia Fomchina
5. Go on a trip to the UN or the Red Cross
Several international organizations are immediately located on the right bank of the Rhone River: the UN, the Red Cross, the Human Rights Committee, the International Work Center and other organizations. Some of them offer guided tours. So, in the UN Palace you can see the Assembly Hall and the Hall of Lost Steps, see how the meeting is going.
Photo: Anastasia Fomchina
UN address: Ariana, Palais des Nations, Geneva. +41 22 917 12 34 http://www.unog.ch/
The Red Cross has an exhibition that talks about recent natural disasters and wars, as well as assistance provided through this organization.
Red Cross address: Av. de la Paix 17, Geneva. +41 22 748 95 11 http://www.redcrossmuseum.ch/en/
6. Try the local cuisine.
One of the most famous dishes in Switzerland, which was traditionally served for breakfast - reshti (Roesti). Reshti is made from boiled potatoes in their skins, which are then rubbed on a grater and fried until golden brown. Bacon, tomatoes, paprika, Gruyère cheese are added to the potatoes. Previously, brides were chosen based on how she would prepare the reshti.
Another popular dish in Geneva is perch fillet in lemon cream sauce with potatoes. Local wines go well with the dish. And, of course, fondue! There is cheese, chocolate, Chinese, Burgundy fondue ...
7. Sunbathe on a Geneva beach.
The city is surrounded by the famous Lake Geneva, so it is not surprising that there are several beaches within the city limits. The most important city beach has been open to the public since the 1930s. The beach has been greatly improved. Now here you can go water skiing or sign up for Zumba lessons - there are many entertainments for every taste.
8. Compare watches.
Another popular attraction in Geneva, near which there is a line of people who want to be photographed, is a clock made of flowers with the largest second hand in the world. The length of the arrow is 2.5 meters, and the total diameter is five.
The flower clock is located in the English Park next to the Mont Blanc bridge.
9. Look at the Large Hadron Collider.
There is a place in Geneva where the Internet appeared and where the Large Hadron Collider is located. This is the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN), which is located near the city. At CERN, there are guided tours of the Rolex-sponsored exposition, showing working laboratories and how experiments are carried out.
CERN is located at: Route de Meyrin, Meyrin. Phone: +41 22 767 76 76. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.30.
10. Go to neighboring cities.
On the shores of Lake Geneva, there are several pearls of the Swiss Riviera at once. One of them is the small town of Montreux. Jazz festivals are held here every summer, musicians and artists from all over the world come here.
Famous artists, writers, composers also lived in Montreux: Vladimir Nabokov, Oscar Kokoschka, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and others. And on the shore of Montreux, on a small island, there is another attraction of Switzerland - the Chillon Castle.
How to save:
- in hotels in Geneva, each guest can get a free pass for public transport, including water.
- for 4 hours you can take a bike for free and ride around the city, however, you will need to leave a deposit of 20 francs. Geneva Roule bike rentals are located throughout the city. http://www.geneveroule.ch
- You can come from Geneva airport to the city for free. There are Free Tickets machines in the baggage claim area that give out free public transport tickets to Geneva.
Where to eat:
- Cafe du Soleil- This old-fashioned cafe in the UN quarter serves the best fondue. The cost of the dish is 24 francs. Cafe address: 6 Place du Petit-Saconnex, +412 2733 3417, http:// www. cafedusoleil. ch/ site/ fr/
- Cafe de Paris - a stone's throw from the train station is the legendary cafe: it was there that the famous entrecote sauce was invented. The cost of the dish is 42.5 francs
Address: rue du Mont-Blanc 26 +4122 732 84 50 http://geneve.chezboubier.com/en/
- Relais de L "Entrecôte - there are always queues at this restaurant, and all because of the secret recipe for cooking meat, which is incredibly tasty here. Entrecôte, as in the previous place, is served with french fries and salad. The dish costs 45 francs .
Address: 6 Rue Pierre Fatio, +412 2310 6004, http://relaisennenr.cluster011.ovh.net/?page_id=392
What to bring:
- Viande des Grisons (or "Bünden-style meat") is the national culinary pride of the country. The meat is first smeared with salt and spices from alpine herbs, and then dried in several stages, retaining all the nutrients. Meat can be bought cut or whole. A kilogram costs from 50 francs.
- Swiss cheese or fondue set (can be found in any supermarket in the dairy section). Popular among Swiss cheeses are: Vashren Fribourgeois, Gruyère, Emmental, etc. You can buy cheese both in the supermarket (the most budgetary COOP and Migros) and in the market.
- Chocolate. To appreciate all the flavor palette of chocolate, it is better to buy handmade products. The most delicious chocolate is sold at Du Rhône Chocolatier and for the best truffles, you should go to Confiserie Ducret.
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Geneva and its attractions can hardly be called amazing traveler. But, despite the fact that the city cannot boast of any particularly stunning architectural monuments and a huge number of interesting places, this is a very pleasant, Swiss-style respectable place.
The main city of the eponymous Canton of Geneva, which is often confused with the Swiss capital - Bern - because of its important political and economic status in the country, is located on Lake Leman, or Lake Geneva. The Greater Geneva agglomeration includes not only the population of Geneva, but also the territories adjacent to it - Swiss and French.
Geneva Cointrin Airport is located on the border of two countries and has two exits, so upon arrival you can go both “to France” and “to Switzerland”. Considering that the airport is located only four kilometers from the center, and it gives out a free ticket to everyone in a special machine to get to the main station of Geneva - this is a great chance to get to know the city, for example, during a connection, if you fly through it where -something else.
More about , Here
Top attractions in Geneva:
The center of attraction in the city can, of course, be called Lake Geneva and the historic center (a small Old Town), located around the waterfront. That part of the lake, which adjoins the Old Town, is called "le petit lac", that is, a small lake. If you arrived by plane, then by train from the airport you will get to the Cornavin Main Station, which is located just five minutes from the embankment.
- 1. Jet d'Eau Fountain (Geneva Fountain), beating from the middle of the lake, is visible from many points of the city, it throws out a jet of water 140 meters high (water exit speed - 200 km / h) and is one of the symbols of Geneva. It is very beautiful in the evening with illumination, and the view of the fountain from the plane during takeoff and landing in Geneva is also impressive. When it is turned off from time to time (for a short time), you can walk along the pier past this fountain and find yourself actually in the middle of that part of the lake that is framed by the city embankment.
- The Geneva Fountain appeared in 1886 and participated in the city's water supply, and in 1891 it was moved closer to the embankment for the pleasure of the townspeople. The Je d'O was one of the highest in the world for a long time, but then it was surpassed by competitors - a 312-meter fountain in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and a 202-meter fountain in Seoul, built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
There are two sights in this photo - the Geneva Fountain and Mont Blanc on the horizon.
- 2. English garden and flower clock (Jardin Anglais). This small park (it would even be more correct to say - a park area) is on the waterfront and opposite the Old Town of Geneva. Since watches are the main pride and old brand of Switzerland, here in 1955 an original watch made of flowers appeared. A special staff monitors the operation of the clock mechanism and the condition of the plants; you can see flower flowers at any time of the year, even in winter (cold-resistant varieties are used). The diameter of the clock is 5 meters, the length of the hand is 2.5 meters.
Flower clock, Geneva
In winter...
- ...and in the summer
- 3. On the Mont Blanc embankment, between two old hotels (Beau-Rivage and Hotel de la Paix), there is an eye-catching pavilion - the mausoleum of the strange and unmerited Duke Charles II of Brunswick ( Monument Brunswick). But he bequeathed a huge fortune to Geneva with the condition that he be buried in the best place, in a crypt on a hill. This was done, and now this building in the public garden, which does not fit well into the surrounding architectural landscape (something between a French pavilion and an Egyptian sarcophagus), arouses the constant interest and sometimes bewilderment of tourists.
- 4. Old city of Geneva It's not very big and it doesn't take long to walk around. Interesting sights include the imposing Geneva Cathedral (or St. Peter's Cathedral), combining several architectural styles (Romanesque, Classicism, Gothic and elements of some others) and looking monumental because of the Romanesque columns. Until the 16th century, St. Peter's Cathedral was Catholic, but since 1535 it has become one of the first Protestant churches in Europe. This was reflected in its ascetic decoration, in addition, pay attention to the chair of the famous John Calvin, church reformer and founder of Calvinism.
- Small and cozy Bourg-de-Four square with a fountain in the middle in the Old Town is filled with some very touristy restaurants.
- If you walk from the square street Hotel de Ville up, you will get to the building of the city Arsenal, which today houses the Museum, the city archive and a solid exposition of weapons. Here are the House of Tavel (the oldest house in Geneva), with the Museum of the city inside, and the Town Hall.
- After spinning in the Old Town, you can look at the Jet d'Eau fountain from the height of the Geneva Cathedral or from one of the sites, and then, if you have time, go through it to Bastion Park, where several monuments are also located, for example, the Wall of the Reformers. Here you can also see a long 126-meter bench and huge chess pieces that the townspeople use to play games.
- Although I would still recommend stopping by the European headquarters of the United Nations and taking a look at a very impressive monument - wooden 12-meter wheelchair chair, located on the Square of Nations directly in front of the UN building. A giant chair on three normal legs and one chopped off leg rises in the middle of an idyllic square with fountains and mothers strolling peacefully with strollers. The "three-legged" chair symbolizes the victims of anti-personnel mines, left without limbs around the world in places of mining and hostilities - past or ongoing. "Memento mori" - as if this monument is talking to you in the Swiss atmosphere of well-being and comfort, and makes you think not only about the unfortunate victims of anti-personnel mines, but also about the impotence of the "united nations" in the fight against universal evil - wars.
- How to get to the "three-legged chair": If the Old Town of Geneva is located next to the waterfront, then the Palais des Nations and the Place des Nations will take a little walk. If you walk along the Quai Mont-Blanc along the lake (the Old Town should be behind you), you will find yourself on the Quai Wilson. Along the way, you will pass several old and beautiful Geneva hotels and come out to the Mon Repos park. From the Quai Wilson you need to turn left - onto Avenu de France. This street will lead you to the Place des Nations, the UN Palace and the aforementioned chair. You can not go along Av.de France, but drive up a few stops on tram number 15.
- In the summer, you can go to one of the city beaches of Geneva and feel like a Swiss on vacation. The atmosphere of calmness and tranquility in this city, as well as in other cities of Switzerland, draws you in with incredible force: you want to endlessly walk along the embankment, admire the fountain and feed the gullible Geneva swans.
- Swans ask to be clean and not to poison the environment
- More photos of Geneva attractions
- View of the old city of Geneva from the lake
- Here you will not be allowed to forget for a minute what brands Switzerland is famous for.
The mixing of styles at different times during the construction and reconstruction of the Geneva Cathedral is especially clearly visible in these photographs. Infrequently, even in Europe, you will find such an eclectic building.
These are not all the sights of the city, but the main ones that are easy to get around in a couple of hours. If you are not a fan of administrative buildings and you do not have much time for Geneva, then you can skip the right bank of the Rhone River, where the headquarters of the main international structures are located - the UN, the Red Cross, the WTO and others.
Geneva - one of the most unique, located in the southwest of the picturesque Lake Leman. Often it is called the capital of the world: after all, the headquarters of the most important international organizations, such as the UN and the Red Cross, are concentrated here. Geneva, whose sights are quite diverse in historical and cultural terms, is a very small city. Therefore, even staying here for one day, you can see quite remarkable objects. And in order to make it easier for you to find the most interesting places to visit, we decided to make a special selection.
If you wish, before you start reading the article, you can study the map of Geneva with sights in Russian, presented at the bottom of the page. This will help you more easily navigate the location of the objects we describe.
Mount Saleve
With a height of more than 1100 meters, Mount Salève offers beautiful views of Geneva, the fountain and Lake Geneva. And if you go there in clear weather, you can admire the mountain ranges of Mont Blanc, Les Bauges and Les Bornes. Mount Salev is a kind of sports club for the Swiss: in the summer it is conquered by rock climbers and climbers, and extreme sportsmen rush from its slopes on a mountain bike or jump with a paraglider. The rest of the inhabitants prefer to climb the mountain on foot, armed with comfortable mountain boots. And if you happen to relax in Switzerland in Geneva, be sure to visit this attraction.
Mount Saleve is located 20 km from the center of Geneva, and to get here, you need to find bus number 8 at the central city station, which will take you to the final stop Veyrier Douane for ₣3. After getting off the bus, you will find yourself in a nice French village, from where, following the signs, you will reach the funicular that will take you to the top (14 ₣ both ways). If you want to join the hiking mountain tourism, then forget about the lift and follow the signs to the trail leading to Saleve. A leisurely climb to the mountain will take you about 3 hours, and as a reward for the journey to the top, you can enjoy a unique panorama, as well as taste a French pie in a cozy restaurant.
You will be interested! The symbol of Switzerland - the Matterhorn mountain - is the prototype of the famous Toblerone chocolate bar. Features of climbing the mountain and cognitive facts you will learn in.
Jet d'Eau Fountain
Located in the very center of Geneva, the Jet d'Eau Fountain has long been a hallmark of the city, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The uniqueness of the object lies in the fact that this natural fountain is located in and beats with a powerful jet at a height of 147 meters. Je-Do is especially beautiful in the evening, when the spotlights are turned on to illuminate it.
Interesting to know! Initially, the highest fountain in Europe was built not at all for beauty, but to ensure the smooth operation of the city's hydraulic system, but now not only local residents, but also travelers enjoy its view.
This landmark of Geneva is also good because it makes great photos against its background: after all, the fountain is surrounded by a natural reservoir and framed by mountain ranges. And the swans living here, which tourists love to feed so much, only serve as an additional decoration of the area. Je-Do operates in summer and winter, open from morning until late at night, so you can admire its beauty at any convenient time.
Location: quai Gustave Ador | Jetee des Eaux-Vives, Geneva 1207.
On a note! Just 66 km from Geneva on the shores of the same lake is the city of Lausanne, which is famous for its architecture, picturesque views and excellent conditions for recreation. Read more about about Lausanne in.
Cathedral of St. Peter and the Maccabees Chapel (Cathedrale de St-Pierre, Chapel of the Maccabees)
The main and oldest cathedral in Geneva, uniting Catholics and Protestants, began to be built in the 12th century. But in order to finally rebuild the temple, it took mankind about six centuries. That is why the style of construction is not one-sided and has collected the best traditions of classical, Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
You should definitely look at the main exhibit of the cathedral - Calvin's chair, on which the ideological and spiritual leader of the Protestants of the 16th century once sat. While visiting this attraction, be sure to climb the temple tower, which offers a panorama of the Old City.
The chapel of the Maccabees, built in the early 15th century, deserves special attention. Its decoration is fundamentally different from the main part of the temple. A riot of colors plays here in wall ornaments and skillful stained-glass windows.
- Opening hours Cathedral from 9:30 to 18:30 (Monday - Saturday), from 12:00 to 18:30 (Sunday).
- The entrance to the cathedral itself is free, but the climb to the tower is worth it 5 ₣ for adults and 2 ₣ for children.
- Address: place du Bourg-de-Four 24, Geneva 1204, .
The expositions of the Patek Philippe Gallery occupy four floors. The first tier is reserved for a small cinema, where visitors can watch a tape about the company, as well as get acquainted with various machines for making watch products. Here you can watch a real watchmaker demonstrating his skills. On the second floor there is a gallery with Patek Philippe watches from the period 1839-1989.
Climbing even higher, you will find yourself in the walls of the "Antique Gallery", which displays exhibits produced in the period from 1500 to 1800. Here you can get acquainted with watch machines, look at beautiful jewelry, as well as get acquainted with wooden watches made by the Russian master Bronnikov. The fourth floor is reserved for the company's archives and library, which displays portraits of its founders and the awards they won in various competitions.
It is forbidden to take pictures in the gallery, and you will also be asked to leave all bags in the storage room located in the basement (cell price 2 ₣).
The Patek Philippe Watch Museum is a 20-minute walk from the city centre.
- Open from 14:00 to 18:00 (Tuesday-Friday) and from 10:00 to 18:00 (Saturday). The gallery is closed on Mondays and Sundays and during national holidays
- Entrance ticket price 10 ₣.
- Address: rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, Geneva 1205, Switzerland.
Botanical Garden Villa le Chene
If you don’t know what to see in Geneva in 1 day, then feel free to go to the Villa le Chene botanical garden. This natural park is considered one of the best in Europe. Spread over an area of 28 hectares, the garden has gathered a collection of more than 16,000 plant species. The territory of the park is divided into several thematic sections, among which it is interesting to look at the greenhouse with orchids (more than 1500 species), the rock garden, the zoo and the area with protected plant species.
Black Swan This is a quiet place, breathing nature, where it is pleasant to walk along the alleys, along which centuries-old trees rise. Be sure to visit the zoo and meet local flamingos, peacocks and black swans. You can get here from the city center by tram number 14, which will take you to the UN building: after landing at the stop, turn left and after 2 minutes you will find yourself in the botanical garden.
- Visiting the object is free.
- From October to March, the garden is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, from March to October - from 8:00 to 19:30.
- Address: Chemin de l'Imperatrice 1, Chambésy, Geneva 1292, Switzerland.
Baths of Paquis (Bains des Paquis)
You may not notice this attraction in a guide to Geneva, but it is worth a look. After all, the Baths of Paki are especially popular among all the baths of Lake Geneva. Located almost in the heart of the city, the baths are an artificial beach connected to the lake by a footbridge. Here, the tourist has the opportunity to swim, sunbathe on wooden decks or simply enjoy the surrounding views while taking a leisurely walk along the embankment.
On the beach there is a lighthouse, a swimming pool, a sauna, a massage room and a cafe. This is a great place to relax right in the center of Geneva. Many tourists note that in a local restaurant you can have a tasty meal and at the same time inexpensive. The beach is very cozy and clean.
- Entrance to the territory is paid and is 2 ₣ for adults and 1 ₣ for children from 6 to 16 years old.
- Address: quai du Mont-Blanc 30, Geneva 1201, Switzerland.
Park La Grange
Park La Grange is located on the left bank of Lake Geneva and covers an area of 12,000 square meters. meters. This is the sight of Geneva, a complete description of which cannot be done without a photo. Imagine a wide green area flowing down a hill to a reservoir, dotted with flower beds and a rose garden. The unique historical park has repeatedly won first places at various exhibitions thanks to its natural exhibits. Slowly strolling under the foliage of century-old cedars among ponds and flowering gardens, tourists enjoy original landscapes and deep tranquility.
At the entrance to this attraction you will be greeted by two huge statues of lions, and at the top of the gardens you will find the ruins of an ancient villa left by the Romans. The park also has a swimming pool, a children's playground, a restaurant and a theater with free performances during the summer months. La Grange Park has a special opening hours:
- November to March: 07:00 to 18:00
- April to May: 07:00 to 21:00
- From June to August: from 6:00 to 22:00
- September to October: 07:00 to 21:00
Entrance to the park is free. Address: Avenue William-Favre 1, Geneva 1207, Switzerland.
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Museum of Natural History (Museum d'Histoire naturelle)
The Museum of Natural History is a very informative excursion that will be of interest to both children and adults. The exhibits are located on four floors of the building, they have a beautiful design and original lighting. Here you can look at dioramas and stuffed animals, birds, reptiles, insects, as well as see the skeleton of a dinosaur. The museum has a collection of minerals and precious stones, and in a separate dark room you have the opportunity to watch the glow of luminescent stones.
Entrance to the museum is absolutely free, but there are not so many visitors here. The only drawback of the gallery, according to tourists, is the fact that all the inscriptions to the exhibits are presented only in French.
- The object is open from 10:00 to 17:00 every day except Monday.
- Address: route de Malagnou 1, Geneva 1208, Switzerland.
Palace of Nations (UNOG - Palais des Nations)
Another attraction in the city of Geneva, which any tourist traveling in Switzerland must visit is the UN Palace. It is a complex of buildings surrounded by a beautiful park, where each tree has its own sign and history. It also houses many sculptures that were donated to the UNPO by various states. Travelers who have visited the halls of the palace note a special atmosphere: visitors seem to join something global and very important.
Tourists are allowed to enter the UNN Palace only with a guide. It should be borne in mind that the tours are conducted only in two languages: in English and French. You can get here on your own from the Geneva station by tram number 15. Be sure to take your passport with you, otherwise you simply will not be allowed into the building. In total, the tour of the UNPO Palace takes about 2.5 hours.
- Entry fee for adults 12 ₣, for students 10 ₣, for children 6-18 years old 7 ₣.
- The palace is open from Monday to Friday and offers the following visiting hours: in the morning from 10:00 to 12:00 and in the afternoon from 14:00 to 16:00.
- Address: 8 - 14 avenue de la Paix, Geneva 1211, Switzerland.
Sculpture Broken Chair Sculpture
What else to see in Geneva? Of course, the famous sculpture Broken Chair, located next to the UNPO Palace. This composition is not installed on the square for decoration, but has a deep meaning: it was created in order to abolish the use of anti-personnel mines, due to which many people lose their lower limbs. The sculpture serves as a symbolic reminder to all politicians visiting Geneva on business. Initially, the Broken Chair was supposed to stay on the square for only three months, but the composition has been here for more than 20 years.
You can get to the sculpture on foot from the station in 20 minutes, or take tram number 15 or bus number 8 and disembark at the stop at the UN Palace. In addition to the chair itself, on the square you can see a beautiful fountain and a cannon with a tied muzzle, as well as take a walk along the alley with flags near the UNPO building.
Address: Place des Nations, Geneva 1202, Switzerland.
Bastions Park and Reformation Wall (Parc Des Bastions, Mur de la Reformation)
If you have only 1 day left to review the sights of Geneva, then be sure to pay attention to such a place as Bastions Park in your guidebook. Once the city center was surrounded by bastions, a small part of which has been preserved in the form of a wall, where today a green park is laid out. This is a calm, quiet island near the Old Town, perfect for relaxing after exhausting excursions. It will be interesting to play big chess and checkers. The park is decorated with lush flower beds, small streams, gazebos and fountains.
The Reformation Wall with monuments to the founding fathers of Protestantism (Jean Calvin, Oliver Cromwell, etc.) deserves special attention. The wall stretches along the entire park, and the area in front of it is lined with an interesting mosaic. In winter, everyone has the opportunity to go ice skating in the park. If you get hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at the small food stalls located at the entrance to the park.
Address: Promenade Des Bastions 1204, Geneva, Switzerland.
On the shores of Lake Geneva lies the second largest Swiss city, whose history goes back at least two millennia. Geneva is surrounded by picturesque Alpine mountains and Jura peaks. Its main natural attraction is the top of Mont Blanc. Reaching a height of 4810 meters, the mountain is visible from almost every corner of the city. Tourists who find themselves here for the first time may think that the Geneva in 1 Day project is a fantastic event, but in fact it is quite possible to see the main memorable places in just a few hours.
architectural masterpieces
The main city Cathedral of St. Peter is also the main attraction of Geneva. Its construction began in the XII century, although the temple on this site already existed eight centuries earlier. The main feature of the Geneva Cathedral is a combination of several architectural styles at once. It acquired Romanesque, Gothic features and notes of classicism in the course of a long construction: its construction continued until the 18th century. The main relic, carefully kept under the vaults of the temple, is Calvin's chair. A church reformer and theologian, John Calvin founded Calvinism as a religious movement.
Fountain on Lake Geneva
Many of its inhabitants consider the fountain, which has existed on the water of Lake Geneva since 1891, to be the symbol of the city. Its opening was timed to coincide with the 600th anniversary of the state, and the height of the water jet was then 90 meters. In the middle of the 20th century, the equipment for the fountain was reconstructed, and today its 140-meter height is provided by a pumping station at the bottom of the lake. The fountain is beautifully illuminated at night and is one of the largest in the world. Record marks are reached by the jet speed - 200 km / h, and the flow rate - 500 liters every second.
Little Palace
Geneva in 1 day gives you the opportunity to visit one of the most unique museums of the Old World. Gallery "Petit-Pale" gathered under its roof an exposition of works by contemporary painters. Marc Chagall and Renoir, Salvador Dali and Gauguin - you can spend many hours in the museum contemplating the best paintings of talented artists. The gallery was created at the expense of the patron Oscar Gez and opened in 1968. The "Little Palace" in Geneva is able to please admirers of painting and is quite suitable for a visit as part of a one-day tour of the city.
Left bank, right bank...
On the left bank of the Rhone, which crosses the city, the vast majority of Geneva shops are located. Here you can buy watches, chocolate, antiques and jewelry. Right Bank is a great place for lunch or dinner at any of the local restaurants or cafes.
