Attraction
Jet d'Eau
The fountain launches lake water up to 140 meters high and has been Geneva's landmark since 1891. Originally a pressure relief valve for a hydroelectric power station, today you can walk on a pier close to the jet.
Switzerland
Genf
City
Geneva lies at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône leaves the lake, and is Switzerland's international center.
Geneva lies at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône leaves the lake, and is Switzerland's international center. The city combines an Old Town with Reformation history, a lakeside with the 140-meter high Jet d'Eau, and the European seat of the United Nations.The Jet d'Eau, originally a pressure-release valve for a hydropower plant, has been a landmark since 1891. Above the Old Town is Saint-Pierre Cathedral, where John Calvin preached in the 16th century. Its tower offers views over rooftops, the lake, and the Alps. In Parc des Bastions, the Reformation Wall marks Geneva's role as a Reformation center. The Palais des Nations offers hour-long guided tours; CERN researches on the city's outskirts.
Geneva is located at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhone leaves the lake, connecting the Old Town, lakeside, and international organizations in a compact area. On the left bank, the Old Town rises with Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Place du Bourg-de-Four; on the lakeshore below lies the Jardin Anglais with its Flower Clock. The Jet d'Eau stands in the harbor basin and can be seen from both banks. On the right bank lies the Quartier des Bains; further north, in Ariana Park, is the Palais des Nations. In summer, you can swim at the Bains des Pâquis with a view of the fountain.
Sights in Genf
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Attraction
Palais des Nations
In Ariana Park, on the lakeshore, stands the European headquarters of the United Nations, where the Human Rights Council also meets. On approximately hour-long guided tours, you can visit parts of the building.
Church
Cathedral Saint-Pierre
The Cathedral on the Old Town's highest hill was John Calvin's preaching church in the 16th century. From its tower, views stretch across the rooftops of the Old Town, the lake, and the Alps.
Attraction
Horloge Fleurie
The Flower Clock at the entrance to the Jardin Anglais was created in 1955 as a tribute to Geneva watchmaking. Its dial, made of thousands of plants, is replanted several times a year, and the second hand is 2.5 meters long.
Historic Landmark
Place du Bourg-de-Four
Geneva's oldest public square likely dates from the Roman forum. Today, with its cafés, fountains, and the Palace of Justice, it's a lively hub in the Old Town below the Cathedral.
Restaurants in Genf
Rustic, chalet-style eatery on the right bank, serving fondue, raclette, and other Swiss dishes, plus sidewalk tables.
Swiss cuisine in the Old Town on Rue du Soleil-Levant, a few steps from Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
Vibrant eatery on the right bank, serving traditional Mexican cuisine, cocktails, terrace, plus vegetarian & vegan options.
Food & Drink in Geneva
Longeole
A Geneva pork sausage with fennel seeds, slow-cooked and usually served with potatoes.
Cardon of Geneva
The Geneva cardoon is a vegetable related to the artichoke and is primarily eaten as a gratin in winter.
Escalade's Cauldron
The chocolate soup pot, filled with marzipan vegetables, is sold for Escalade in December in every confectionery shop.
Geneva's Culture
Geneva is shaped by the Reformation and to this day celebrates its own independence myth.The City of CalvinIn the 16th century, John Calvin transformed Geneva into a center of the Reformation, preaching in St. Pierre Cathedral. In the Parc des Bastions, the Reformation Wall commemorates Calvin and his fellow reformers.The EscaladeOn the night of December 12, 1602, Savoyard troops attempted to scale the city walls but were repelled. Every year, the Escalade commemorates this event with parades in historical costumes through the Old Town. A traditional chocolate soup pot, filled with marzipan vegetables, is jointly smashed by the oldest and youngest at the table. It recalls the legend of Mère Royaume, who is said to have poured a pot of hot soup over the attackers.International GenevaAround the Palais des Nations, the UN, the Red Cross, and numerous other organizations are headquartered, giving the city an unusually international audience.
Nightlife
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AMR
Music center on Rue des Alpes near the train station with live concerts and a bar.
Wine and cocktail bar with Italian and Spanish tapas on Rue Liotard, slightly off-center.
Plattenladen mit Bar auf der Rhone-Insel Place de l'Île, mitten zwischen Altstadt und Bahnhof.
On the go in Geneva
Most of Geneva's attractions are close to each other: From Cornavin station, you can walk to the lakeside in just a few minutes, then cross the bridges into the Old Town with its Cathedral and Bourg-de-Four. The Palais des Nations is located slightly north in Ariana Park and is easily accessible by tram or bus.Guests staying in registered accommodation in the canton receive the free Geneva Transport Card. With it, you can travel for free throughout your stay on buses, trams, regional trains, and the yellow Mouettes boats across the harbour basin. The card is usually sent by email from your accommodation a few days before your arrival.
Accommodations in Genf
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