Geneva’s multiculturalism is startling and welcome – it can seem like the whole world has arrived here and is getting on famously. Join in with the friendly vibe by launching yourself into this most charming of cities, lounge by the lake and feast on fondue.
Old Town favourites
Start your visit with a stroll around Geneva's beautiful Old Town, a warren of winding cobbled streets, narrow passages and hidden courtyards begging to be discovered. At its heart is the charming Place du Bourg-de-Four, a great place to sit and have a coffee before nosing around the quirky little shops of the Old Town. Close by is the Cathedral of St Pierre, where theologian John Calvin preached in the 16th century. Climb the 157 steps of the northern tower for picture-perfect views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Soaking up the sights
Lake Geneva is right in the middle of the city and is best appreciated on a boat trip. Visible from the lake, or in fact from almost anywhere in the city, is Geneva’s most famous landmark, the Jet d’Eau, a fountain which shoots a 140-metre-high tower of water soaring high over Lake Geneva. At any one time, seven tonnes of water are in the air, much of which sprays spectators on the pier beneath.
An UN-missable attraction
Take a short drive north of the centre and discover the stately marble Palais des Nations, built in the 1930s to house the League of Nations – the doomed forerunner to the UN. Overlooking Lake Geneva and offering fantastic views over the water, it has been home to the UN since 1966. Visits are by guided tour and include a one-hour tour of the building and entry to the lovely parks that surround it.
Bigger is better
Just 8km west of Geneva, you’ll find the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). This is the home of the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator and the single biggest machine. You’ll learn all about the vital importance of the Higgs Boson during a two-hour guided tour in English. Book online up to 15 days ahead for this fascinating insight into modern science.
Taste temptations
Geneva has an enviable reputation as a gourmet town. The cuisine here is Swiss but is also highly influenced by France and Italy. You can enjoy local delicacies plucked from Lake Geneva such as ‘filet de perches’, ‘filet de féras’ and traditional dishes such as cheese fondue and raclette. One of the best places to enjoy Swiss specialities is Les Armures Restaurant in the heart of the old town, and for superb French-style cooking try Vertig’O, a Michelin-starred restaurant by the lake, on the ground floor of Hotel de la Paix.
Lakeside drive
Geneva is ideally placed to explore the scenic delights of beautiful Lake Geneva, the largest freshwater lake in Europe. In less than an hour and a half you can reach the beautiful town of Montreux, best-known for its legendary jazz festival, held in early July. Nearby is the utterly charming little town of Vevey, erstwhile home of Charlie Chaplin, while a short way south you’ll find Castle Chillon, beautifully located on an island in the lake. You can complete the lake circuit by heading west along its southern shore, stopping off at the exclusive spa resort of Évian-les-Bains, where the rich and famous take to the water. Car rental in Geneva is about more than just the city – it’s about unlocking the entirety of the luscious lake.