Palais des Nations
The spectacular Palais des Nations building set in beautiful landscaped gardens and originally hosted the League of Nations. It is worth the visit alone just to see the incredible Assembly Hall, which once hosted important global meetings of leaders of the largest nations in the world. The Palais incorporated within the building has an excellent collection of public art as well as a library.
14 Avenue de la Paix. Tel: 0041 22 917 48 96.
Adults 8.50CHF, children 4CHF. Open 10am – noon and 2pm-4pm.
The International Red Cross Museum
The Red Cross Museum is arguably one of Europe’s most formidable. The museum takes you back through the history of the organisation and the humanitarian relief it has offered during wars and natural disasters through striking displays, photographic exhibitions and amazing artefacts.
17 Avenue de la Paix. Tel: 0041 22 748 95 25
Adults 10CHF, children 4CHF. Open daily 10am-4pm except Tuesday.
Geneva Top Tips
The Swiss are extremely punctual when it comes to closing times, so plan any visits and excursions well before they shut. For example; if a museum closes at 5pm, expect staff to begin ushering you out at 4.45pm.
When you arrive at the airport, ensure you pick up your free train ticket to the city before getting your bags as the ticket is only valid 80 minutes after your arrival time and there will be large queues to get them once people have picked up their baggage.
Although violent crime is virtually non-existent, built-up areas in the centre of Geneva are hotspots for petty thieves and pickpockets – be mindful of your belongings.
Geneva may have a seemingly countless number of hotels, vacancies can become rare during periods of international meetings and large business conferences – book well in advance.
Average Prices
The currency is Geneva is Swiss Francs, with 1CHF equating to around 50p Sterling.
As mentioned, accommodation in Geneva can be costly to those looking to travel on a budget. Other than the Geneva Youth Hostel offering beds at around 25CHF (£13), expect to pay around £70-£100 a night for a mid-range hotel and upwards of 330CHF for a luxury or five-star option.
Prices of alcohol are moderate compared with the UK. A beer will cost approximately 5CHF-7CHF (£2.50-£3.50) depending on where you go, whereas decent a sit down meal will cost as much as 40CHF (£20) per person.
The Jet d’Eau is visible across the whole of the Lac Léman waterfront and is within easy reach of the beautiful Jardin Anglais. The Jet d’Eau is a spectacular fountain which pumps water 140m into the air. Originally the fountain was used as a pressure release for power generated from the Rhone river, but locals enjoyed the sight of it so much, the government decided to make it into a permanent showpiece, adding beautiful lights to the fountain, making it even more spectacular by night.
Cathedrale St. Pierre