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Bucket List: 10 Best Places to Visit in Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is famous for its breathtaking, spectacular lake with a backdrop of the Alps and Switzerland’s 2nd most populated city. In addition, the city ranked as the 9th top financial center in the world, which makes it a center for diplomacy due to the existence of several international organizations, including the headquarter agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross.
The city was also ranked as one of the 10 most liveable cities globally in the year 2019 by Mercer. In addition, according to Mercer, Geneva was considered the world’s most compact metropolis and known as the “Peace Capital,” making it rank as the 13th most expensive city in the world in 2019.
The city’s excellence makes it one of the top destinations for tourists worldwide. So to tick off the city on your bucket list, here are the 10 best things to do in Geneva, Switzerland, to plan your visit.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva makes the city famous for its magnificent view of nature, with the background of the Alps making a picturesque view of the city. Bask in the morning sun by riding a boat at Mont Blanc Quay or roam around the city via Mouettes Genevoises.
Cruising to Lausanne is another excellent activity for long-distance travel of about three hours.
Jet d’Eau (Water Jet)
One of the city’s iconic and famous landmarks is the Jet d’Eau, a large fountain in Geneva, Switzerland, that can be seen from a good point at the Bains des Pâquis where locals flocks to swim and have a sauna, or dine at a café’.
The water jet has remained on its spot since 1951, built in 1886, which serves as a safety valve for a hydraulic power plant. The pump propels around 500 liters of water per second, going vertically, reaching 140 meters high.
St Pierre Cathedral
St Pierre Cathedral is famous due to John Calvin, one of the Protestant Reformation leaders, as his home church where he preached sermons from the year 1536 to 1564. The cathedral was originally built as a Roman Catholic and later shifted to the Reformed Protestant Church of Geneva during the Reformation years in the 16th century.
The Neoclassical facade and gothic elements incorporated into the cathedral’s interior will take you back to the 12th century. You can also climb the cathedral’s tower for a greater view of Geneva, where an indoor and outdoor viewing platform can be seen.
Palais des Nations
The Palais des Nations was built in the middle of 1929 to 1938, which originally served as the headquarters of the League of Nations. In 1946, with the demise of the League of Nations, the complex that serves as the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva was 2nd most important after New York.
Palais des Nations is open for a guided tour in 15 different languages educating visitors with the work being done on the complex and displaying artworks and interiors that were gifted by different countries throughout the globe.
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire (Art and History Museum)
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is located at the city center in Les Tranchées, the largest art museum in Geneva, Switzerland. The museum houses exquisite fine arts, applied arts, and archeology specializing in Swiss and Genevan art.
One of the most prized and famous collections of the museum is the artwork of Konwrad Witz dates back to 1444, “The Miraculous Draught of Fishes,” which can be found on the fine art section together with other paintings from the Middle ages to the 20th century.
Great collections of weapons from Middles ages and Renaissance to Byzantine art can also be seen in the applied arts section. Another great collection from the museum is a mummy from ancient Egypt that dates to the 9th century BC that can be found in the archeology section.
Evian-Les-Bains
Evian-Les-Bains is a famous holiday resort and spa town located at the shores of Lake Geneva. Evian has been visited by high-profile individuals such as royalties and numerous celebrities for about two centuries.
With its thermal springs rich in minerals, Evian has become a popular destination for relaxation and adding up the magnificent background of the Alpine slopes.
Musée Ariana
Located near the Palace of Nations, Musée Ariana is another worthy destination. The museum was founded by Gustave Revilliod in 1884 and named after her mother, devoted to exhibiting ceramic and glass artwork of over 25,000 collections from the early Middle age up to the 20th century.
All types of ceramics can be found in the museum, and it is also the seat of the International Academy of Ceramics.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum were founded in 1988, exhibiting historical files and artifacts. In addition, the museum provides interactive exhibits for its visitors showing the humanitarian work and mission of the organization.
Under “The Humanitarian Adventure,” there are three separate areas where visitors are immersed in raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis.
Carouge
Carouge, also known as “La Cité Sarde,” the Sardinian City, is a famous destination for tourists to shop with various handicrafts, vintage finds, and antique dealers at Place de Marchéon.
The area used to be a separate town back in 1816 and famous for its Italian features, the baroque Holy Cross Church, and the iconic lineup of painted townhouses.
Fondue
Traveling won’t be complete without indulging in a city’s specialty food. So when you visit Switzerland, treat yourself to cheese fondue.
Since it was developed in the region’s western part, Geneva is the best place to taste a hot fondue, especially in winter.
Our Top Hotel Picks for Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva, Switzerland Travel and Tour Packages
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Geneva, Switzerland hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Geneva, Switzerland? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also read:
- Ultimate List Of The Best Geneva Luxury Hotels
- Top Must-Visit Destinations For International Relations Students
- Lausanne Travel Guide: What To See, Things To Do, Places To Stay, And More
- Travel Health Tips: Things To Do To Minimise Your Jet Lag
