Geneva Hotels

See, under Geneva’s shiny surface there’s plenty of personality that isn’t too hard to reach, particularly if you can speak a little French. Whether you’re getting lost in the maze of cobblestone streets in the Old Town, trying not to gawk at the extravagance of the shops lining Rue de Rive and Rue du Rhone, or soaking up the atmosphere around The Lake, the best way to acquaint yourself with Geneva is to ooze a little pride yourself.

Geneva’s Top 10

Geneva History

• Cathédrale St-Pierre – This originally Catholic cathedral embodies Reformed tradition. The archaeological tour explains the origins of the cathedral.
• Palais des Nations – This venue is home to a large collection of artwork and beautifully landscaped grounds.
• Maison Tavel – Geneva’s most historic house. Within the house is a large museum, which documents life in Geneva over the centuries.
• Ethnography Museum (Musée d'Ethnographie) – This Geneva museum is home to thousands and exhibits and artefacts.
• Switzerland Visitors Museum (Musée des Suisses à l'Etranger) – As its name suggests, this museum is popular with tourists to Geneva.

Geneva Art & Culture

• Jet dEau – Geneva’s Water Fountain is a 140m wonder and the symbol of the city.
• Natural History Museum – Established in 1966, this popular attraction covers earth science and natural history.
• Grand Theatre de Geneve – An opera house that officially opened in 1876.
• Quartier des Grottes – Interesting shops and even more interesting architecture, including the les Schtroumpfs buildings built in the 1980s.
• Victoria Hall – Individuals looking for a night of classical music should check out Victoria Hall.

Geneva Shopping

• Rue du Marché – Located just five minutes from the train station, this area of Geneva sells everything from souvenirs to household appliances and prescription glasses.
• Rue de la Confederation – An excellent place for those staying only a short while in Geneva.
• Place du Molard – An upmarket, expensive shopping area perfect for window shopping.
• Rue du Mont Blanc – A shopping area popular with tourists to Geneva and home to many interesting shops, including those specialising in traditional Swiss goods.
• Rive Droite – The ideal shopping region for those wish money to spend.

Gay & Lesbian Geneva

• La Bretelle – A gay bar suited to both men and women offers enjoyable live entertainment.
• Le Declic – A much-visited gay dance club.
• L’Evidence – A Geneva club that mostly attracts female clientele.
• Pretexte – A gay disco in which men can mix with other men.
• Sauna Les Avanchets – A men-only sauna.

Geneva Art & Culture

• Jet dEau – Geneva’s Water Fountain is a 140m wonder and the symbol of the city.
• Natural History Museum – Established in 1966, this popular attraction covers earth science and natural history.
• Grand Theatre de Geneve – An opera house that officially opened in 1876.
• Quartier des Grottes – Interesting shops and even more interesting architecture, including the les Schtroumpfs buildings built in the 1980s.
• Victoria Hall – Individuals looking for a night of classical music should check out Victoria Hall.

Geneva Events

Howl (literally) a collective goodbye to winter at the Geneva Winter Carnival in February, an ancient masquerade and procession culminating at midnight.

June’s Fete de la Musique is Geneva’s largest music festival, featuring over 100 acts gathered at various locations.

Carnivals, concerts, food and fireworks mark the 10-day Fetes de Geneve in August, capped off with raves on wheels at the Techno Parade.

If you like hippies and communicating with nature, don’t miss the Festival de la Batie in September. The outdoor festival and multimedia event is designed to raise consciousness about the role of art in society.

Commemorating the defence of the city against invasion in 1602, L’Escalade features a race, a torchlight procession of 1,000 marchers in period costume, and pretty much everything in between. December.

When To Go

• Geneva’s high altitude alleviates any extreme weather conditions, meaning summers are warm and winters mild.
• Rainfall can be expected year round, so don’t travel in summer hoping to avoid it.
• Enjoy the sunny days in July and August with the throngs of other visitors doing the same thing.

Getting Around

• Geneva is a public transportation paradise. There are frequent bus, tram, train and boat services to within a block or two of most city locations, and anyone staying at a hotel is entitled to a free daily travel pass.
• Geneva is mostly flat, and biking is a great way to get around.
• If you want to explore the mountainous countryside (and, let’s face it, you do), renting a car is the best option.

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General Information

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