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One look at Geneva and you too will understand why the world comes here to solve its biggest troubles. The role is one that the famously neutral people of this French-speaking region don’t take lightly. They’re quite proud of what they call their “window” on the world’s economic, political, and social decision-making. The International Red Cross was founded here more than a hundred years ago. But don’t think you’ll only find a bunch of squabbling politicians. Lake Geneva provides a beautiful setting for boating and the city is safe and pristine – giving you a feeling that it hasn’t been touched for hundreds of years relfected through Geneva’s Vieille Ville or Old Town, with its cobblestone paths. And if you have an earth shattering conflict with one of your travel mates – you’ve got hundreds of professional negotiators within earshot!

Geneva Pictures

Things to do in Geneva

With its mild temperatures, Summer is naturally the best time to explore outdoors. Winter is the sports season in the Alps with temperatures roaming around the freezing mark. You’ll find the best deals in the spring (April-May) and in the fall (September- October) during the off-seasons.

Cathedral St. Pierre dominates the center of town where John Calvin preached from 1536-1564. Place du Bourg Four is the oldest square in Geneva. It was a forum for the Romans, a market during medieval times, and now it’s a tourist haven of shops.

Geneva has more than 100 art galleries displaying everything from Impressionist to contemporary art. The city also has more than 30 museums to satisfy your cultural needs. One of the most famous museums is Petit Palais, with it’s modern Picasso, Renoir, and Cezanne. The Museum of Art and History has everything from an Egyptian mummy to modern metal sculptures. For modern history buffs, there’s also the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, and for music lovers the Museum of Old Musical Instruments.

Nightlife in Geneva

Geneva has a good nightlife, but expect to pay for it. Like most everything else in Geneva, thanks to the influx of diplomats and the international community, going out in the city can be pricey. Two areas that bustle at night are Place du Bourg-de-Four and the village of Carouge, which is considered the area’s “Greenwich Village” and has a high density of bars and late-night restaurants.

Dining in Geneva

Thanks to the International population of Geneva, you can find a world of flavors to make your tummy happy. But as with most things in Geneva, you’d better have deep pockets. If you didn’t raid your Swiss bank account to feed yourself, you might want to try shopping at a supermarket for a picnic. Many of those same supermarkets also have cafeterias, where you can stretch your money. Also look to a boulangerie or patisserie for gourmet bargains. The most famous food in Switzerland, is chocolate. You can pick up the real deal, serious Swiss chocolate, at any supermarket. The famous, highbrow place to buy Swiss chocolate is Choclats Micheli on rue Micheli du crest.

Folks in Geneva like to say they have the best cafe scene this side of Paris. While the Parisians would be sure to take issue with that, per capita Geneva does have the largest number of restaurants listed in guidebooks. Check out Place du Bourg de Four for a cool place to sit and people watch.

Shopping in Geneva

Unless your name is Trump or you’re Paris Hilton or someone of that wealth, you’ll probably want to stay with window-shopping on the very fashionable Rue Basses and Rue de Rhone. If you’ve got to spend some coin, check out the flea market at Plaine de Plainpalais.

Geneva Travel Tips

• French is the main language of Geneva however most people speak English as well.
• There is a train offering direct trains to Paris, Barcelona, and many cities in Italy.
• The crime rate in Geneva is very low, but still be careful when walking around.