Visit Lake Geneva Switzerland

The small metropolis of Geneva is set at the tip of crescent-shaped Lake Geneva (or as it is otherwise known, Lac Leman) in the most enchanting countryside in Europe, featuring some of the great sights in Switzerland, surrounded by rolling hills with a view of the majestic peaks of the French Alps in the distance.

Geneva, one of the finest Switzerland cities, is characterized by its international population and although in Switzerland, the main language spoken is French. It is home to around 200 international Organizations such as the European headquarters of the United Nations and the International Red Cross. Legendary Swiss watch brands like Rolex, Patek Phillippe, and Piaget can be found in Geneva.

Situated in a lush green area, the city itself is bustling and business-like. But Geneva’s residents and visitors are blessed with many parks and walking trails to enjoy the beauty of the area and some of the most beautiful sights in Switzerland. And actually, walking is the most practical way to get around. The city is divided by Lake Geneva and the Rhône River into the Right and Left Banks , and the famous Jet d’Eau, a huge fountain spouting water 140 m into the air over Lake Geneva and is the signature of the city, can be seen from most parts of one of the great Switzerland cities.

Genève Tourisme & Bureau des Congrès
rue du Mont-Blanc 18
Case postale 1602
1211 Genève 1
Tel. +41 (0)22 909 70 00

What to do in Geneva

The Left Bank is where you will find Old Town, with its major shopping streets, the famous Flower Clock (one of the famous sights in Switzerland), and several important museums. In the Old Town tourists can explore ancient streets, art galleries, antique shops, bookstores, and charming bistros. Here, too, is the house in which the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born.

The Right Bank is home to major international organizations, including the United Nations and International Red Cross, and several attractive parks. In addition, it is known for its jewelers and watchmakers.

Palais des Nations is the headquarters of the United Nations (UNO) in Europe. Surrounded by ancient trees and modern monuments, the buildings comprise the second largest complex in Europe after Versailles. The United Nations Office at Geneva is the most important UN Center after New York headquarters and the most active international conference center throughout the world.
Portail de Pregny
Avenue de la Paix 14
1211 Genève 10
Tel. +41 (0)22 917 48 96

Art and History Museum
Erected between 1903 and 1910 and designed as an encyclopedic museum, it covers the whole of western culture, from its origins to the present days.
Rue Charles-Galland 2
1206 Genève
Tel. +41 (0)22 418 26 00

The Museum of the Red Cross documents this organization’s history. The Red Cross was founded by Henry Dunant in Geneva in 1863.
Avenue de la Paix 17
1202 Genève
Tel. +41 (0)22 748 95 25

Rath Museum
This museum is one of the great sights in Switzerland and sets Geneva apart from other Switzerland cities. The first Swiss museum to be devoted to the fine arts, the Rath Museum displays large temporary exhibitions organised by the Art and History Museum. Built as a gift to the people of Geneva by two sisters, Jeanne-Françoise and Henriette Rath, and inaugurated in 1826, the museum was conceived as a “Temple of the Muses” embodying both French taste and the Italian style.
Place Neuve 2
1204 Genève
Tel. +41 (0)22 418 33 40

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The museum exhibits a broad range of works dating from the early 1960s to the present day. Its installations, videos, paintings, photographs, and sculptures come to Mamco on loan from public and private collections, as gifts, as artists’ deposits or as acquisitions.
Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10
1205 Genève
Tel. +41 (0)22 320 61 22

Ariana Museum
The Ariana Museum contains prestigious collections of ceramics and glass of the City of Geneva. It is the only museum in Switzerland, and among the most important in Europe, devoted entirely to kilncraft.
Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass
Avenue de la Paix 10
1202 Genève
Tel. +41 (0)22 418 54 50

Archaeological Site of St Peter’s Cathedral
The space under Saint-Pierre Cathedral contains the remains of the many churches that preceded the current structure: the oldest of these dates from the late 4th century, providing evidence of Geneva’s pivotal role in the development of Christianity.One of the most significant sites of its kind north of the Alps, it is presented in several specially equipped spaces within the excavations, using cutting-edge museum technologies.
Cours Saint-Pierre 6
1204 Genève
Tel. +41 (0)22 311 75 75 or 74

Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens boast a collection of 16,000 plant species from all over the world. This truly living museum is divided into several sections: an arboretum, the rock garden and banks of protected plants, medicinal and useful plants, greenhouses, horticultural plants (including a “garden of scent and touch”), an animal park devoted to conservation and “Botanicum”, a family space, near the lake. One of the most beautiful sights in Switzerland.
Chemin de l’Impératrice 1
1292 Chambésy
Tel. +41 (0)22 418 51 00

The Flower Clock, in the Jardin Anglais, boasts 6,500 flowers filling an area 15 m in circumference.

Just outside Geneva tourists can visit several vineyards where grapes are grown on slopes overlooking Lake Geneva and the Rhône River. Lake Geneva stretches some 72 km, giving the city a resort-like ambiance. In summer, one can sail, row, canoe, water-ski, or participate in other sports.

Where to Stay in Geneva

4-Star and Luxury Hotels in Geneva

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues 5-Star Luxury $$$$$
Looking where to stay in Geneva? In the heart of Geneva, the city’s first hotel has been a landmark on the Rhône since 1834. Now, as the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, it blends a revitalised sense of history with the essentials of today’s lives: plasma-screens broadband internet and warm, sophisticated, intuitive service.
33, Quai des Bergues
1201 Geneva
Tel. 41 (22) 908 70 00

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhone Geneva 5-Star Luxury $$$$$
Located on the right bank of the River Rhône, theMandarin Oriental is nestled in a perfect location on the river, within a few minutes’ walk of the financial district and a short distance from many of the main city attractions. Recently refurbished, this historic art deco masterpiece is a luxurious combination of silk, Italian marble, parquet and leather, and is the undisputed, premier business hotel in the city.
Quai Turrettini 1
1201 Geneva
Tel: +41 (22) 909 00 00

Hotel D’angleterre 5-Star Luxury $$$$$
I am rather fond of the Red Carnation brand of hotels; I love the Chesterfield in London and I must say that I love this hotel as well. The Hotel d’Angleterre is a magnificent blend of the great tradition of regal Swiss hospitality with the utmost in contemporary five star comfort. The location can’t be beat and the room’s standard amenities include include 24 hour room service, minibar, plush bathrobes and slippers, twice daily maid service, and two direct dial telephones with voice mail. High speed internet access and WI-Fi are also available.
Quai du Mont-Blanc 17
1201 Geneva
Tel: +41 (0) 22 906 5555

Rocco Forte Le Richemond 5-Star Luxury $$$$$
One of the most prestigious hotels in Geneva, Le Richemond first opened in 1863 and was operated by the Armleder family from 1875 until its purchase by the Rocco Forte Collection in 2004.The hotel is located in the heart of the city, just minutes from the business, shopping and residential districts, with stunning views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. Following the refurbishment in 2007, Le Richemond has 109 spacious bedrooms including 21 suites.

Les Armures 5-Star Luxury $$$$
Les Armures Hotel-Restaurant is situated 5 minutes from the lake, local shops and the business district in a magnificent 17 th century residence. Room are decorated in either a classic or contemporary style, to match your taste. Its restaurant has a lovely terrace and serves typical Swiss and French specialties in a cozy setting.
1, rue Puits-St-Pierre
1204 Genève
Tél. +41.22.310.91.72

Hotel Bristol 4-Star $$$$
At the Hotel Bristol, you will discover a blend of unique antique furniture with modern tasteful design and up-to-date amenities. All 100 rooms combine classical elegance with spacious comfort. And the renovated duplex apartments and suites are perfectly designed for a longer stay.
10 rue du Mont-Blanc
Geneva
Tel. 41 22 / 716 57 00

Hotel De La Paix 4-Star $$$$
Hôtel de la Paix has reopened its doors after a complete renovation, as downtown Geneva’s premier boutique hotel. This luxury hotel’s 84 spacious new guest rooms and suites, including the legendary Grace Kelly Suite, offer the ultimate in comfort. The interior design is decidedly contemporary blends well with the building’s traditional charm.
11, quai du Mont-Blanc
Geneva 1211
Tél: 41 (0) 22 909 6000

Manotel Epsom 4-Star $$$$
The Manotel group in Geneva has 6 outstanding hotels in differing categories. We do not hesitate to recommend every hotel in the group. At the Epsom, you will experience the majesty of an exclusive four star hotel in a contemporary setting offering the ultimate in comfort and personal service.
8, rue Richemont
CH-1202 Geneva
Tel.+41 (0)22 544 66 66

Geneva 3-Star Hotels

Tiffany Hotel 3-Star $$$
This small boutique hotel is a true gem in Geneva. Each guest room is elegantly decorated with harmonious colors and materials inviting guests to relax and refresh. The Art Nouveau Tiffany restaurant offers a seasonal cuisine inspired by fresh and natural products, with specialities from the region.
1, Rue des Marbiers
Geneva CH-1204

Manotel Jade 3-Star $$$
Inspired by the principles of Feng Shui, which strives to optimize the flow of energy, the Hotel Jade offers a soothing experience of revitalising tranquility in the heart of the city. The light color scheme, air conditioning, and other amenities amke this a wonderful choice for the cost conscious visitor.
55, rue Rothschild
CH-1202 Geneva
Tel.+41 22 544 38 38

Restaurant Recommendations in Geneva, Switzerland

This is our list of restaurants in Geneva. It is not exhaustive, but we hope we have given you a good place to start. Be sure to tell us about your favorites.

Café de Bourg de Four
This traditional bistro and bakery has the perfect cafe ambience and the locals love it. Café de Bourg de Four offers a good selection of salads and entrees including fresh fish. Sunday brunch is the big deal, where diners can get extra helpings of Rà¶sti. Café de Bourg de Four has many offerings for vegetarians
13, Place du Bourg de Four
Geneva, CH-1204
Tel: 00 41 22 311 90 76

Café de Grignotière
Hotel restaurants are not usually anything to write home about, but the expansive terrace and excellent lakeside view make this popular Geneva café special. Café de Grignotière’s food is very good and the desserts are just like home.
19, Quai du Mont Blanc
Noga Hilton International
Geneva, CH-1201
Tel: 22-732-50-81

Cafe Creperie Saint Pierre
This casual café, located in the old district next door to Christie’s auction house, Is decorated as you would expect a creperie…charming and quaint. It offers outdoor seating in good weather with a great view of the cathedral just around the corner. The cafe also serves savory pastries along with its many versions of cràªpes.
Place de la Taconnerie
Geneva CH-1201

Domaine de Châteauvieux.
This wonderful hotel and restaurant is set in a 15th-century stone farmhouse within a vineyard in the countryside in Satigny. It is about a 15 minute drive from town. Châteauvieuxis the flagship restaurant of chef Philippe Chevrier It is in these historical surroundings that he develops his creative and inspired cuisine, highlighting the most exclusive products of the gastronomic tradition. Here, you will not have just a meal, you will have a dining experience.
Chemin de Châteauvieux 16
Peney-Dessus
CH-1242 Satigny – Genève
Tél : +41 22 753 15 11

La Taverne du Valais
It claims to have the best charbonnade on earth, and we agree. It is table grilled beef, lamb and other meat.
Créatrice de la Charbonnade
4 ch. des Sellières
1219 Aà¯re – Le LignonGenève
Tél. 022 796 23 23

Chez Ma Cousine
This unpretentious and inexpensive restaurant specializes in chicken – spit-roasted, curried or Thai – all of which are delicious, with yummy deserts to follow.
Multiple locations:

6 place du Bourg-de-Four
St. Gervais
rue Lissignol 5

Petit- Saconnex
2 chemin du Petit-Saconnex
Tel: 022 733 79 85

Maps of Geneva