A city with a slight influx of tourists. Don’t let this make you think that it has nothing interesting to offer, quite the contrary. Geneva is a city of pleasant walks, areas for recreation and to see how this society that has adapted to various idioms of the major nations. The fact that different nationalities coexist makes Geneva a multinational country. Tourist Map Geneva is pleased to show you what you can do in this city on a holiday. The best of this tourist destination is defined in places for recreation and to give quiet and colorful walks, take into account the most outstanding festive events and the reputation they have gained internationally. Picturesque places where curiosity is heightened. And of course a good guide to know what to do in a tour in the famous Lake Geneva.
Tourist Map Geneva
On the shores of the lake stands this city, with a territorial extension of almost 16 thousand square kilometers. This city is small, but with an enormous projection worldwide. As a European centre, it houses important political headquarters, the most important of which is that of the United Nations (UN). Its history can be deduced from the toponymy of its name, of Celtic origin, but with a consequent frank and Roman influence. It is here where the popular liquor called gin was born. The curious thing about this city is the multilingual nature of its inhabitants. It is common to walk through its streets and hear its people speak in French, others in German, even Italian. Beyond the linguistic differences and their cultural inclinations, there is something that characterizes the inhabitants and that is their disciplined and discreet spirit, without leaving aside their cordiality and hospitality.
Their location at the foot of Lake Geneva provides interesting places to visit in Geneva. Its historic centre has a rich network of alleys that you can take even a whole day to explore. Its drinks, sweets, goods are displayed throughout. Of course, it enjoys wider spaces such as squares, parks, its historical centre and museums of different categories. Among the most popular events is Escalad, famous for its costumes that are displayed in an extensive procession in the best medieval style, marching to the rhythm set by the drummers. A lot of hot red wine as main fuel in this event you can enjoy in the bars you will encounter. In this order of idea we mention that Geneva is the scene of hundreds of international contemporary cultural events such as jazz, pop and rock festivals. Where the young tourist offer comes to life.
Tourist Guide Geneva
This Geneva tourist guide will be of great help in terms of access to its main tourists. Take this map of Geneva city centre and find out about all the variety of attractions so that you can choose how and where to have fun. You will enjoy from the historical architecture to the contemporary art of its galleries, its bars and restaurants, as well as workshops of craftsmen, restorers, watchmaker among other curiosities. Its bars and restaurants are scattered all over the city and the nightlife gets stronger in the summer season. From the moment you set foot in the airport any direction leads to fun. You can rent bicycles and even hire a tour in a tourist bus. Most of the museums are free of charge, but those that are not in season usually have discount coupons and even pass memberships, and these can be purchased at the Geneva tourist office.
What to see in Geneva
Lake Geneva
It is the largest reservoir in central Europe. France makes shared use of it. A walk by boat or by land will give you the opportunity to see picturesque wooden houses. In addition, there are several vineyards. The backdrop of this lake is the Swiss Alps, so you’d better have your camera charged for some magazine cover photos. Its beauty is enhanced by numerous sailing ships and medieval buildings. If you look back you can see the city and its surroundings reflected in the lake as if an immense mirror were at its feet, and even the reflection of its trains in the middle of its journey. In May, the shores of this lake play the leading role in the wine festival, where various brands and promoters offer visitors their excellent wines in an atmosphere of hospitality and joy.
Jet d’Eau
It is considered to be the biggest tourist attraction in Geneva. It is a water pressure valve, at least that was its known function in the past. Today it is a fountain that discharges an impressive amount of water over a distance of 140 meters. The truth is that you have to take a look at this place to realize how majestic that spectacle is. At night this fountain combines some good light effects, it was definitely a good idea at the end of the 19th century. The day does not stop being interesting, and is that the pressure with which the water is expelled generates some showy rainbow effects with the conjunction of the water and the solar rays.
International Red Cross Museum
Nothing better evokes the spirit and the elevated consciousness of man than humanitarian aid. And the international Red Cross has its heart in this city. What better tribute than this museum to this extraordinary work of mankind? This building is located in front of the UN palace. The values of humanism are reflected in its permanent exhibition called “The Humanitarian Adventure”. This work is distributed in three levels of perspectives called “Defending Dignity”, “Reducing Natural Risks” and “Restoring the Family Ties”. These are works that lead the viewer to reflect and value the positive emotions that rethink our mission in this world. Among his most representative works is The File of the International Agency of Prisoners of War. Also in their exhibitions they review more than 150 years of their history through audio-visual methods with state-of-the-art technology.
Palace of Nations
It is the headquarters building of the current United Nations Organization. It is a monumental and modern building, whose shape emulates an arch or a horseshoe. Around it there are gardens with many trees, and also the famous Square of the Nations, with the flags of all the subscribed countries. Its visits are guided and have a value of 12 Swiss francs, with a discount for students. A tour of its facilities will allow you to see the headquarters of different organizations from different countries that live there, as well as its conference rooms. On this tour you have the opportunity to sign the golden book of peace. The opening to the public is every day of the week, between 10 am and 12 noon, then from 2 to 4 pm, with special schedules for the months of July and August.
Bains des Pâquis
It is the most important place for a walk and one of the most beloved of those who visit Switzerland. This urban spa has piers where you can rest and let life revolve around you. Throughout the year it has a significant influx of tourists. Many dare to confirm this site among the most beautiful of its European objectives to visit. The views are beautiful during the winter season, and the night is not bad during different seasons thanks to its lighting. Beyond its beach, the option to diversify with the Hamman or Turkish bath, which at any time of year offers the visitor a detoxifying and relaxing time. It has a panoramic view of the lake and of course the Jet d’Eau water fountain.
Castle of Chillon
On the shores of Lake Geneva is this historic site, subject to a set of rocky forms. It is one of the most visited places in Switzerland. Nearly half a million people pass through here every year. The site is home to several prehistoric settlements. For many centuries, this enclave played a leading role in the lake’s activity. The castle has been in the hands of several nobles over the years, mainly the Counts of Savoy. Beneath it, you can see vaults, and inside you can see its rooms and quarters, with the characteristic style of its last occupants, the Bernese. It has a walled complex and dozens of defensive buildings, as well as courtyards in and around it. Day trips can be scheduled and various cultural and artistic events are expected throughout the year.
Saint-Pierre Cathedral
It forms the centre of worship and history of the city, and is the symbol of Christian reformism when it was taken over as a Protestant centre of worship by Calvin. Its construction dates back to the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th century. On the same site and in earlier times numerous churches had been erected and their vestiges can be found on a visit inside the present cathedral. The visits extend to its two towers and the value per person is 5 francs. From there you get one of the best views of the whole city. The curious thing is that one of its towers, at the top of the same located to the north is a toilet with practically the best view of the city. Access is daily from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Anglais Garden
On the shores of Lake Geneva is one of the most colorful and popular green areas for visitors. Founded in the middle of the 19th century, this site has always been a meeting point for city dwellers. Its main attraction is the flower clock. It is a huge clock of 5 meters of diameter and its creation from 1955 was devised as a tribute to the industry of the Swiss clocks. Besides, it represents the punctuality that characterizes its inhabitants. A tour full of colors and time measured thanks to this attraction will surely give you a taste of experience. Its ornamentation varies in 4 occasions along the year. The season is the one that marks the tonality and shades of colors of the moment.
Museum of Art and History of Geneva
It is located a short distance from the cathedral of Saint-Pierre. Its construction dates from the beginning of the 20th century and consists of 5 levels. Thousands of works of art from different disciplines and artistic, historical and cultural aspects are distributed inside. It has an archeology section where objects dating from prehistoric times, through the different ages to ancient times are displayed. The section of applied arts exhibits a variety of textile objects, labor artifacts and weapons that date from medieval times to the present day. The Fine Arts section is composed of more than 6 thousand paintings taking as a historical base the 15th century until the present day by different renowned artists such as Picasso, Renoir, Monet among others. You can also see various sculptures along its corridors as well as an old altarpiece from the cathedral of Saint-Pierre.
Map of Hotels in Geneva
Consider each part of Geneva. Maybe you’ll like the French-speaking area, or the German one, or who knows. In any case, it’s a city that, thanks to its size, is not complicated to navigate. Thanks to this the search for accommodation is not so complicated there are many types of accommodation from youth hostels to luxury hotels. Hotel map Geneva gives an interactive look at all these alternatives, in this case we recommend the Rotary Geneva Mgallery By Sofitel, is a 5-star hotel and is the ultimate expression of cleanliness, care and hospitality with all the amenities included in a sophisticated hotel. It has Wifi in all the enclosure, its rooms provided with an elegant furniture, it is the perfect place after a day of walk. In its privacy you can taste what its minibars and cafes have to offer.