Geneva is one of the most unique cities in Switzerland, located in the south-west of the picturesque Lake Leman. It is often referred to as the capital of the world, because it is home to the headquarters of major international organizations such as the UN and the Red Cross. Geneva, whose attractions are quite diverse in historical and cultural terms, is a very small city. Therefore, even if you stay here for one day, you will be able to see enough remarkable objects. And in order to make it easier for you to find the most interesting places to visit, we decided to make a special selection.
Mount Saleve
Mount Salev is over 1,100 meters high and offers beautiful views of Geneva, the fountain and Lake Geneva. And if you go there in clear weather, you can admire the Mont Blanc, Les Beaujeu and Les Born mountain ranges. Mount Salev is a kind of sports club for the Swiss: in the summer it is conquered by rock climbers and mountaineers, and extreme athletes rush from its slopes on a mountain bike or jump with a paraglider. Other residents prefer to climb the mountain on foot, armed with comfortable mountain boots. And if you happen to have a vacation in Switzerland in Geneva, be sure to visit this attraction.
Mount Salev is located 20 km from the center of Geneva, which, by the way, is already the territory of France. To get here, you need to find the number 8 bus at the central city station (Cornavin Station), which will take you to the final stop of Veyrier Douane in 20 minutes in 3 rubles. After getting off the bus, you will find yourself in a nice French village, from where, following the signs, you will reach the funicular that will take you to the top (13.6 ₣ in both directions). If you want to get involved in mountain hiking, then forget about the ski lift and follow the signs on the trail leading to Salev. A leisurely ascent of the mountain will take you about 3 hours, and as a reward for the way to the top, you can enjoy a unique panorama, as well as enjoy a French pie in a cozy restaurant.
You will be interested! The symbol of Switzerland — the Matterhorn Mountain – is the prototype of the famous Toblerone chocolate bar. Features of mountain climbing and educational facts you will learn in this article.
Same-Do Fountain (Jet d’eau)
Located in the heart of Geneva, the Fountain of the Same Do has long been a hallmark of the city, which attracts tourists from all over the world to see. The uniqueness of the object is that this natural fountain is located in Lake Geneva itself and shoots a powerful jet to a height of 147 meters. The same Do is especially beautiful in the evening, when spotlights are turned on to illuminate it.
Interesting to know! Initially, the tallest fountain in Europe was built not for beauty, but to ensure the smooth operation of the city’s hydraulic system, but now its view is enjoyed not only by locals, but also by travelers.
This landmark of Geneva is also good because it makes beautiful photos against its background: after all, the fountain is surrounded by a natural reservoir and framed by mountain ranges. And the swans that live here, which tourists love to feed so much, only serve as an additional decoration of the area. The Mini-Do operates in summer and winter, open from morning to late evening, so you can enjoy its beauty at any convenient time.
Location: quai Gustave-Ador / Jetee des Eaux-Vives, Geneva 1207.
On a note! Just 66 km from Geneva, Lausanne is located on the same lake, famous for its architecture, scenic views and excellent recreational facilities. Read more about Lausanne in this article.
St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Maccabees Chapel (Cathedrale de St-Pierre, Chapel of the Maccabees)
The main and oldest cathedral in Geneva, uniting Catholics and Protestants, began to be built in the 12th century. But in order to finally rebuild the temple, it took humanity about six centuries. That is why the building style is not one-sided and combines the best traditions of classical, Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Wars, fires, and additions and upgrades have changed the exterior and interior of the building. From the outside, the most notable changes were by far the construction of the south tower, the addition of the Maccabee chapel, the addition of a neoclassical portico, the reconstruction of the north tower, and the installation of a copper boom.
Inside the cathedral is the largest collection of Romanesque and Gothic capitals in Switzerland, and the stained glass windows are from the restoration work of the 19th century.
You should definitely look at the main exhibit of the cathedral — Calvin’s chair, on which the ideological and spiritual leader of Protestants of the 16th century once sat. While visiting this landmark, be sure to climb the temple tower, which offers a panoramic view of the Old Town.
Special attention should be paid to the adjacent Maccabee Chapel, built in the early 15th century. Its decoration is radically different from the main part of the temple. There is a riot of colors in the wall ornaments and artful stained glass windows.
- Opening hours of the cathedral are from 9: 30 to 18: 30 (Monday-Saturday), from 12:00 to 18:30 (Sunday).
- Access to the cathedral itself is free, but the ascent to the tower costs 5 ₣ for adults and 2 ₣ for children.
- Address: place du Bourg-de-Four 24, Geneva 1204, Federal Republic of Switzerland.
- Website: www.cathedrale-geneve.ch.
Patek Philippe Watch Museum
The exhibitions of the Patek Philippe Gallery occupy four floors. The first tier is reserved for a small cinema, where visitors can watch a film about the company, as well as get acquainted with various machines for making watch products. Here you can also watch a real watchmaker demonstrating his skills. On the second floor there is a gallery with a Patek Philippe clock from 1839-1989.
Climbing even higher, you will find yourself in the walls of the “Antique Gallery”, where exhibits produced between 1500 and 1800 are presented. Here you can get acquainted with automatic watches, look at beautiful jewelry, and also get acquainted with wooden watches made by the Russian master Bronnikov. The fourth floor is reserved for the company’s archives and library, where portraits of its founders and awards won by them at various competitions are presented.
It is forbidden to take photos in the gallery, and you will also be asked to take all your bags to the storage room located in the basement.
The Patek Philippe Watch Museum is a 20-minute walk from the city center.
- Open from 14: 00 to 18: 00 (Tuesday-Friday) and from 10: 00 to 18: 00 (Saturday). The gallery is closed on Mondays and Sundays, as well as during national holidays
- The entrance fee is 10 rubles, for students and pensioners-7 rubles, for children under 18 years of age — free of charge.
- Address: rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, Geneva 1205, Switzerland.
- Official site: https://www.patek.com/en/company/patek-philippe-museum.
Villa le Chene Botanical Garden
If you do not know what to see in Geneva in 1 day, then feel free to go to the Villa le Chene Botanical Garden. This natural park is considered one of the best in Europe. Spread over an area of 28 hectares, the garden has collected a collection of more than 16 thousand plant species. The territory of the park is divided into several thematic sections, among which it is interesting to see a greenhouse with orchids (more than 1500 species), a rock garden, a zoo and a zone with protected plant species.
This is a quiet, nature-breathing place, where it is pleasant to walk along the alleys lined with centuries-old trees. Be sure to visit the zoo and discover the local flamingos, peacocks and black swans. You can get here from the city center by tram number 14, which will take you to the UN building: after disembarking at the stop, turn left and in 2 minutes you will find yourself in the botanical garden.
- Access to the site is free of charge.
- The garden is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00 from October to March, and from 8:00 to 19:30 from March to October.
- Address: Chemin de l’Imperatrice 1, Chambésy, Geneva 1292, Switzerland.
- Website: www.ville-ge.ch.
Baths of Paquis (Bains des Paquis)
You may not notice this landmark in your Geneva travel guide, but it’s worth a look. After all, the Paki baths are particularly popular among all the baths of Lake Geneva. Located almost in the heart of the city, the baths are an artificial beach connected to the lake by a pedestrian bridge. Here the tourist has the opportunity to take a dip, sunbathe on the wooden decks or just enjoy the surrounding views for a leisurely walk along the embankment.
On the territory of the beach there is a lighthouse, a swimming pool, a sauna, a massage room and a cafe. This is a great place to relax right in the heart of Geneva. Many tourists note that in a local restaurant you can have a delicious snack and at the same time relatively inexpensive. The beach is very cozy and clean.
- The entrance fee is 2 ₣ for adults and 1 ₣ for children from 6 to 16 years old.
- Address: quai du Mont-Blanc 30, Geneva 1201, Switzerland.
- Official website: www.bains-des-paquis.ch.
Parc La Grange
La Grange Park is located on the left bank of Lake Geneva and covers an area of 12,000 square meters. meters. This is the landmark of Geneva, a full description of which can not be done without a photo. Imagine a wide green area flowing down from a hill to a pond, dotted with flower beds and a rose garden. The unique historical park has repeatedly won first places at various exhibitions thanks to its natural exhibits. Walking slowly under the foliage of hundred-year-old cedars among ponds and blooming gardens, tourists enjoy the original landscapes and deep tranquility.
Isolated in the middle of a park, Villa La Grange stands like an icon, partially protected on the south side by the foliage of majestic trees. On the same side were built utility rooms that retained their original layout: a residential building, a barn, a stable and a beautiful fountain with a double bowl. On the other side, the north-facing villa offers a terrace with views of the park and lake, as well as a facade of rare elegance.
In 1945, a large rose garden was laid out at the foot of the park, in the sun and protected from the winds, which marked the beginning of the Geneva International Rose Contest.
At the entrance to this landmark, you will be greeted by two huge lion statues, and at the top of the gardens you will find the ruins of an ancient villa left by the Romans. The park also features a swimming pool, a children’s playground, a restaurant, and a theater that offers free performances during the summer months.
- La Grange Park is open from 6 am to 10 pm.
- Admission is free.
- Location: Avenue William-Favre 1, Geneva 1207, Switzerland.
Museum of Natural History (Museum d’Histoire naturelle)
The Natural History Museum is a very informative tour that will be interesting for both children and adults. The exhibits are located on four floors of the building, have a beautiful design and original lighting. Here you can see dioramas and stuffed animals, birds, reptiles, insects, as well as see the skeleton of a dinosaur. The museum has a collection of minerals and precious stones, and in a separate dark room you can watch the glow of luminescent stones.
50,000 items (standard copies) are included in the collections. The attraction covers an area of 2000 m2. The museum’s scientists describe an average of 50 new species each year.
The only drawback of the gallery, according to tourists, is the fact that all the inscriptions to the exhibits are presented only in French.
- The property is open from 10:00 to 17:00 every day except Mondays.
- Ticket price: 10 rubles for adults, 7 rubles for students aged 18-25 and seniors.
- Address: route de Malagnou 1, Geneva 1208, Switzerland.
- Site of the tourist attraction: http://institutions.ville-geneve.ch/fr/mhn/
UNOG-Palais des Nations
Another attraction in the city of Geneva that any tourist traveling in Switzerland must visit is the UN Palace. It is a complex of buildings surrounded by a beautiful park, where each tree has its own sign and history. It also houses many sculptures that were donated to the UNN by various states. Travelers who have visited the halls of the palace note a special atmosphere: visitors seem to be joining something global and very important.
Tourists are only allowed to enter the ONN Palace with a guide. Please note that guided tours are only available in two languages: English and French. You can get here on your own from the Geneva train station by tram number 15. Be sure to bring a foreign passport with you, otherwise you will simply not be allowed to enter the building. In total, the ONN Palace tour takes about 2.5 hours.
- The entrance fee for adults is 15 rubles, for students 13 rubles, for children aged 6-18 years 10 rubles.
- The palace is open from Monday to Friday and offers the following visiting hours: in the morning from 10: 00 to 12: 00 and in the afternoon from 14: 00 to 16: 00.
- Address: 8-14 avenue de la Paix, Geneva 1211, Switzerland.
- Website: www.ungeneva.org/en.
Broken Chair Sculpture
What else to see in Geneva? Of course, the famous sculpture Broken Chair, located next to the ONN Palace. This composition is not installed on the square for decoration and has a deep meaning: it was created in order to eliminate the use of anti-personnel mines, because of which many people lose their lower limbs. The sculpture serves as a symbolic reminder to all politicians who are on business in Geneva. Initially, it was assumed that the Broken chair will stand on the square for only three months, but the composition has been here for more than 20 years.
The sculpture can be reached on foot from the station in 20 minutes, or take tram No. 15 or bus No. 8 and disembark at the stop at the ONN Palace. In addition to the chair itself, you can see a beautiful fountain and a cannon with a tied muzzle on the square, as well as walk along the alley with flags near the UNN building.
Where to find a tourist attraction: Place des Nations, Geneva 1202, Switzerland.
Parc des Bastions and the Wall of the Reformation (Mur de la Reformation)
If you have only 1 day left to explore the sights of Geneva, then be sure to pay attention in your guide to such a place as the Bastion Park. Once the city center was surrounded by bastions, a small part of which has been preserved in the form of a wall, where today a green park is laid out. This is a peaceful, peaceful island near the Old Town, perfect for relaxing after grueling excursions. It will be interesting to play big chess and checkers. The park is decorated with lush flower beds, small streams, gazebos and fountains.
Special attention should be paid to the Reformation Wall with monuments to the founding fathers of Protestantism (Jean Calvin, Oliver Cromwell, etc.). The wall stretches along the entire park, and the area in front of it is lined with interesting mosaics. In winter, everyone has the opportunity to go ice skating in the park. If you are hungry, you can have a snack at the small food stalls located at the entrance to the park.
Address: Promenade Des Bastions 1204, Geneva, Switzerland.
Lakerbad-Alpine resort with thermal springs
Bourg du Four Square
Located in the Old Town, the cozy triangular square is a great place to relax after exploring the surroundings of Geneva. In the center of Bourg du Four is an old fountain from the 18th century with drinking water and a sculpture of a girl-a monument to victims of violence.
There are several cafes and small restaurants around the square, as well as shops located in old but restored buildings. In general, this is a secluded historical corner, where you can make a stop and sit at a table in a cafe with a glass of soft drink.
Address: Intersection of rue Verdaine / rue des Chaudronniers, rue Etienne-Dumont, Geneva 1204, Switzerland.
Ethnographic Museum of Geneva (Musee D’ethnographie de Geneve)
This is one of the newest museums in Geneva and will appeal to all lovers of history and ethnography. Here you will have the opportunity to look at the everyday objects of the Swiss people that were used in different eras. The museum has a permanent exhibition, and admission to it is completely free. However, the gallery often hosts temporary exhibitions and some of them require a separate fee.
As a rule, this attraction has few visitors. At the entrance, tourists are offered an audio guide. After viewing the exhibits, everyone has the opportunity to relax in a miniature cafe attached to the gallery.
- Opening hours: from 11: 00 to 18: 00 (Tuesday-Saturday), from 11: 00 to 16: 00 (Sunday).
- The property is closed on Mondays and public holidays
- Address: boulevard Carl-Vogt 65, Geneva 1205, Switzerland.
- Website: www.ville-ge.ch/meg/.
Conclusion
Geneva, whose sights are sought by tourists from all over the world, will give you a lot of new knowledge and impressions. Of course, to really get to know the city and explore all its hidden corners, it will take more than one day. But with the right planning of excursions, you will have time to see a lot of interesting things in a day.
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