Most Interesting Places in Geneva

If you are to travel to the city of Geneva in Switzerland, what sights must you absolutely see?

We have compiled a list of the eight most interesting places that you should take the time to see in Geneva.

The UN Complex

The European headquarters of the United Nations continues to be the most popular tourist attraction of Geneva. Guided tours are available daily, and each tour can take you to various multimedia exhibits depicting the UN’s efforts to promote world peace. Points of interest in the UN Complex are the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber.

The Old Town

The Old Town is, as its name implies, the oldest district of Geneva. It was a major hubbub during the Roman times and still remains so until now. Everywhere you turn in the Old Town, you can see landmarks and monuments that attest to the age of this part of Geneva, mingling with modern cafes and bistros.

St. Peter’s Cathedral

The oldest and greatest treasure in Geneva’s possession is the majestic St. Peter’s Cathedral. The Cathedral is the result of painstaking construction that began in 1160 and took 400 years to complete, withstanding various fires and renovations. From its zenith, it offers breathtaking views of the city. Its basement houses an archaeological museum.

Reformation Wall

The Reformation Wall is a monument that visitors can find in Bastions Park. With larger than life statues depicting the likenesses of such personages as John Calvin and John Knox, the wall is a memorial to the major turning points of the Protestant Reformation, of which Geneva is the birthplace.

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, on whose shores stands the city of Geneva. The lakefront is the highlight of the city, and it is a great place to relax and take leisurely strolls. The view is magnificent, and it is best enjoyed spending casual time in one of the cafes on the promenades surrounding the lakefront. The Jet d’Eau, the tallest column of spouted water in the world and Geneva’s most famous landmark, is found here.

Rousseau Island

Standing in the middle of Le Rhone River, the Rousseau Island is a bird sanctuary and a place to escape right in the middle of the city. It was named in honor of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who was a native of Geneva.

The Paquis

Though more popularly known as the red light district of Geneva, the Paquis is a very colorful neighborhood where the diversity of the city’s population is most evident. There are many ethnic restaurants and shops in the Paquis.

Place Neuve

Place Neuve is the center of high culture in Geneva. This claim is corroborated by the fact that the Conservatory of Music, the Rath Museum, the Victory Concert Hall and the Grand Opera Theater are found in this square. The restaurants and cafes here cater to high-class clientele, mainly the artistic crowd that frequent the place.

These are the eight sights that you should not miss on your visit to Geneva. Make it a point to spend time in these places.