Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

The second largest city of Switzerland takes a lot of pride in its reputation as the world's “Capital of Peace”, and there may well be something to the claim–Geneva is home to over 200 international organizations, including the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross. That's why Geneva with a population of only 180,000 has earned its name as the world's “smallest metropolis”.

Geneva is ideally located on the shores of Lake Geneva. River Rhone meanders its way southwards. Mont Blanc in the distance looms over the landscape. If you are looking for a boutique experience, Geneva fits the bill. Designer items jostle for attention everywhere. Your eyes will pop at the edgy aesthetic of the watches on display. High-end services always just a few steps away make you feel pampered.

Getting around

• Lake Geneva

  Straddling the common borders of Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe and also the largest lake on the course of the Rhône. Against the dazzling backdrop of snow-capped mountains, flocks of birds flit across the broad, azure sky and white swans bob on placid water.

• Palace of Nations

  The complex was built between 1929 and 1936 to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations and today houses the European headquarters of the United Nations as a symbol of world peace. Located in the 25,000 square-kilometer Ariana Park, it contains four magnificent buildings: the Assembly Hall, the Library, the New Building on the northern side, and the Council Chamber on the southern side.

• Jet d'Eau

  A jet of 500 liters' worth of water squirts 140 meters high up into the broad sky has become the biggest eye candy on the shore of Lake Geneva. The world's biggest manmade fountain is visible wherever you are in the city, but the best vantage point is Bains des Pâquis in downtown.

• Musée Ariana

  It houses a superb collection of over 20,000 precious ceramics and pottery sculptures from the Middle Ages to modern times.

• St. Peter's Cathedral

  The origins of St. Peter's Cathedral go back to the 12th and 13th centuries. After repeated revamps over the centuries, it has become something that's a blend of different architectural styles of different periods. A flight of 157 steps leads all the way up to its top which makes for the most rewarding viewing.

  
  
  
• Fondue

  Two or three varieties of cheeses are melted in white whine, and a long-stemmed fork is used to pick up the cheese and spread it onto bread for consumption. The dish is considered Switzerland's national dish.