What is there to see in Geneva on my own?
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Geneva is one of Switzerland's most unique cities, situated south-west of picturesque Lake Leman. It is often referred to as the capital of the world: the headquarters of the most important international organisations, such as the UN and the Red Cross, are concentrated here. Geneva, with its historical and cultural attractions, is quite a small city. So even with only a day here, you'll still have plenty to see and do.
Mount Salev
The more than 1,100-metre-high Mount Salev offers beautiful views of Geneva, the fountain and Lake Geneva. And if you go there in clear weather, you can admire the Mont Blanc, Le Beauj and Le Born mountain ranges. The mountain is a kind of sports club for the Swiss, with climbers and mountaineers scaling its slopes in the summer and extreme skiers mountain biking or paragliding down its slopes. The rest of the population prefers to hike up the mountain, armed with comfortable mountain boots. If you find yourself in Geneva, you can't miss it too.
Jet d'Eau Fountain
Located in the heart of Geneva, the fountain has become the landmark of the city, attracting tourists from all over the world. The fountain is unique in that it is a natural fountain located in the very lake of Geneva, shooting a powerful 147 metres into the air. Jet d'Eau is especially beautiful in the evening when it is floodlit.
This Geneva landmark is also a beautiful backdrop for the photos, as it is surrounded by a natural pool of water and framed by a mountain range. The swans living there, which tourists love to feed, are just an added attraction. The Jet d'Eau is open in summer and winter, from morning until late at night, so you can admire its beauty whenever you like.
St Peter's Cathedral and Chapel of the Maccabees (Cathedrale de St-Pierre, Chapel of the Maccabees)
The most important and ancient cathedral in Geneva, uniting Catholics and Protestants, was started to be built as early as in the 12th century. But it took humanity about six centuries to complete the temple. This is why the style of the building is not one-sided and incorporates the best traditions of classical, Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Wars, fires, as well as additions and renovations have changed the exterior and interior of the building. On the outside, the most notable changes were by far the construction of the south tower, the addition of the Maccabees' chapel, the addition of a neoclassical portico, the reconstruction of the north tower and the installation of the copper jib.
Inside the cathedral is the largest collection of Romanesque and Gothic capitals in Switzerland, and the stained glass windows are from 19th century restoration work.
The highlight of the cathedral, Calvin's chair, on which the 16th century Protestant thought leader and spiritual leader once sat, is a must-see. When visiting the site be sure to climb the tower of the church for a panoramic view of the Old City.
The early 15th century Maccabean Chapel adjoining the cathedral deserves special attention. The decor of the chapel differs radically from that of the main part of the church. There's a riot of colour in the wall decorations and the elaborate stained-glass windows.
Patek Philippe Watch Museum
The Patek Philippe Gallery exhibits are spread over four floors. On the first floor there is a small cinema where visitors can watch a film about the company and view the different machines used to make timepieces. Here they can also watch a real watchmaker demonstrating his craftsmanship. On the first floor you'll find a gallery of Patek Philippe watches from the period 1839-1989.
If you stroll up to the top, you'll find the walls of the 'Antique Gallery' where exhibits dating from 1500 to 1800 are on display. You can check out the watchmaking machines and admire the beautiful jewellery. The fourth floor is devoted to the company's archives and library, with portraits of its founders and the awards they won in various competitions.
Villa le Chene Botanical Gardens
If you don't know what to see in Geneva in 1 day, then head to the Villa le Chene botanical garden. This natural park is considered one of the best in Europe. Covering an area of 28 hectares, the garden has a collection of over 16,000 species. The park is divided into several thematic sections, including a glasshouse with orchids (over 1500 species), a rock garden, a zoo and an area with protected plant species.
If you don't know what to see in Geneva in 1 day, head to the Villa le Chene botanical garden. This natural park is considered one of the best in Europe. Covering an area of 28 hectares, the garden has a collection of more than 16 thousand species. The area is divided into several thematic sections, including a greenhouse with orchids (over 1500 species), a rock garden, a zoo and an area with protected plant species.
Bains des Paquis
You might not see this landmark in your guidebook to Geneva, but it's worth seeing. The Bains des Paquis is one of the most popular bathing-places on Lake Geneva. Located practically in the heart of the city, the baths are an artificial beach connected to the lake by a pedestrian bridge. Here, visitors have the chance to swim, sunbathe on the wooden decking, or simply enjoy the views while taking a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
The beach also has a lighthouse, swimming pool, sauna, massage room and café. It is a great place for relaxation right in the centre of Geneva. Many tourists note that the local restaurant offers a delicious and relatively inexpensive meal. The beach is very comfortable and clean.
Parc La Grange
Parc La Grange is situated on the left bank of Lake Geneva and covers 12,000 square metres. This is one of Geneva's sights that can't be described in full without a photo. Imagine a wide green area flowing down the hill to the reservoir, dotted with flower beds and rose gardens. The unique historic park has more than once won first prizes in exhibitions of all kinds for its natural exhibits. Strolling leisurely beneath the foliage of century-old cedars amongst the ponds and flowering gardens, tourists enjoy the original landscapes and profound tranquillity.
Isolated in the middle of the park, Villa La Grange rises like an icon, partially protected on the south side by the foliage of majestic trees. On the same side were built the outbuildings, which retain their original layout: a dwelling house, a barn, a stable and a beautiful fountain with a double bowl. On the other side, to the north, the villa offers a terrace overlooking the park and the lake, as well as a façade of rare elegance.
In 1945, a large rose garden was planted at the foot of the park, in the sunshine and sheltered from the winds, which marked the start of the Geneva International Rose Contest.
At the entrance to this attraction you'll be greeted by two huge statues of lions, and at the top of the gardens you'll discover the ruins of an ancient villa left by the Romans. There is also a swimming pool, children's playground, restaurant and theatre which puts on free performances during the summer months.
Museum d'Histoire naturelle
The Museum of Natural History is a very informative tour that will appeal to children and adults alike. The exhibits are on four floors, beautifully decorated and originally backlit. There are dioramas and stuffed animals, birds, reptiles, insects and a dinosaur skeleton. There is also a collection of minerals and gems, and a separate darkroom where you can watch luminescent stones glow.
50,000 items (standard specimens) are present in the collections. The attraction covers an area of 2000 m². Museum 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 on the exhibits are in French only.
Place du Bourg du Four
This cozy triangular square in the old town will be a great place to relax after a walk around the Geneva countryside. The Bourg du Four has an 18th century fountain with drinking water in its centre and a statue of a girl as a memorial to the victims of violence.
There are several cafés and small restaurants around the square, as well as shops in old but restored buildings. All in all, it's a secluded historic corner where you can stop and sit at a table in a café with a glass of refreshment.
Musee D'ethnographie de Geneve (Ethnographic Museum of Geneva)
This is one of Geneva's newest museums, and is a favourite with history and ethnography buffs. Here you can see what the Swiss used to do in the various eras. The museum has a permanent exhibition, and admission is free. However, temporary exhibitions are often held in the gallery, and some require a fee.
There are usually not many visitors to this attraction. Visitors are offered an audio guide at the entrance. After viewing the exhibits, everyone has the opportunity to relax in the miniature gallery café.
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