Geneva, The World Lives Here!

Museums are Geneva’s main attractions, but a tour of the lake is a fun way to see quaint villages or the Swiss countryside.

• Red Cross Museum: Do not miss it. The permanent exhibit is quite interesting and the timely ones are very good. Geneva is, after all, where the Red Cross/Red Crescent started.

• Reformation Museum: The city is also called “the protestant Rome” as Jean Calvin, along with Beze, Farrell and Knox where the leaders of the Reformation. Also, do not miss the Reformers Wall in the nearby Parc des Bastions.

• St. Pierre Cathedral: Geneva’s cathedral. Take the elevator for stunning views of both the city and the lake.

• La Rade with the Flower Clock: In the summer, this little waterfront park is quite lively, and a ferris wheel is in place. But one of Geneva's main attractions is the clock made with flowers. Kudos to the landscape artists!

• CERN: The recently renovated visitors center is beautiful, and it is shaped like the Accelerator that sits 300ft underground. When accessible, it is definitely worth a visit. Here’s where Peter Higgs theoretical predictions were experimentally confirmed into the boson that it is today deemed to be at the origin of our existence. It was, after all, nicknamed “God’s particle”!

• Old City: beautifully preserved with many restaurants. Extremely pleasant to walk around. Try not to miss it during the second weekend of December. The area plunges back to 1602 as it commemorates the “Escalade”, the Duke of Savoy's failed attempt to take the city.

• Rues Basses: Geneva’s main shopping area, just between the lake and the old city.

• Parc des Eaux-Vives et Parc La Grange: those two parks are located approximately a 15-minute walk from the famous “Jet d’Eau”. Quite remarkable for a good view of the mountains.

• United Nations: Yes, just like New York, Geneva is home to the United Nations. It was here that, under President Woodrow Wilson's idea, the Society of Nations was founded. Worth a visit but must be booked way in advance.

• Carouge: Just across the Arve River. A quaint village of Sardinian origin. Very walkable.

• Pâquis: This neighborhood sits between the train station and the lake, where the “Bains des Pâquis” are located. It’s a turn-of-the-century beach and swimming pool installation. Great views of the city, but remember that this neighborhood is also the red-light district!

• Yvoire: In nearby France. Beautifully preserved, although a bit touristy. Do not miss the “Jardin des Cinq Sens”, a tiny walled-in botanical garden.

Day trips:

• Yvoire and Chamonix (France)

• La Gruyère (Switzerland)

Switzerland is not a culinary mecca, but Geneva offers both international as well as local cuisine, such as cheese fondue and raclette. The countryside is peppered with French-style gourmet restaurants.

• Relais de l’Entrecôte: Only one thing to eat, a stake with French fries. Huge lines to get in and cannot make a reservation. Delicious!

• Café Papon: Classic bistro. Good for a quick lunch.

• Au Pied de Cochon: French-style restaurant in the old city. Beautifully decorated.

• Luigia: With its two locations in Geneva plus a few more around Switzerland, it serves fantastic Italian food. Quite big and noisy, but worth the trip.

• La Belotte: On the left bank of the lake. Extremely enjoyable during the summer because of its outside terrace. I love it!

• Cave Valaisanne: For your cheese fondue cravings.

• La Bonbonnière: Geneva’s most famous chocolate manufacturer. That’s where locals buy the “Marmite de l’Escalade” in December to commemorate the event that took place in 1602.