Geneva isn’t officially a global capital, but it certainly has all the hallmarks of one: it’s a wealthy, cosmopolitan, political centre, home to the headquarters of the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank and the Red Cross. While these may impress potential visitors, they’re probably not as appealing as all the chocolate-box-worthy photos of Geneva's location beside Lake Geneva, below the Swiss Alps. Geneva is known for its jewellers and chocolatiers, many of which you can find in the cobbled-streets of the Old Town, which is one of the largest in Europe. The accommodation in Geneva is fairly skewed towards those visiting for business reasons, although you can still find a handful of boutique hotels and plenty of five star grande dames.
Geneva has one of the largest historic centres in Europe, and has hotels to reflect its size. Staying in Geneva’s Old Town neighbourhood puts you close to many of the city’s major sights, while also putting you amidst historic architecture and alpine lake views. Old Town Geneva is one of your classic ‘stroll around and try to get lost’ destinations, with plenty to discover and be charmed by. It’s got a wonderful series of secret passages and underground pathways — though not all of them are open to the public, but they add an air of historic mystery. Gothic treasure, St. Peter’s Cathedral is probably the most popular sight, and fanning out from the cathedral square are the other squares, museums, galleries and major landmarks.. Underneath the cathedral is an archaeological museum, where you can see some of the cathedral’s 4th and 5th century mosaics. Around the corner is the Rousseau House Museum, the Museum of the Reformation, and the Museum of Art and History. If the weather is nice we recommend strolling the Promenade de la Treille, which offers wonderful city views, and visiting the English Garden and the Flower Clock. Stop for some people watching on Place Bourg-de-Four, one of Geneva’s prettiest squares.
The Eaux-Vives neighbourhood is one of the best places to stay in Geneva for families. It’s perfectly positioned, neighbouring the Old Town and the lake, and it is home to Geneva’s largest park, the Parc de la Grange (which is right beside the Eaux-Vives Park, which is right beside the Place des Eaux-Vives, or Eaux-Vives Beach). Eaux-Vives Beach is a 400 metre stretch of sandy/pebbly lakefront, with a water garden, rare plants, a park and great views of the Jet d’Eau. Away from the parks, Eaux-Vives has a modern, 20th century look, with shops and galleries to match — this is a fantastic spot for vintage shopping. The neighbourhood also comes highly recommended for eating and drinking, and in the summer there’s always something on!
Pâquis is a multi-cultural neighbourhood, which is located between the Rue de Lausanne, and the lakeside — quite convenient for the UN headquarters, the Palais des Nations. At one edge there’s a lake beach called the Bains des Pâquis — with a lighthouse and views of the Jet d’Eau — and at the other there are lots of restaurants and shops. It’s not just souvenir shops, either, Pâquis has vintage treasures, great book shops, toys, vintage odds and ends and jewellery. There is also a street of art galleries and design stores. Start your shopping trip on the Rue de Berne, and end up on the Rue de Pâquis. The Rue de Berne is also a great place for a meal. In the evenings Pâquis can be quite lively — this is where you’ll find Geneva’s red light district.
Nations is the neighbourhood around the Palais des Nations. There are lots of other NGOs with headquarters in the neighbourhood too, so there are plenty of impressively large international hotels in the neighbourhood, as well as aparthotels for longer stays, and some charming boutique options. The Nations neighbourhood has plenty of variety when it comes to restaurants, cafes and bars too. Families will like the area because it’s close to the botanical gardens, and within a short walk of the lake.
