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Geneva Hotels

Geneva Hotels - Shot of the "Jet d'Eau"  

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What's On?                     Overview                     Prepare                     Highlights 

Overview

Overview

With its cosmopolitan population and prime position on Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), French-speaking Geneva shrugs off traditional Swiss isolation. Absorb the international atmosphere of the home of the UN European headquarters strolling through its cobbled Old Town and pristine parks.

See

Stand in the spray of the Jet d'Eau (water fountain), jutting up from the lake just below the winding alleys of the Old Town and the St-Pierre Cathedral. Admire the ever-blooming Flower Clock and MAMCO's modern art gems. Brush up on international relations with a tour of the Palais des Nations.
Spend

Load up on appetising Gruyère cheese and Swiss chocolate from Globus or Manor food halls. Luxury boutiques from Gucci to Dior cluster around the Rues Basses. Rummage for treasures in the mounds of bric-a-brac at Plainpalais flea market or seek out fine art in the passageways of the Old Town.
Get Out

The Parc de la Grange is perfect for picnics with lake views and summer concerts. Ride a paddle steamer to medieval Yvoire or take a plunge in the lake at the popular Bains des Pâquis. Tropical palms thrive in the greenhouses of the Jardin Botanique, home to 16,000 species of plant.
Culture

The Grand Théâtre stages world-class opera and is home to the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève. Catch classical music at Victoria Hall or the dreamy Bâtiment des Forces Motrices (once a hydraulics plant). Le Contretemps and Le Sud des Alpes host weekly jazz concerts while big-name acts perform at L'Arena or the Théâtre du Léman.
Eat & Drink

With its international atmosphere and French, German and Italian influences, Geneva's dining scene caters for all. Exclusive restaurants line the quays while cosy bistros can be found in quaint Carouge. Tuck into hearty Swiss meals like fondue and cheesy raclette in the Old Town or sample delicious filets de perche infused with parsley and garlic on the brasserie terraces of the neighbouring villages such as Bellevue, Corsier and Hermance.

New Perspective

Feel giddy as you ride a cable car to the top of the Salève mountain, in France, a 10-minute walk from the border. Gliding up to 1100m in under five minutes, it provides spectacular views of Geneva and the lake, framed by the surrounding Jura and Alp mountains.

Prepare

Prepare

Bring a comfortable pair of shoes for lakeside strolling, a fondness for cheese-inspired meals and an open mind for Geneva's busy and babbling cosmopolitan way of life.

Geneva Year

Sway to the beat at June's Fête de la Musique, ride the big wheel at the Fêtes de Genève in August, watch the drama unfold at La Bâtie Theatre Festival in September and get the giggles at the Comedy Festival in October. Warm up for Christmas with the Escalade celebration in December and drool over Jaguars at the Motor Show in March.
Public Holidays

New Year's Day (1 Jan), Easter Sunday & Monday (Mar/Apr), Ascension Day (Apr/May), Whit Sunday & Monday (May/Jun), Confederation Day (1 Aug), Genevan Fast (Sep), Christmas Day (25 Dec) and St Stephen's Day (26 Dec).
Weather

From November to April snow often caps the surrounding peaks but rarely settles in Geneva. However temperatures can sometimes drop below freezing (average temperature 10°C). May to August are the warmest months with an average temperature of 23°C. With fewer tourists and mild lakeside breezes, the spring and autumn months are also good times to visit.
Electricity

230V AC, 50Hz, three-pin plugs are standard.
Dialling Code

+41 (national), (0) 22 + 7-figure number (Geneva).
Money

The Swiss Franc (SFr) is the currency. Euros (€) are also widely accepted.
GMT

GMT +1 (+2 in summertime).
Geneva Tourist Info

Geneva Tourism website

Fit In

With more than 80,000 foreign nationals, Geneva is used to all manner of styles, from Indian saris to Saudi Dishdashah. Dress to impress for a chic lakeside meal or spruce up your tie-dye for an evening of reggae in Plainpalais.

Highlights

Highlights

Sniff the fresh mountain air from the top of St-Pierre Cathedral, and dodge the spray from the soaring Jet d'Eau. Luckily, most of Geneva's sights are in the compact city centre.

Gape at the view from the top of gothic St-Pierre Cathedral, rising above the Old Town, and glimpse ancient mosaics down in its crypt. Sip cappuccinos in graceful Place du Bourg du Four or challenge someone to giant chess at Parc des Bastions. A few paces away, the Maison Tavel harbours medieval engravings, coins and furniture.

Cool off under the spray of the 140m-high Jet d'Eau and check the time on the Flower Clock. Feed swans at Ile Rousseau while paddle steamers glide from the elegant Jardin Anglais. World politics come together at the Palais des Nations, the UN European Headquarters, and at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. Science lovers should visit CERN (European Centre for Nuclear Research), just north of Geneva (advance booking required).

Sightseeing Tips

The majority of the attractions are within walking distance of each other, but it's easy to hop on a bus (remember to buy a ticket before boarding) if you get tired. Another great way to sightsee is by bike, with free bike rental shacks dotted around the city. Booking is recommended for groups taking the United Nations tour and most museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday.

Content provided by Frommer's Unlimited © 2009, Whatsonwhen Limited.