EXPERIENCE GENEVA
IT’S TIME TO
A PRICEY SWISS TREASURE
The city is famously positioned on the shores of Lake Geneva, Europe's largest Alpine lake, providing a picturesque setting that's ideal for boating, swimming, and lakeside dining. The Jet d'Eau, one of the city's most famous landmarks, is a massive water fountain on the lake, shooting water 140 meters into the air. Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Geneva is known for its refined atmosphere, high quality of life, and as an important global hub for diplomacy and banking - perhaps this is why everything is so expensive?!
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FUN THINGS TO DO
Lake Geneva is one of Western Europe's largest lakes, straddling the border between Switzerland and France. It is renowned for its deep blue waters and stunning alpine backdrop, making it a central piece of the beautiful landscapes of the region. It is a beautiful place to take a walk and watch the sunset, or chill at the lake when the sun is out!
Watch the sun set at Lake Geneva
Take a boat taxi across the lake
The boat taxi service on Lake Geneva, known as Mouettes Genevoises, is a charming and convenient way to get around the city while enjoying beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. These are small, yellow water taxis that have been operating on Lake Geneva since 1897. The boat taxis run frequently throughout the day, typically every 10-30 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. You can purchase tickets at ticket machines located at the Mouettes Genevoises stops, or you can use the Geneva public transport (TPG) tickets and passes, which are valid on the boat taxis.
Château de Chillon, or Chillon Castle, is a stunning medieval fortress located on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreux, Switzerland. The castle’s history dates back to the Bronze Age, with the first recorded mention in the 12th century. Visitors can explore around 25 rooms, including the Great Hall, the Duke’s Chamber, the Camera Domini, and the Bernese Rooms. Admission for adults: CHF 13.50. Students: CHF 11.50 (with valid student ID).
Immerse yourself in Swiss culture in Château de Chillon
Admire the science at CERN
The CERN Museum, officially known as the Globe of Science and Innovation, is a fascinating attraction located at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). The museum offers a deep dive into the world of particle physics, showcasing CERN's groundbreaking research and discoveries. Housed within the Globe, this exhibition explains the fundamental particles and forces that make up the universe. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors learn about the Big Bang, the Higgs boson, and the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. In Building 33, the exhibit takes visitors on a journey through CERN’s facilities, including the Large Hadron Collider. Both the exhibitions and the guided tours are free of charge.
Distance from Geneva: About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or 2 hours by train and bus.
Highlights: A famous resort town at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps.
Activities: Taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car for breathtaking views, exploring Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier, and enjoying skiing, hiking, or simply the stunning alpine scenery.
Visit Chamonix & Mont Blanc
Hike or cable car up Mont Salève
Mont Salève is situated just across the French border, a short distance from Geneva. It is part of the French Prealps and reaches an elevation of approximately 1,379 meters (4,524 feet) at its highest point. The mountain is easily accessible from Geneva. You can take public transportation to the base of the mountain, and then either hike or take the cable car to the top. The Salève Cable Car provides a quick and scenic route to the summit, operating from Veyrier, just outside Geneva. The cable car ride takes about five minutes and offers stunning vistas during the ascent.
Patek Philippe Museum: Showcasing the history of watchmaking and exquisite timepieces.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum: An interactive museum highlighting humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire: Geneva's largest art museum with extensive collections.
Visit museums such as Patek Philippe & Red Cross
Do a wine tasting at the vineyards of Lavaux
Lavaux is located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, stretching from the town of Lutry to Vevey. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its steeply terraced vineyards that date back to the 11th century. The predominant grape variety in Lavaux is Chasselas, producing white wines that are light, crisp, and subtly fruity. Vinorama offers wine tours by ebike, TukTuk and a walking tour of the vineyards, with a tasting. This costs around CHF 59 per person.