Known as the financial center of Europe, Geneva is a truly cosmopolitan city. Can a city with the world’s largest concentration of head offices of international institutions be a friendly and intimate city with beautiful nature? I would say yes.
Geneva has become a center of finance and diplomacy, hosting offices of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Red Cross and much more. With flights from all over the world and trains from all over Europe arriving in the city, it is said that “All roads lead to Geneva”. The city lies almost at the center of Western Europe, and only about 15 minutes from the border with France. Geneva is also rated as the safest city in the world, and despite its international importance, only around 200,000 people call Geneva their home. However, there is a lot more to the city than business and transport links.
The city’s location along Lake Geneva makes it a destination with plenty of stunning nature. Travelers can enjoy a walk along the harbour which overlooks the Jet d’Eau (Geneva Fountain), or even walk along a short path to stand in front of the fountain. A 25-minute walk from the harbour, you will reach Parc de la Perle du Lac (Park of the Pearl of the Lake) where you can enjoy an intimate moment in front of the lake. The lake is surrounded by the peaks of the Alps in the distance, including Mont Blanc and the Jura Chain where travelers can enjoy sailing in the summer, and skiing in the winter.
Geneva is also a great destination for history buffs. Enjoy collections of applied art and archaeology, weapons and antiquities at the Museum of Art and History. Then visit St. Pierre’s Cathedral, a 12th century romanesque church with Gothic elements which became a protestant church during the protestant reformation. The historic cobblestone streets in the old town also takes you through centuries of history and culture.
Travelers can also enjoy relaxing while admiring the scenery onboard one of the public boats that connect Geneva to the city of Lausanne, and other lakeside towns along the way. If you are continuing your journey across Switzerland, make sure to invest in the Swiss Rail Pass which offers unlimited public transit rides, including boats.
Where to Travel after Geneva?
Geneva is well connected to the rest of Europe and the world, and could easily be your first point of arrival into Europe. Here are some suggestions on what to do after visiting Geneva:
- Switzerland: Take a public boat to Lausanne for the views, then connect to one of the many trains headed to the many other destinations in Switzerland.
- France: TGV trains connect Geneva to Paris in just 3 hours. Or take a TGV train to Lyon and connect to a southbound train headed for the French Riviera
- Italy: Take one of the many trains to Milan