Geneva Classics

Visiting for the first time? A quick guide to the city’s top attractions.

This museum tells the powerful story of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, focusing on the organization’s humanitarian work throughout history. The immersive exhibits allow visitors to experience the challenges and triumphs of defending human dignity.

Cool fact: The museum boasts the largest collection of humanitarian posters in the world.  Created to inform and support people, or distributed on a larger scale to raise funds, posters have always had a direct impact on the organization’s ability to communicate.

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Lake Geneva offers scenic beauty and relaxation, perfect for a boat cruise aboard one of the Compagnie de Navigation de Genève (CGN) vessels. Cruises vary in duration and can take you to charming destinations like Lausanne, Montreux, and Evian-les-Bains.

Cool fact: The CGN’s Montreux paddle steamer, cruising since 1904, provides a glimpse into elegant, old-world travel on one of Europe’s most picturesque lakes.

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St. Pierre Cathedral is a historical gem in Geneva’s Old Town, with roots dating back to the 12th century. Known for its gothic and romanesque architecture, it was a major site during the Protestant Reformation.  Visitors can explore the archaeological site beneath the cathedral and climb the towers for panoramic views of Geneva and Lake Geneva.

Cool fact: St. Pierre Cathedral’s organ, installed in 1965, has over 7,000 pipes and is renowned for its rich, beautiful tones, making it a centerpiece for concerts throughout the year.

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Geneva’s Old Town is like stepping into a time warp, with its cobblestone streets, grandiose buildings, and vibrant squares. The Old Town is home to the longest bench in the world, perfect for taking a break and enjoying the view of the Parc des Bastions and the city’s charming architecture.

Cool fact: Every Saturday at 2pm, Geneva Tourism organized 2-hour walking tours of the Old Town. Get details here.

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Geneva’s Jet d’eau isn’t just a fountain – it’s an iconic landmark shooting water 140 meters into the air. Originally built in 1886 as a safety valve for a hydraulic plant, it became a permanent feature of the Geneva lakeside in 1891. Visible from various points in the city, it symbolizes Geneva’s industrial heritage and is especially stunning when illuminated at night.

Cool Fact: The Jet d’Eau pumps approximately 500 liters of water per second at a speed of around 200 kilometers per hour, making it one of the most powerful fountains in the world.

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The Palais des Nations, built in the 1930s, serves as the European headquarters of the United Nations. Originally the headquarters for the League of Nations, this grand example of 20th-century architecture hosts important international conferences and diplomatic meetings. Visitors can tour the Assembly Hall, Council Chamber, and view artwork from member states.

Cool fact: The Assembly Hall is one of the largest conference rooms in the world, seating over 2,000 delegates, and is adorned with murals by Catalan artist José Maria Sert, symbolizing peace, progress, and justice.

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