Today, I take you with me for a brief but intense glimpse of the wonderful city Geneva, the second largest city in Switzerland after Zurich.
It will not be a complete tour guide, given the short time I had. My goal was rather to feel the atmosphere of this very pretty and rather chic city and to share with you my own impressions and also few things on what I was able to quickly learn during this short stay.
First impressions on the shores of Lake Geneva
My first immersion in Geneva was on the shores of Lake Geneva, a beautiful lake shared between the two countries France and Switzerland. On the station side, there are many high-end hotels. The weather being nice, I chose to walk rather than take a seagull, these small boats-ferries that allow you to cross the lake like for few francs the one way. It was a great way to start, with a breathtaking view of this vast expanse of water.
Geneva: Capital of Watchmaking and Diplomacy
Geneva is not just a beautiful city on a lake. It’s a true world center, and you can feel this impression. I quickly learned that Geneva is the most populous francophone city in Switzerland, located just on the border with France. Moreover, a large part of the workforce is made up of French cross-border workers who work in Switzerland to benefit from higher wages. Switzerland has also two other official languages : German and Italian.
Geneva is especially famous for two things: watchmaking and it’s international role. The number of world-famous watch manufacturers based here is incredible there is like : Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Chopard, Omega, to name just a few. The region is even called or nicknamed the Watch Valley. Beyond watches, Geneva is one of the world’s leading financial centers and a power in banking like Union Bank of Switzerland, Pictet & Cie or Mirabaud and financial services. Anyway, it’s a rich town.
Its reputation as a center of diplomacy is also very strong. Sources point out that it is home to the United Nations headquarters in Europe, The Palace of Nations, located in Ariana Park in Geneva, is one of the most emblematic symbols of the city’s international and diplomatic vocation. Built in the 1930s to house the headquarters of the League of Nations, it is now the second largest center of the United Nations after New York.
This majestic building embodies Geneva’s long tradition of neutrality, mediation, and dialogue on the world stage.Each year, it hosts thousands of conferences, negotiations, and international meetings, bringing together diplomats, heads of state, experts, and representatives of civil society.
A place dedicated to the promotion of peace, human rights and international cooperation, the Palace of Nations is much more than an administrative center: it is a living symbol of multilateral diplomacy and a key player in the management of major global issues such as disarmament, humanitarian aid and sustainable development.
You can even take guided tours in more than 15 languages and see exhibitions on human rights, as well as the sculpture of the Broken Chair that symbolizes peace and the fight against landmines.
The Broken Chair was made by the artist Daniel Berset in 1997. This 12 meter high chair evokes human suffering, the resilience of survivors and the urgency of acting to ban these weapons.
The International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is also based in Geneva and offers a moving dive into the history and humanitarian efforts of this global movement. It is located right next to The Palace of Nations. These are fascinating aspects of Geneva that I learned from sources, even though my limited time did not allow me to visit these institutions this time.
Discovering the emblematic sites in Geneva
The Jet d’Eau impossible to miss! one of iconic places to visit in Geneva
The Jet d’Eau is the most famous landmark in Geneva and one of the highest fountains in the world. The current fountain was built in 1951. It propels 5,000 liters of water per second at an impressive altitude. I read that it reached 150 meters, it is a considerable height!. It has become the main symbol of Geneva and is beautiful from every angle. The sources add that it is particularly beautiful at night when it is illuminated.
The old Town Geneva
After walking across the lake, I arrived in the old City, on the other side. It is the perfect starting point to explore the city. It is a charming maze of cobblestone streets, the largest historic center in Switzerland. I started by strolling all shops in the main shopping street, full of luxury shops everywhere and i was amazed by every brands.
In the heart of the old Town is the Place Bourg de Four. I read that it was the oldest public square in Geneva and the heart of social life. It is a picturesque square with cafes, fountains and historic buildings dating back to the 18th century. The sources mention that in the evening, its cobblestones are subtly illuminated to imitate a starry sky, with each cobblestone inscribed with a word in a different language, representing the international spirit of Geneva.
I also saw the City Hall of Geneva. Its construction began in 1405, with additions over the centuries. You can admire its courtyard and old cannons exposed outside. Geneva City Hall is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. This historic monument is the seat of the cantonal government.
The highlight of my visit to the old Town was the Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Founded as a Catholic church in the 4th century, it became a Calvinist church and home to John Calvin, a key figure of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The Reformation left a deep mark on Geneva. The cathedral is an emblematic monument and a pivot of the Reformation era. Everything is freely accessible, and even if the interior is not overly ornate, it is definitely worth a visit.
The sources mention that you can even visit an archaeological site under the cathedral, with Roman ruins, and climb its towers for a view of the city and lake. This is something I learned afterwards, but it makes me want to come back!
Nearby, I also saw the Wall of the Reformers. This imposing monument commemorates Geneva’s vital role as a center of Calvinism. It presents statues of key figures of the Reformation, such as John Calvin, Guillaume Farel, Theodore de Bèze and John Knox. The International Museum of the Reformation, which traces the history of this period through objects, books and paintings, is located just behind the cathedral and about 5 minutes walk from the Wall.
I also discovered the Promenade de la Treille. It is famous for being home to the longest wooden bench in the world. Called the Banc de la Treille or Marronnier de la Treille, it is 125 meters long and consists of 180 wooden boards. Dating back to 1767, this historic gem offers beautiful views of the Parc des Bastions and Place Neuve, and it is a perfect place to relax. Sources describe it as an architectural marvel that attracts visitors from all over the world.
So, is Geneva worth to visit ?
Well, a little. It may not have an overwhelming amount of classic tourist attractions like other big cities in Europe, but it is a very picturesque and pleasant place. The lake is simply beautiful. It’s probably a better place to work and earn money than as a tourist i was planing and still think about moving to live here due to the opportunities and the life comfort here .
But personally, I did not regret spending an afternoon in this beautiful city. This short immersion gave me a glimpse of its beauty, history and richness, leaving me with the desire to return to explore more deeply its museums, international institutions, or simply relax by the lake in summer to swim and do some activities like paddle.
Thank you for following this brief overview of my day in Geneva! I hope it made you want to discover this fascinating city.