Geneva Local History

During the middle ages Geneva was a border post of the Roman Empire and has been inhabitated for the past 12000 years. During the 18th century Geneva became the centre for banking and watch-making and in 1815 it joined the Swiss Confederation.

Geneva became the headquarters of the League of Nations, predecessor of the United Nations after World War 1.

Geneva Attractions

Geneva Shopping

There are numerous shopping facilities in Geneva, the most popular areas to shop in the city are in Rue Basses and the chic Rue de Rhone.

To experience true Genevan daily life visit one of the outdoor markets such as the flower market on Place du Molard. Regional Handicraft-work can be bought at the Place de la Fusterie and valuable "finds" can be made amongst old books, clocks, furniture and antiques at the Plaine de Plainpalais. The Old Town is also great for antiques, art galleries and typical bistros.

Geneva Activities

Mini-trains - meet at the Quai de Mont-Blanc at the Rotonde. This is a perfectly charming and unique way to get a great overview of Geneva. Choose from three different circuits through the city on the mini-trains.

Paquis Baths - Opened in 1932 the baths cover 6500 square meters, there are seperate baths for men and women, diving boards and a snack bar. The baths are hugely popular with locals and tourists and thanks to the installation of sauna rooms is open year round.

The Flower Watch - This huge watch made of flowers planted at the edge of the English Garden was created in 1955 to remind residance that Geneva is the birthplace of the Swiss clock and watch macking industry. The flowers are beautiful and the mechanical parts ensure that the clock actually works.

Geneva Parks & Gardens

Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Located 100 meters below the Palais des Nations, the park has aviaries, ponds, deer and flamingo parks and a tropical greenhouse.

Park la Grange - The park covers an area of 12000 square meters and has one rose bush per square meter with more than 200 varieties of roses. Decorated with pools and pergolas the flowerbeds are in the form of terraces with stairways of natural stone.

Geneva Beaches

Paquis Palge - Situated at Quai du Mont-Blanc. This is the laid back beach where locals like to hangout.

Geneve Plage - This upscale beach area offers a waterslide, olympic pool and volleball.

Geneva Restaurants and Bars

Thousands of restaurants serving a variety dishes from around the world can be found in Geneva. Regional and seasonal specialities are served with excellent Geneva wine. Traditional Geneva dishes are simple country-style cooking such as pork fricassee, braised beef and lots of fish from the lake such as char and trout.

Geneva Restaurants

Le The - Rue des Bains 65. This wonderful little Chinese Tearoom serves great food such as dim sum and steamed bread and a huge variety of teas. Closed Sundays, and call ahead if coming for lunch.

Cafe Babel - Place de Brunes 17. This restaurant cooks traditional Genevan, Swiss and French style dishes. Try its speciality, Rostis. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Restaurant le Kid - Bd Carl-Vogt 99. Great for fantastic vegetarian cuisine cooked with an international flair. Closed Saturday at noon and Sunday.

Restaurant Manora - Rue de Cornavin 4. This is a self-serve restaurant. A huge selection of salads, fresh juices and meals. Wheelchair accessible, open Mon-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 9am-9pm.

Geneva Bars & Clubs

Flanagan's - Rue du Cheval-Blanc 4. A traditional Irish pub with a sports bar, disco and live music.

Mr Pickwick's Pub - Rue de Lausanne 80, Les Paquis. This is the place to catch a game of English football and enjoy a plate of traditional fish-and-chips with your drink.

Arthur's - Route de Pre-Bois 20. This dance club with its multilevel dance floors plays all kinds of music from house to salsa. There is also a casino if you are feeling lucky.

Calypso Club Lounge - Route de St-Julien 7-9. This vibrant venue plays a mix of R & B and Afro-Caribbean music.

Sol Cafe - Place du Cirque 1. The cosmopolitan clientele of this club move and shake to the sounds of Brazillian and Latino music.

Geneva children's activities

Mini-trains - meet at the Quai de Mont-Blanc at the Rotonde. This is a perfectly charming and unique way to get a great overview of Geneva. Choose from three different circuits through the city on the mini-trains.

Paquis Baths - Opened in 1932 the baths cover 6500 square meters, there are seperate baths for men and women, diving boards and a snack bar. The baths are hugely popular with locals and tourists and thanks to the installation of sauna rooms is open year round.

The Flower Watch - This huge watch made of flowers planted at the edge of the English Garden was created in 1955 to remind residance that Geneva is the birthplace of the Swiss clock and watch macking industry. The flowers are beautiful and the mechanical parts ensure that the clock actually works.

Geneva Weekend Breaks

Top 10 things to do in Geneva for a weekend.

• Clock Museum
• Vielle Ville
• Maison Tavel
• Hotel Ville
• International Red Cross Museum

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