Geneva - Top 10 Attractions

The majority of the city is modern and sophisticated; however, the Old Town with its enchanting narrow streets and picturesque squares, is a welcoming contrast. The Old Town is full of intimate bars, bistros and fine restaurants - the best can be found around the cobbled streets of Vieille Ville.

City Landmarks: The city's best known landmark is the Jet d'Eau which shoots 500 litres of water per second to a height of 140 meters. The fountain has become a symbol of strength, ambition and vitality for both Geneva and Switzerland - (it's also Europe's most powerful fountain).

Attractions & Sights: Visit the 12th-century Cathedral St.Perre Geneva. A former Catholic cathedral, St Peter's became a Protestant church in 1536. For breathtaking panoramic views of Geneva and Lac Leman, climb the 157 steps that lead to the summit of the cathedral's north tower.

Geneva Old Town: When you visit the medieval old town, look out for the secret tunnels and underground paths. In the old days, these tunnels were used to prevent enemy attacks or to evacuate the city when under siege.

The most famous tunnel is the Passage de Monetier, located at Rue Perron 19, which is only open to the public for one weekend a year - during the Fête de l'Escalade (an annual celebration and procession of some 1000 people in traditional costumes. The parade starts in Geneva's old town - on foot or on horseback, to commemorate the victory over the troops of the Duke of Savoy in 1602).

Stroll from the centre towards the old town to view the Jardin Anglais with its famous flower clock, a symbol of the Swiss watch industry - it's located close to the water fountain and (on a good day) has outstanding views of Mont Blanc and the lake. Also worth visiting is Park Moynier, with the History of Science Museum - situated in the centre.

Patek Philippe Museum: Also worth visiting is the famous Clock and Watch Museum and the Patek Philippe Museum with its fine collection of 16th to 19th-century timepieces. The Patek Philippe museum houses over five centuries of watchmaking history and is located at Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, 1205 Geneva.

Visit the Swiss Alpes: If time allows, take a few days off to visit Zermatt and the Matterhorn, or the beautiful city of Lausanne or Chamonix. Due to Geneva's close proximity to the Swiss and French Alps, the city is an ideal starting point for adventures into the mountainous regions and surrounding areas. Geneva is also a gateway to many of Switzerland's luxury ski resorts, such as Zermatt, Wengen and Verbier.

With the help of Switzerland's highly efficient and extensive rail network, you should have ample time to day-visit the many fascinating cities, towns & holiday resorts surrounding the Geneva region. Top Tips: Take a lake cruise excursion from Geneva to visit the picturesque coastal towns and villages dotted along the lake - or for peaceful mountain walks, head to the Jura Mountains to the north of the city.

Shopping: Geneva is a well-renowned shopping destination; the city's main and most glamorous shopping area is between Rue du Rhône and Rue de Rive, where you'll find many chic and high-brand boutiques. For fine jewellery and watches, you won't be spoiled for choice at rue du Rhône.

For less expensive shopping, check out Switzerland's largest flea market at Plaine de Plainpalais. Every Wednesday and Saturday, and every first Sunday of the month since 1970, the Plaine de Plainpalais is packed with people and stalls selling antiques, bric a brac, old clocks, paintings, clothes and books, along with souvenirs to take back home.

Switzerland has a modern and highly efficient public transport system; and Geneva has an extensive tram and trolley bus transport network. The railway station (Gare Cornavin) is located in the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the lake and 20-minutes from Geneva's Old Town.

Public Transport: Geneva is a great city to explore on foot; however, the city's public transport is very convenient, consisting of an extensive tram and trolley bus system that weaves across the city quickly and efficiently. 4 tram lines complement the bus and trolleybus services - tickets and day passes are available from ticket machines in most stations and newspaper stands.

Busses operate from the main station (Gare Routiere) located in Place Dorciere, the bus station is also the starting point for organised sightseeing tours and day excursions. The bus network in Geneva is extensive, with regular bus service operating from 4:45am until 1:30am.

The Geneva City Pass: The Geneva City Pass is a great way to explore the top 50 attractions, including local transport, sightseeing tours, museums, art galleries, lake cruises and much more. The Geneva City Pass is valid for 1, 2 or 3 days - and includes unlimited free public transport alongside discounted entry to the city’s art galleries and museums.

Top Tips: In the summer months, city bicycles can be borrowed for up to 4 hours free of charge - the pick-up location is at Genev' Roule, outside the train station.

Taxi Cabs: Taxis in Geneva are readily available but are very expensive, and you will have to pre-book your taxi in advance; unfortunately, you cannot hail taxis in the street.

Water Taxis: Water taxies operate from 4 locations on the city shoreline. Water taxis offer a convenient and popular form of transport for locals to cross the lake - they also provide an alternative way for tourists to view the city and surrounding landscape.

The yellow water taxis are known as Mouettes and are modern, quiet and comfortable. The Mouettes depart approximately every 10 minutes from 4 separate city locations on 4 different routes across the lake. Top Tip: Hop on a Mouettes mid-morning (after rush hour) to enjoy a rountrip (self made-up) mini Lake Geneva sightseeing tour.

Geneva Nightlife Tips:

Nightlife in Geneva is lively and colourful, with plenty of happy party people and music from 'all corners' of the world. You'll find plenty of clubs, music venues, pubs and bars to suit most tastes - located throughout the city.

The lively district of Carouge is known as 'Little Italy' and the 'Greenwich Village of Geneva''. Here you'll find (a plethora) of trendy cafes, jazz bars, nightclubs and tapas bars, all dotted along Rue Vartier and Place du Marché. Onwards to La rue de l'école de médecine, here you'll find the less expensive bars and clubs, especially liked by students.

Top Tip: Geneva's clubs can quickly fill up, so don't arrive too late. The Old Town (la Vieille-Ville) - is full of smaller atmospheric bars and pubs. Visit the Place de l'Ile, an island in the middle of the river Rhône. Here you can choose between the lively modern clubs or the smaller intimate bars - located by the river, perfect for relaxing and chatting with friends over a few beers.

Geneva Cointrin International Airport (GVA). The airport is three miles (5km) northwest of Geneva city centre.

Geneva Airport GVA - serves as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet Switzerland. Geneva airport's location lies within Swiss territory; however, its northern boundary runs along the Swiss–French border, making the airport accessible from both France & Switzerland.

Direct flights are operated by Easyjet from London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester and Liverpool airports. Swiss International Air Lines operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Geneva Airport.

Airport Transport and Shuttle Services:
The most convenient method of transport from Geneva airport to the city centre is by train. All trains departing from or to Genève-Aéroport station stop in the city centre at Geneva-Cornavin rail station. The journey time is 7 minutes, and services operate up to 7 times an hour at peak times.

The CFF Railway Station at Geneva Airport is located next to the main terminal building - and is directly accessible from both the Check-in and the Arrival areas. Alternatively, public buses leave for the city centre every few minutes from the arrival and departure levels.

Car Hire: All major car rental companies are represented at Geneva GVA airport, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.