Things to do in Geneva
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ù bobba
A cultured crowd gathers at this dining spot near the opera house, decked in red and gold, oozing attitude and flaunting what must surely be one of Geneva’s hottest roof terraces.
reviewed
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Manora
Rather tasty buffet food, including extensive salad and dessert bars, are served at this quick-eat Swiss chain.
reviewed
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After the Rain Spa
Soothe urban body and soul at After the Rain Spa, a haven of peace and tranquillity in downtown Geneva, where the icing on the cake for chocolate fiends has to be a body wrap in creamy milk chocolate (Sfr140, 45 minutes) or – even better – a good old soak in a milk or white chocolate bath (Sfr180, 30 minutes).
reviewed
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Jet d'Eau
Calling the Jet d'Eau a fountain is an understatement. The water shoots up with incredible force (200km/h, 1360HP), to create a 140m-high plume. At any one time there are seven tonnes of water in the air, and much of it falls on spectators who venture out on the pier.
reviewed
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Globus
Designer shopping is wedged between Rue du Rhône and Rue de Rive. Globus is one of the main department stores. For designer secondhand, try Rue des Étuves.
reviewed
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Chamonix and Mont Blanc
9 hours 30 minutes (Departs Geneva, Switzerland)
by Viator
Cross the Switzerland-France border on this day trip from Geneva to Chamonix, one of the most famous villages in the French Alps. You'll drive through the mount…Not LP reviewed
from USD$254.54 -
Day Trip to Gruyères including Golden Panoramic Express Train
10 hours (Departs Geneva, Switzerland)
by Viator
Set off and discover traditional produce while taking in Switzerland's landscapes on a full day combined coach and train trip from Geneva. Soak up the enchantin…Not LP reviewed
from USD$216.98 -
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Musée International de la Croix Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge
Compelling multimedia exhibits at the Musée International de la Croix Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge trawl through atrocities perpetuated by humanity. Against the long litany of war and nastiness, documented in films, photos, sculptures and soundtracks, are set the noble aims of the organisation created by Geneva businessmen and philanthropists Henri Dunant and Henri Dufour in 1864. Take bus 8 from Gare de Cornavin to ‘Appia’ stop.
reviewed
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European Organisation for Nuclear Research
European Organisation for Nuclear Research, 8km west near Meyrin, is a laboratory for research into particle physics and was founded in 1954. It accelerates electrons and positrons down a 27km circular tube (the world's biggest machine) and the resulting collisions create new forms of matter - in 1996 it created antimatter for the first time. The lab can be visited by a free three-hour guided tour; book at least one month in advance.
reviewed
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L’Adresse
Something of an urban loft with a fabulous rooftop terrace, it is all hip at The Address, a hybrid fashion/lifestyle boutique and contemporary bistro at home in renovated artists workshops. The Genevan address for lunch, brunch or Saturday slunch (a cross between tea and dinner, ie a casual evening ‘meal’ of cold and warm nibbles, sweet and savoury, shared between friends over a drink or three around 5pm) …
reviewed
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Day Trip to Lausanne, Montreux and Château de Chillon
9 hours (Departs Geneva, Switzerland)
by Viator
Explore the beautiful Swiss cities of Lausanne and Montreux on this relaxing and scenic day trip from Geneva. You'll drive through the beautiful Swiss countrysi…Not LP reviewed
from USD$185.69 -
CERN
Founded in 1954, CERN, 8km west of Geneva near Meyrin, is a laboratory for research into particle physics. It accelerates electrons and positrons down a 27km circular tube (the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s biggest machine) and the resulting collisions create new forms of matter. Three-hour guided visits need to be booked at least one month in advance and you need your ID or passport.
reviewed
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Bar du Nord
Bar du Nord, one of Carouge’s oldest, was known in the ’90s for its beach (yes, imported sand feature) and is now a stylish bar stuffed with Bauhaus-inspired furniture, the best whisky selection in town and a small courtyard terrace out back. It’s young, trendy, unpredictable. Best nights are Thursday and Friday with good music, DJs, lots of electro.
reviewed
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Geneva City Tour, Boat Cruise and Countryside
5 hours (Departs Geneva, Switzerland)
by Viator
Geneva remains a charming, cosmopolitan hub and the center of the world's peacemaking organizations. Accompanied by a local guide, jump a bus, board a cruise an…Not LP reviewed
from USD$91.80 -
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Palais des Nations
Home to the UN since 1966, the Palais des Nations was built between 1929 and 1936 to house the now-defunct League of Nations. Admission includes an hour-long tour and entry to the gardens, where a grey monument sprouts, coated with heat-resistant titanium, donated by the USSR to commemorate the conquest of space. An ID card or passport is required for entry.
reviewed
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Geneva City Tour
2 hours (Departs Geneva, Switzerland)
by Viator
This two-hour city sightseeing tour is a perfect introduction to Geneva. It’s especially great if you’ve just arrived in the city and want to get a lay of the l…Not LP reviewed
from USD$46.94 -
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Bistrot du Boucher
Beef cuts are the mainstay of this feisty meat number, a Parisian-style bistro with lace curtains, stained glass and art-nouveau wood. Entrecôte (sirloin steak), côte (side), carpaccio or tartare are served with a choice of sauces, fries or risotto and salad. Baby-cow lovers will love or hate the sweet tartare de veau (Sfr30.50)
reviewed
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Alliance Gourmande
A clever mix of old and new - beamed ceiling, leg of ham-strung bar and designer chairs - invites gourmands to feast on all things tempting and tasty (the ricotta-stuffed king prawns in a whisky sauce are irresistible). Inventive tasting sessions tickle the tastebuds and cooking workshops (around CHF10, noon to 14:00 Saturday) reveal some chef secrets.
reviewed
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Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise
Varies. 3-5 hours (Departs Geneva, Switzerland)by Viator
Take an afternoon tour of Geneva, and see the best of this cosmopolitan Swiss city by coach, tram and boat! With a knowledgeable guide on hand, you'll see excit…Not LP reviewed
from USD$67.81 Advertisement
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Le Palais Mascotte
Le Palais Mascotte, closed for over 10 years, was reopened as a resto–cabaret bar for over 30s. It has a great atmosphere, quite selective. A restaurant is on the top floor; cabaret, ’70s and ’80s music on the ground floor; and concert followed by ’90s music in the basement club, Le Zazou. Good fun!
reviewed
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Scandale
Retro ’50s furnishings in a cavernous interior bedecked with a fine choice of eclectic seating, including drop-dead-comfy sofas, ensure this lounge bar is never empty. Grub ranges from fully fledged mains (Sfr15 to Sfr20) to snack-attack salads, bruschetta and so on and happenings include art exhibitions, Saturday-night DJs and bands.
reviewed
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Cathédrale de St-Pierre
Started in the 11th century, Cathédrale de St-Pierre is mainly Gothic with an 18th-century neoclassical facade. Atop its 157-step northern tower, a stunning panorama of the city, Jet d’Eau and mountains fans out. June to September, organ and carillon concerts fill the place with soul.
reviewed
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Café de Paris
An impressive dining experience around since 1930, everyone here eats the same: green salad followed by entrecôte with a killer-calorie herb and butter sauce of legendary standing and as many supermodel-skinny fries as you can handle. Eat between wooden panels inside or on the buzzing heated pavement terrace.
reviewed
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Half-Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont Blanc from Geneva
7 hours (Departs Geneva, Switzerland)
by Viator
Cross the Switzerland-France border and visit one of the most famous villages in the French Alps on this half-day trip from Geneva to Chamonix and Mont Blanc. W…Not LP reviewed
from USD$177.34
