 Country: Switzerland Capital: Bern Language: German / French Currency: Swiss Franc |
Geneva is home to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross; it is also known as a tax haven for the wealthy. With credentials such as these it’s no wonder there is no shortage of fine dining, entertainment, and luxury shopping in the city.
Aside from this, Geneva has some very beautiful views. The mountains, the River Rhone, the Old Town, and Europe’s largest archaeological site are just some of the sites the city has to offer. The River Rhone divides Geneva into the Rive Droite and Rive Gauche.
The Old Town is situated on the Rive Gauche, along with the Cathedrale St. Pierre - its main feature - and which houses the Site Archaeologique. Numerous museums including the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO) and the Musee International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge, which tells the story of the Red Cross, are also located here.
The Rive Droite is a little more corporate; the International Area and many hotels are located here. The Palais des Nations is the European headquarters of the UN, and attracts many visitors each year.
For the best views over the city, go to the top of the tower in the Cathedrale St. Pierre, or view the port from the Ille Rousseau, a little island on the River Rhone. Fans of the outdoors have plenty of green spaces to choose from. Head to the Jardin Anglais (English Garden) containing the Flower Clock, decorated with over 6,000 plants, or to the beautiful Botanical Gardens.