Nested in the south western pocket of the country, Geneva is a town of beauty, chocolate, and a promise of peace. Crystal blue waters match the mountainous coastline and skyline. You can explore the city center and see the United Nations, or you cross the border into France and see the city from above. Packed in vicinity of so many other nearby cities, this is a perfect pit stop.

I went to Geneva during May 2015 for the World Health Assembly at the United Nations. I was able to spend two weeks in this city and completely immersed myself into their culture.

Taking a about a three hour train ride from Zurich (highly recommend), I entered the city through the main train station. I got a card for two weeks to take the train throughout the city, high I also highly recommend. I walked a few blocks and immediately see Lake Geneva and the incredible fountain, Jet d’Eau, one of the city famous landmarks. I walk a few more blocks to my dorm and drop off my bag and head for adventure.

Walking directly to the Garden Anglias on the Southside of Lake Geneva, I saw beautiful architecture, gardens, and waterfront activities. I stopped by one famous landmark’s – L’horloge Fleurie, the iconic outdoor clock made of flowers, located lakefront. I continued along the lake and was transported by water taxi to the other side of the city. I highly recommend this because the water is just spectacular and you can see the city from another angle.

When I stepped off the other side, I was greeted by gardens of the Parc de La Perele du Lac. Just a few blocks north east, I visited the botanical gardens in peak season.  

I continued through the gardens and was led to the United Nations, where I spent most of my days at the World Health Assembly. Its magnificent grounds are lined with world leaders, flags and a very friendly peacock. It is such a unique experience to see all of the world flags stacked in front of the United Nations.

One of the most unique features of Geneva is the art. Near the United Nations there is a famous sculpture called the “Broken Chair”, be sure to snap a picture of that. If you continue to walk throughout the area near the United Nations, you will see various headquarters for their branches sprinkled throughout the city. Throughout the entire city, you can walk and see historic architecture mixed with modern art.

After a long day of siteseeing, we took the tram to the entrance of Old Geneva, which sits at the top of a hill. At the base of the hill there is a park that has outdoor games, life size chess, and modern art. We continued to walk towards Old Geneva and saw the world’s longest bench snaking around Treille Promenade.  

Since Geneva is nestled between Italy and France it’s truly the best of both worlds. The first night I ordered a large pot of fondue. The perfect way to end an adventurous day.

The next week was filled with conferences. However I was able to sneak in some espresso, macaroons and gelato. I highly recommend Movenpick, where I was able to get a trio of gelato samplers.

During the weekends we spent traveling by bus to Annecy (1 hour ride), Mt. Blanc (1 hour and 15 minute ride), and Paris (3 hours by train).

One night I particularly recommend is when our group of study abroad friends went into a bar to get dinner. We were seated and a group of older men came bellowing in. They had just lost their rugby match and the team captains were dressed in lingerie, since they lost the game and a bet. We spent the entire meal learning about their lives and drinking beers with some friendly rugby players. Sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and relax to let the city show you around. 

Our last night we spent taking the city train across the border of France to go up into a cable car up the mountain to see Geneva from  Mornex. It was absolutely the perfect way to end my stint in Geneva.

Some other items I recommend:

Museum – International Red Cross Museum

Historic Site – Reformation Wall

Local Boutiques – La bohème