A global financial hub, Geneva is the worldwide centre for diplomacy due to the presence of numerous international organisations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross. It is also the place where the Geneva Conventions, which define the treatment of wartime non-combatants and prisoners of war, were signed.

Geneva is also an important part of the offshore banking industry and is the city where the who’s who of the world’s rich list prefers to keep their money.

Things to do in Geneva

When in Geneva, there is always something exciting to do, day or night. From the guided walking tours organised by the Swiss tourist Office, to several walking routes that travellers can take at their leisure, to Geneva boat tours with on board dining facilities, Geneva has plenty to offer for tourists on land and water.

Some of the most popular tourist hotspots and those which tend to appear in every list of things to do when in Geneva are visits to Lake Geneva, the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, the Le Jet d'Eau and the l'Horloge Fleurie, the Flower Clock, a symbol of the renowned Swiss clock and watch industry, telling time since 1955.

For the history and politics buff, Geneva tourism offers the UNOG, Reformation Wall (Mur de la Reformation), Museum of Natural History (Museum d'Histoire naturelle), International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum (Musee International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge), Palais des Nations and the Museum of Art and History (Musee d'Art et d'Histoire) amongst various others.

Theatre and Culture on Geneva Holidays

Geneva is also renowned as a city of culture and theatre and no trip to Geneva would be considered complete without a visit to the Grand Theatre de Geneve and the Batiment des Forces Motrices. With a wide variety of shows from classics to drama and light comedy, theatre goers can take advantage of over 38 different stages offering a diverse mix of acts and performances.

The Théâtre de l’Orangerie takes centre stage in the summer as the host of various shows at the very heart of the Parc La Grange and is extremely popular indeed.

Geneva by Night

Geneva by night is certainly as interesting, if not more, than Geneva by day. With a wide variety of bars and nightclubs offering a social scene to match any of Europe’s leading tourist attractions. The Java Club, La Suite, the Platinum Club and the VIP prestige club are definitely worth a visit or two on a trip to Geneva.

There is also entertainment of the lighter kind with a number of cinemas showing the latest Hollywood releases along with art cinemas showing films from around Europe.

Geneva Events

Geneva gets it fair share of event centred tourism as well with various international events of pedigree being hosted in the city. Some of the events to add to your diary when holidaying in Geneva include the International Fair for Books held in May, the artbygenève International modern and contemporary art fair held in May and the Hope Festival (Fête de l'Espoir), a free festival where all artists perform free on a voluntary basis.

What is certain is that if you choose to spend your holidays in Geneva, there are definitely deals and packages available that will cater for everyone.