Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland, after Zurich, and boats a truly cosmopolitan and diverse base for some 200 international organisations such as the UN and Red Cross. The city has had a strong humanitarian role for major international negotiations, such as the Geneva Convention, which is why it is often described as the city of peace. The city sits next to Lake Geneva which hosts a vast array of international water activities and is just 45 minutes from some of the best skiing in the Alps.

When to go
If you are looking for a summer holiday, Geneva is perfect for cultural activities, festivals and water based activities on the lake. Temperatures are warm from May to September with averages of around 23 degrees. If you are looking for the perfect skiing base, then Geneva is great during the ski season from December to March.
Why Geneva?

Food and wine – Geneva is well known for its haute cuisine restaurants and bistros in the city and its surroundings. The most traditional dishes enjoyed by visitors to the city are filets de perches, the Longeole, cheese fondue, raclette, rosti and locally produced wines.

Luxury watches – Geneva is world renowned for its quality watch making and super Swiss precision. The city attracts thousands of wealthy tourists each year who want the best quality watches and mechanisms.

Business – Not everybody who visits this wonderful city is on business, but those who are probably work in finance. Geneva is an international hub of world finance with probably one of the highest ratio of banks in the city. It is known as the place to sign deals and to do business.

Art and culture - The Place Neuve was built outside the former ramparts and is the place of Culture for Genevans. It comprises the Conservatory of Music, the Rath Museum and the Grand-Théâtre, which is famous for its temporary operas. Victoria Hall, built in a Rococo style, is the main concert hall with 1850 seats with exceptional acoustics. Over 2,000 artists, orchestras and choruses have performed here. Today, the Victoria Hall is devoted to classical music performances. The Conservatory of Music of Byzantine style has the priviledge of receiving talented musicians, composers and orchestra leaders such as Hugo de Senger, Jaques-Dalcroze, Ernest Bloch, Henri Marteau and Ernest Ansermet. 

Lake Geneva – The lake is the largest freshwater lake in Western Europe and covers 582km2. The hub of activity on the lake in centred in Geneva where yachting and catamarans are popular pastimes. During the summer it is a common sight to see windsurfers, jet skiing, swimmers and kayakers all enjoying the lake and its beautiful surroundings.

Getting there
Swiss International Airlines operate six flights a day between London Heathrow and Geneva. The city is also easily accessible from other London airports, and all other major European cities. North American visitors are able to visit from New York, Boston and Montreal. Geneva is also easily accessible by train from mainland Europe, changing in France from the UK. For those wishing to drive, the stunning scenery through the Alps will have you believe that this is the only way to travel. There are a number of luxury car hire companies that are able to plan your road trip to Geneva for you.

Where to Stay
Geneva has an abundance of luxury 5* accommodation situated on the lake and in the city centre, including:

La Reserve Hotel & Spa, Route de Lausanne 301, Bellvue
Geneva’s premier hotel and spa, La Reserve is a destination in itself making it the ideal hotel to mix business and pleasure. Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, this luxury hotel offers a magnificent 2000sqm spa including an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool.

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Quai des Bergues 33
A 5 star deluxe hotel ideally located in the city centre of Geneva, close to the business and shopping district with an elegant ambience and friendly personal service. The hotel des Bergues is preferred by business travellers and leisure guests alike.

Hotel le Richemond, Rue Adhèmar – Fabri 8-10
This prestigious five star hotel has been in a prime position facing the famous Brunswick Gardens and overlooking the Alps, Lake Geneva, and the Old Town Cathedral for over 130 years. Easy access to the shopping district and the airport.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone, Quai Turrettini 1
The Hotel du Rhône is in the heart of Geneva's shopping and business district, at the tip of the lake, right across from the Old Town. Following total renovation, it offers new and magnificent rooms, parking facilities, private rooms for conferences and banquets.

Hotel d’Angleterre, Quai du Mont Blanc 17
Dating from 1872, wonderfully located on the shore of lake Geneva , the Hotel d'Angleterre is a magnificent blend of the great tradition of Swiss hospitality with the utmost in contemporary five star comfort with stunning views over the lake to the Jet d'eau and surrounding mountains. The celebrated, popular Windows restaurant also looks out over the lake to the distant peaks of Mont-Blanc, while the intimate Leopard Room bar is the perfect spot for meeting or relaxing.

Where to eat
Geneva has a wide variety of exclusive and luxurious restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy the most exquisite food the city has to offer.

Auberge du Lion d’Or - Ideally located in the heart of Cologny, the Auberge du Lion d'Or has become the place to be. Very well-renowned, the gastronomic traditional French cooking attracts more and more connoisseurs and 'bon-vivants' with its cuisine and also with its discreet and elegant service. On your arrival, you will experience the breathtaking view of the lake of Geneva. The Auberge du Lion d'Or also has a luxury catering service in Geneva and its surroundings.

Miyako - is a traditional Japanese restaurant located in the heart of the city. Miyako serves Sushibar and Teppan Yakin. Many specialities can be ordered such as Tempura, a specialty made of vegetables, prawns and fish, cooked in a light golden batter.

Domaine de Château Vieux - Located in the heart of the Geneva’s vineyards, the farm of the former Château de Peney destroyed by the Genevans in the 16th century is today more than a famous address due to its creative and inspired cuisine in pure gastronomic tradition.

Restaurant le Patara - The Hotel Beau Rivage has a restaurant in the heart of the city called Patara, extremely renowned by Swiss people for its excellent food and also its service.
Where to be seen
Senso - 18th century patio converted in a var-lounge, the Senso has a cosy and trendy atmosphere. You will have the choice of a wide selection of wines selected by the Swiss best sommelier of 1993. Liquors and cigars are also available à la carte and on request.

Le Leopard Bar, Hotel d’Angleterre - Comfortable piano bar with some entertainment in the evening. A favourite place for locals, with hand rolled Cuban cigars available on request. Drinks on offer include fine whisky, wine or even beer.

Nobel bar, Hotel de la Paix - The warm interior of the hotel bar invites guests to relax and enjoy fine cigars and a wide selection of vintage ports, single malts and exclusive liqueurs and brandies.

Platinum Glam Club - Ideally located in down-town Geneva on the Rhône river, this trendy club is reserved for a trendy clientele. You will leave remembering its good music, high quality of service and the original concept.

Don’t Miss
Saint Pierre’s Cathedral – On the Cathedral’s North Tower, you will discover a breathtaking panorama overlooking the city and the lake. The cathedral was built in 1160 and lasted nearly a century. Many events, such as fires, led to reconstructions which modified its design.

Jet d’eau – The familiar water fountain called the ‘Jet d’eau’ spouts a column of lake water as high as 450 feet in the air with a wonderful view of the Mont Blanc
Flower clock – Located on the Quai du General-Guisan in the “Jardin Anglais”, this masterpiece of technology and floral art is a symbol of the world renowned Geneva watch industry. The clock is more than 2.5 metres wide and has been in place since 1955.

City of parks – Geneva has 9 parks and each of them has its distinctive theme such as the Bastion Park with its reformation wall, the Eaux-Vives Park with its restaurants and the English Garden with its flower clock. There are also the Botanical Gardens, la Grange Park, la Perle-du-Lac, Rousseau Island, Bâtie Woods and the Alpin Garden.

Information in this guide was provided by Quintessentially Travel who provides exclusive travel to the world's discerning elite organising everything from flights, private jets, transfers, hotels restaurants, private tours and access to the inaccessible.

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