Geneva

One of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva is shared between Switzerland and France. Located on the north side of the Alps, the natural beauty of the lake and its surrounding area, make it a popular tourist attraction.Shaped like a crescent moon, Lake Geneva is home to different landscapes, depending on where you are. When coming from the eastern side, you can enjoy the breath-taking view of the Alps. While on the northern side, you can enjoy vine-covered slopes with villages and castles. The lake is also home to varied wildlife. The common buzzard and the red kite can be found in plenty.Covering an area of 7975 square kilometres, Lake Geneva is also popular for a number of water sports. From sailing, windsurfing and boating to rowing and scuba diving, one can enjoy a number of leisurely activities. Swimming events and yacht racing are two of the most popular events at Lake Geneva, and are major crowd pullers. In fact, the yacht racing festival is a much-awaited festival in the area where participants develop high-performance catamarans just to compete.

Geneva’s most treasured tourist spot is the Geneva Water Fountain, better known as the Jet d’Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. The Geneva Water Fountain was not originally designed to be a tourist attraction, though. Its creation as a hydraulic plant during the 19th century was to meet the city’s rapidly growing water requirements. It was observed that due to the shutting of the valves, the water pressure increased dangerously and risked serious damage to the turbines. A valve was created to ensure the release of said pressure, eventually leading to the birth of this unmissable wonder!Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PMEntry Fee: No entry feeLocation: Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Genève, Switzerland

Dating back to the 12th century, The Cathedral of Saint Pierre is perched atop the hill on which Old Town sits. This Romanesque-style cathedral was built over a span of 100 years and has gone through several renovations since then. Its present Neoclassical architecture is inspired by the 18th century. Besides the rich history that the church has seen, it also affords a stunning panoramic view of the city’s sprawl, including the massive Jet d’Eau.  Highlights: Although a lot of the church’s interior was destroyed during the many renovations, one altarpiece from the 15th century still remains. It now rests inside Musée d’Art et d’Histoire. If you’re a history enthusiast, a trip to the St. Pierre Cathedral holds countless surprises for you.Timings: - 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM every day- 12:00 PM to 05:30 PM on SundaysEntry Fee: No entry feeLocation: Place du Bourg-de-Four 24, 1204 Genève, Switzerland

Also known as the Palace of Nations, Palais des Nations Geneva is the current home of the United Nations Office. Coated with grey heat resistant titanium, the modern architecture is set against the mesmerising backdrop of snow capped mountains. The building is standing in the middle of a 46 hectares of untarnished land which has been turned into a well manicured garden. You will find the garden peppered with some century old trees being flocked by vibrant and colourful peacocks.Hosting around 1 lakh tourists every year, the second largest United Nations Office is an architectural masterpiece. One can witness various different rooms inside the building complex which includes the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilization Room which is elegantly decorated by the famous artist Miquel Barcelò. You will also visit the Salle des Pas Perdus which will present you with the views of the rustic Celestial Sphere. Also, you will get the chance to witness the largest room in the Palais des Nations which is it Assembly Hall. Decorated with murals by José Maria Sert, the Council Chamber is also a major attraction of the building where numerous vital negotiations have been conducted.Besides this you will also go through the artefacts and the gifts presented to the United Nations Office at Geneva by various other countries without which your visit to the office remains incomplete.

Home to over 6,500 flowers and plants, the Flower Clock, better known as L’horloge Fleurie, features the world’s longest second hand, which measures 2.5 meters in length! Built in 1955, this giant clock is redecorated multiple times a year to represent each season. This scientific marvel is surrounded by floral beauty and lush greenery. Besides being one of the most famous places to visit in Geneva, the clock also commemorates Switzerland’s premium watch industry. A visit to this clock is like travelling to another time altogether! Highlights: The clock sits near the edge of the Garden Anglaise, and is hooked up to a satellite connection, which means it always shows the accurate time! The floral arrangements around the clock change every season. Timings: Open 24 hours every dayLocation: Quai du Général-Guisan 28, 1204 Genève, Switzerland

Facing the famous Parc des Bastions, the Reformation Wall is an international monument erected in the memory of the people and events of the Protestant Reformation in Geneva. Highlights: The monument features brilliant statues of some major Reformation figures of the 16th century, including John Calvin and John Knox, William Farel, and Théodore de Bèze. The Wall also features the motto of the city of Geneva, i.e. “Post Tenebras Lux” (After darkness, light), which was inspired by the Calvinist philosophy. Since Geneva played an integral part in the Reformation, the wall is dedicated to all those who were a part of the movement. There is also a celebration of the Reformation that takes place every year on the first Sunday of November. It is now one of the famous tourist places in Geneva.Timings: Open 24 hours every dayEntry Fee: No entry fee Location: Prom. des Bastions 1, 1204 Genève, Switzerland

One of the most visited tourist places in Geneva, the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent offers you a rare insight into the history of “The Humanitarian Adventure”. Highlights: One of the most prestigious organisations on the planet, the Red Cross Museum also informs you about the current scenario and hurdles of humanitarian action. Striving to defend human dignity, reduce natural threats, and restore family relations, the museum uncovers their innovative take on humanitarian history with an interactive chronology spanning 150 years! Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, every day except MondayEntry Fee: Starting from CHF 15 / INR 1,100 per personLocation: Avenue de la Paix 17, 1202 Genève, Switzerland

Spanning over about 25,000 sqft., Jardin Anglais also called the English Garden is home to the monumental L’Horloge Fleurie. Highlights: Designed to mimic a quintessential English Landscape Garden, the garden also houses beautiful floral arrangements which change every season! Switzerland is heralded for its extraordinary watch industry, and the Flower Clock built inside the garden pays a symbolic tribute to the same. The garden also consists of three busts to honour some of the most celebrated Swiss painters and sculptors, which is another work of art by itself. Yet another notable feature of the garden is the bronze ‘Fontaine des Quatre Saisons’ (Four Seasons Fountain). If you’re visiting the Jardin Anglais, you do not want to miss grabbing a quick bite or a cuppa at the Bateau Genève, which is really just a glamorous boat, offering you delicious meals that you can savour with the surrounding view. But don’t just take our word for it. Go see it for yourself.Timings: Open 24 hours every day Location: Quai du Général-Guisan 28, 1204 Genève, Switzerland