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Geneva Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Geneva Travel & Tourism, Free Geneva Travel Guide Online

Geneva Travel Guide, Geneva Vacation Tourism, Geneva Travel Information

Geneva Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Geneva Travel & Tourism, Free Geneva Travel Guide Online

It is hard to imagine a city more tranquil or more scenic than Geneva. Set on the banks of Lake L�man, the city looks out upon the snow-capped peaks of both the Alps and the Jura mountains, which seem to rise from the crystal clear lakes, the deep forests, and the exquisitely crafted countryside.

Geneva is ideally situated in the center of central Europe, making it convenient for travelers to work the city into their itinerary. Often the location of international treaty conventions, it is sophisticated, yet intimate, with a population of only about 180,000.

The city is divided by the River Rh�ne into two sectors: rive gauche and rive droite. The rive gauche holds most of the sights of interest to visitors, including the Jet d'Eau, a spectacular 400 foot geyser.

The streets are lined with numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels. Geneva offers more than 1,100 restaurants featuring a wide variety of appealing culinary specialties.

Of course, Geneva is also a renowned cultural center with over 30 museums, as well as theaters, galleries, and an opera house.

For those looking to add a little adventure to their vacation, nearby slopes provide excellent skiing. Numerous challenging golf courses lie in and around the Lake Geneva Region.

The city's proximity to France and Italy adds to its appeal for visitors seeking to make the most of their European vacations.

Geneva Attractions: Geneva Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Geneva Travel & Tourism, Free Geneva Travel Guide Online

Horloge Fleurie
This world-famous floral clock is located in the Jardin Anglais. The 20-foot face requires over 6,500 plants and features the worlds-largest second hand. This tribute to the perfection of Swiss timepieces changes its appearance as the seasons change.

Jet d'Eau
This fountain stems from when craftsmen used hydraulic pressure in their workshops. The original geyser occurred every night when they switched off their machines. Now the 460-foot monument is one of the most recognized symbols of Geneva.

Rousseau Island
This quiet garden area is a beautiful spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing and window-shopping. A statue of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, forerunner of the Romantic Movement, sits on the island.

Maison Tavel
rue Puits-St. Pierre 6
1204 Geneva (Old Town)
+41-022-310-29-00
This former private residence of the Tavel family and current location of the town museum was originally constructed in the 12th century. After several conservations and reconstructions, the museum now displays the urban history of Geneva and includes a giant model of the city as it was in 1850. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours can be arranged. Admission is free.

Saint Peter's Cathedral
This Romanesque cathedral was built between 1160 and 1232, thereby winning it the distinction of the oldest building in Geneva. The floral frescos and angels are actually modern reproductions of the originals housed in Geneva's main museum. Most of the religious artifacts were destroyed our stolen during the Reformation, but "Calvin's chair" remains. Be sure to visit the crypt lying below

Site Arch�ologique
Cour Saint-Pierre
1204 Geneva
+41-022-310-29-29 and 311-75-75
This is the crypt under Saint Peter's Cathedral. Explore this huge excavation and see how the church grew to its current size. Among other things, the crypt offers a peak a 4th century baptistery and 5th century mosaics. Open Tuesday- Sunday 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 2- 6 p.m. Admission is 5 Swiss Francs.

Mus�e de L'Art et d'Histoire
rue Charles Galland 2
1206 Geneva
+41-022-418-46-00
This museum covers all of western culture, from Greek vases to medieval art to modern sculpture. Being an encyclopedic museum, it also displays applied arts, such as furniture, silverwork, and weapons. Rooms are also set aside for prints and stained glass. The highlight is the altarpiece built by Konrad Witz in 1444. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The United Nations Building
This gigantic building covers the same amount of surface area as that of Versailles. It was completed in 1936, originally to house the League of Nations, but has been home to the UN since its inception in 1946. Guided tours allow tourists into this attraction that was once closed to the public.

Petit Palais
Terrasse Saint-Victor 2
1206 Geneva
+41-022-346-14-33 / 34
This art museum displays over 300 paintings including Renoir and Picasso. Open Monday- Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., plus Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free.

La place du Bourg de Four
Since Roman times this square has been the heart of the old town. Once the location of medieval fairs, it is now a favorite place to spend some time in at a sidewalk caf� and enjoy the atmosphere.

The Town Hall
La Place du Bourg du Four
One of the important buildings lining this square and currently the main offices of the local government. Concerts are held in the courtyard during the summer months. The "Alabama" plaque commemorating the fact that the Anglo-American conflict was the first international dispute settled here in Geneva.

Reformation Monument
promenade des Bastions
This menacing wall, built in 1917, is dedicated to the leaders of the international Reformation movement.

Golf
Route de la Capite 70
1223 Cologny
+41-022-735-7540
Geneva offers a large selection of golf courses. Roughly 10 miles from downtown Geneva is Golf Club de Gen�ve with 18 holes. It is open between March and December. Closed on Mondays.

Geneva Events: Geneva Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Geneva Travel & Tourism, Free Geneva Travel Guide Online

Independence Day Celebration
July 4th
Geneva becomes host to the largest American Independence Day outside the US, complete with fireworks and apple pie.

Geneva Festival
August 1st
F�tes de Gen�ve (the Geneva Festival) is the Swiss National Day complete with floats and fireworks.

La B�tie Festival de Gen�ve
August-September
Geneva swells with people as La B�tie Festival de Gen�ve brings in all kinds of live music and theater acts.

L'Escalade
December 11th-12th
L'Escalade is celebrated during this time to commemorate the Duke of Savoy's failed attempt to conquer the city in 1602. The inhabitants now mark the occasion by dressing in historical costumes and parading through the streets. Children also dress up and visit the candy stores that sell marmite d'Escalade, a small pot of chocolate filled with marzipan vegetables. These little confections symbolize a woman who killed one of the invaders by pouring a pot of hot soup from her window onto his head.

Cultural Calendar
Winter/Spring
These seasons mark the cultural calendar year for opera, theater, and concerts.

Fairs
Geneva is also home to various international fairs, such as International Motor Show, the International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Products, the International Fair for Books and Press, and the European Incentive and Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition

Geneva Facts: Geneva Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Geneva Travel & Tourism, Free Geneva Travel Guide Online

Country:
Swiss Confederation

Capital:
Bern

Time:
Switzerland uses Central European Time (CET). Hence, clocks are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Currency:
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc. Money can be exchanged at post offices and train stations, which offer similar rates to that of banks. Being one of the banking capitals of the world, ATMs are very common.

Weather:
For such a small country, Switzerland is marked by sudden and dramatic climatic conditions. In the North the weather is mild and refreshing. Towards the South, in the Alp area, the weather is warmer thanks to its proximity to the Mediterranean. Summers are normally warm and sunny, but the Atlantic and Mediterranean air currents make long range forecasts impossible. Travelers should bring good clothes and a jacket during the spring, summer, and fall in case of a sudden shift in weather. Year-round snow on the mountain peaks is something to consider if your plans include a trip into the wilderness. Winters are cold and require the appropriate coats, pants, and shoes.

Custom Regulations:
Everyone entering Switzerland must have a valid passport. Americans can stay for up to 90 days. Non-EU citizens are allowed to bring 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco, 2 liters of alcohol (up to 15%), 1 liter of alcohol (over 15%), and a gift allowance of 100sfr.

Banking Hours:
Banks are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some banks outside of major cities may close during lunch. Sometimes its possible to find some branches open on Saturday in the resort areas.

Electricity:
Switzerland uses 220 volts AC and the continental-style plug. If your appliance has a 110/220-volt switch, all you will need is a plug adapter. Otherwise a current converter is required. Pay attention to sockets in bathrooms and on trains marked "Shavers Only!" While these put out 110 volts, they will burn out with a more powerful appliance.

Tipping:
Tips are generally included in the service. Be sure to check your bill or ask, if necessary. Feel free to leave something extra if it seems appropriate.

Getting Around:

Train:
The Swiss railway is one of the best in the world. Every car is immaculate, often with fully automated features. Second class rivals most other European first-class trains. Fares work out to around 30sfr per 100k (60 miles). If you are traveling with a rail pass, remember that supplements are required on the private lines (mostly in the mountains).

Bus:
Buses take over from where trains stop. The bus and train schedules are well integrated, making it easy to catch connections into the villages.

Ferries:
Ferries cross Switzerland's lakes, but most are restricted to the summer season and are mainly for tourist use. While they provide beautiful scenery, people intending to get someplace in a hurry should look elsewhere.

Car:
Switzerland's road network is just as well planed as that of its trains. Driving in the mountains can be an invigorating (and hair-raising) experience. If you plan to drive in Switzerland, it is necessary to pay a 40sfr tax. A tax disc (vignette) can be purchased at gas stations, the border, and Swiss tourist agents abroad. Speed limits are 50k/h (30mph) in built-up areas, 80p/h (48mph) on main roads, and 120k/h (72 mph) on highways.

Walking:
Within cities, the best form of transportation is a good pair of walking shoes. Most all sights are within or near the old towns. For any longer trips, Swiss cities have safe, efficient municipal transportation services via buses, boats, and trams. Purchase single trip and day passes from machines or booths in the stations.

Geneva Kids Activities: Geneva Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Geneva Travel & Tourism, Free Geneva Travel Guide Online

Jet d'Eau
This fountain stems from a time when craftsmen used hydraulic pressure in their workshops. The original geyser occurred every night when they switched off their machines. Now the 460-foot monument is one of the most recognized symbols of Geneva.

Maison Tavel
rue Puits-St. Pierre 6
1204 Geneva (Old Town)
+41-022-310-29-00
This former private residence of the Tavel family and current location of the town museum was originally constructed in the 12th century. After several reconstructions, the museum now displays the urban history of Geneva and includes a giant model of the city as it was in 1850. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours can be arranged. Admission is free.

The United Nations Building
The title tells all. This gigantic building covers the same amount of surface area as that of Versailles. It was completed in 1936, originally to house the League of Nations, but has been home to the UN since its inception in 1946. Guided tours allow tourists into this attraction that was once closed to the public.

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