QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

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Geneva is the central crossroads of Western Europe and the city houses around 200 international organizations. Its humanitarian role in major international negotiations is widely recognised and explains why Geneva has been described as the city of peace. The city also offers a huge cultural variety with its 44 museums and Geneva boasts important public and private institutions and foundations. The financial district is also a part of Geneva’s life. As an open-minded city, it has a power of assimilation and integration making visitors feel welcome and at home.

GO THERE FOR

Business – Geneva is probably the city with the highest ratio of banks to the number of inhabitants. Finance is Geneva and Finance is Geneva. Many international deals are made in Switzerland. In 2007, 10 million visitors used the airport of Geneva.

Food and Wine – Geneva is known for its haute cuisine restaurants and bistros in the city and its surroundings. The traditional dishes are filets de perches, longeole, and of course cheese fondue, raclette, rösti and local wines.

The World of Watches – What would Geneva be without its watches! Worldwide known for being “Swiss made”, synonymous with high quality for their mechanism and brand.

A Centre of Art and Culture – The Place Neuve was built outside the former ramparts and is a place of culture for Genevans. It comprises of the Conservatory of Music, the Rath Museum and the Grand-Théâtre, which is famous for its temporary operas. A statue of General Henri Dufour, a national hero, stands in the centre of the square. The Victoria Hall, built in a Rococo style, is the city’s main concert hall with 1,850 seats and has exceptional acoustics, over 2,000 artists, orchestras and choruses have performed there. Today, the Victoria Hall is devoted to classical music performances. The Conservatory of Music of Byzantine style has the privilege of receiving talented musicians, composers and conductors such as Hugo de Senger, Jaques-Dalcroze, Ernest Bloch, Henri Marteau and Ernest Ansermet.

Carouge – This suburb was designed by Turinese architects and grew from the current Place du Marché. It is well-known for its low walled houses, galleries and secret gardens. You will find antique shops, restaurants, bistros and trendy boutiques. The atmosphere is known for its warmth and is often compared to a Mediterranean ambience.


DON’T MISS

Bâtiment des Forces Motrices – The Beaux-Arts style building built in 1886 is a former power plant which operated until the end of the 1980s. It has become a cultural and artistic hangout.

The United Nations – After New York, the ‘Palais des Nations’ is the second most important centre of the United Nations. The City of Geneva donated the park where the headquarters of the U.N. is located. Over 25,000 delegates meet here annually to negotiate for world peace.

Saint Pierre’s Cathedral – On the Cathedral’s North Tower, there is a breathtaking panorama overlooking the city and the lake. The cathedral was built in 1160 but events, including fires, have led to reconstructions which in turn modified its design. In the middle of the 16th century, the Reformation redefined the entire interior of the building which responded to their philosophy of austerity. The current façade is now in a neo-classical style which replaced the former Gothic one.

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

Place du Bourg de Four – This has always been the main meeting place in town thanks to its bistros. During Roman times, it was a centre for commerce and became in the mid-16th century a place to accommodate exiled Protestants. The constructions are renowned for their architecture and their well-located private mansions and flats.

Brunswick Monument – The Duke of Brunswick, after having been dethroned and chased from his country in 1930, took refuge in Paris and amassed a tremendous fortune as an extremely talented investor. Living his last three years of his life in Geneva, he asked the city to posthumously build “a mausoleum in an eminent and worthy location, executed according to the established concept by the finest artists of the time, without consideration of cost”. On the square of des Alpes, the Duke still has the privilege to benefit from an envious view. The square boasts an exact replica of the Scaligeri family tomb in Verona, Italy, made in the 14th century.

UNHCR: Visitors’ Centre and Library – The aim of the visitors’ centre is to inform the public about the plight of refugees worldwide and their activities. You will find diverse works about refugees, migrations, human rights, country information and legal publications.

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.


BASICS

Quintessentially Switzerland
Rue de Lausanne 69, CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 (0)840 311 311
Email: qswitzerland@quintessentially.com

Country Code: +41.
City Code: 22
Emergency: 144 (for police, fire or ambulance)
Official Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Currency: Swiss Franc CHF
Exchange Rate: Approximately GBP 1 = CHF 1.61, 1 CHF = 0.62 GBP
Time: CET (UTC +1), Last Sunday March – Last Sunday October CEST (UTC +2)
Geneva International Airport
General Enquiries: +41(0)900 57 15 00
www.gva.ch/en

Electricity: Switzerland's electricity is 220 volts, 50 cycles, AC. Some international hotels are specially wired to allow North Americans to plug in their appliances, but you'll usually need a transformer for your electric razor, hair dryer, or soft-contact-lens sterilizer. You'll also need an adapter plug to channel the electricity from the Swiss system to the flat-pronged American system. Don't plug anything into the house current in Switzerland without being certain the systems are compatible.


GETTING AROUND

By road - Heading south, motorists can pick up the "Route Blanche" on the city outskirts to reach Chamonix and Mont-Blanc within 1 1/2 hours, and Italy (via the Mont-Blanc tunnel) within two hours.
A branch of this same motorway offers rapid links to Grenoble to the south and Lyon to the west, with continuing connections on to Paris.

To the north and east, the Swiss motorway system provides fast direct links with Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux, Villeneuve, Martigny, Fribourg, Bern, Basel, Zurich and beyond.

Taxis services: +41 22 133 41 133

Driving in Switzerland - In town 50 km/hr. (some zones 30 km/hr.), outside built-up areas (national roads) 80 km/hr., motorways 120 km/hr. A tax sticker, "vignette", is compulsory to drive on motorways and semi-motorways. Valid for 1 year at CHF 40.– (on sale at post offices, garages and customs posts). The wearing of seat belts in vehicles is compulsory.

By train - The Swiss National Railroad system offers hourly links to Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Zurich and to the famous holiday regions of the Cantons of Vaud and Valais.
The city and airport of Geneva are joined by railway with more than 200 trains a day. Many international routes pass through Geneva to provide convenient connections across Europe.
The heart of Paris is only 3 1/2 hours away from Geneva by the high-velocity TGV. Reaching a maximum speed of 270 km/h (170 m/h), city-centre to city-centre travelling time compares very favourably with intercity flights.

By plane - A great advantage is the airport’s proximity to the city centre: 5 km (3 miles). A direct rail connection links the airport to the downtown railway station in 6 minutes.


WHEN TO GO:

- From May to September for the summer season, the cultural activities, festivals, fêtes de Genève, etc. Average summer highs peak at 25.3˚C/77.5˚F in July with the high staying above 20˚C/68˚F for most of these months.
- From December to March for the ski season. These months can be quite chilly with the temperatures teetering above freezing.

Public Holidays and Dates of Interest:
1st January – New Year’s Day
Variable – Good Friday
Variable – Easter Monday
Variable – Ascension
Variable – Whit Monday
1st August – Swiss National Day
Thursday after 1st Sunday in September – Jeûne genevois
25th December – Christmas Day


WHERE TO STAY

Glamorous

La Reserve Hotel & Spa 5*
Route de Lausanne 301, Bellevue
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, just 5 km from the city and 3 km from the airport and close to the main conference and exhibition centre, this luxury hotel offers a magnificent 2000sqm spa including an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool (children under 14 are not allowed in the spa).

Hotel President Wilson 5*
Quai Wilson 47
This elegant hotel, in the heart of the city and moments away from the international organizations, banks and chic boutiques, offers spectacular views of Lake Geneva, Mont-Blanc and the surrounding Alps. This 5 star establishment offers a world of unique privileges with its luxurious 230 bedrooms and Suites. There is an outdoor swimming pool and an exclusive terrace overlooking the lake, as well as complimentary access to the fitness centre accompanying the hotel.

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

Hotel Beau Rivage 5*
Quai du Mont-Blanc 13
Since 1865, the Mayer family have offered sophisticated hospitality in this residence that exudes charm and beauty, with an exceptional panoramic view. This peaceful oasis is located in the heart of the city, only 10 minutes away from the airport and the United Nations.

Hotel Le Richmond 5*
Rue Adhémar- 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. Just 6km from Geneva Airport and with the business and shopping districts of this sophisticated city only walking distance away, it is ideally located for business meetings and conferences.

Grand Hotel Kempinski 5*
Quai du Mont-Blanc 19
Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva is a 5 star hotel located on the shore of Lake Geneva, close to the city's commercial & shopping centre and only 15 minutes driving time from the airport and within walking distance from the train station. An indoor swimming-pool accompanies this hotel.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhone 5*
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 rooms, parking facilities and private rooms for conferences and banquets. Its Business Centre and Fitness Club make it the ideal rendezvous for business people. Comfort and tranquillity are guaranteed.

Hotel d’Angleterre 5*
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 and relaxing.

Swissôtel Metropole 5*
This luxurious and elegant mid 19th-century hotel overlooks Lake Geneva. Located in the centre of Geneva's financial and shopping district, it offers 127 comfortable rooms including 16 suites, all providing the latest amenities and technology.

Hotel de la Paix 4*
Quai du Mont-Blanc 11
With more than 100 years of tradition behind it, the Hotel de la Paix enjoys a spectacular lakeside location with unrivalled views of Mont-Blanc and the Alps. Situated in Geneva town centre the hotel is in the middle of shopping and business areas.

Jiva Hill Park Hotel 4*
The Jiva Hill Park Hotel is in the Geneva region and offers its business and leisure clientele a range of luxury services and amenities for relaxation, while conserving the intimate, personalised service of a charming hotel.

Boutique Hotels

Hotel Eastwest 4*
Rue de Pâquis 6
A home away from home in the heart of Geneva, Eastwest hotel offers discreet luxury and attentive service with the intimate atmosphere of a private residence. Behind the simple façade of a period building, the contemporary interior is rich in contrasts between East and West, blending simplicity and extravagance, tradition and technology. The central fireplace and the open-sky patio with its wall of water add to the warmth and character of this unique address.

La Cour Des Augustins 4*
Rue Jean-Violette 15
Situated in the vicinity of the Old Town, in the heart of the Augustins quarter, a few minutes' walking distance from the business and banking district, La Cour des Augustins is an ideal address for business people and tourists alike. This hotel, which boasts 40 rooms and apartments, combines comfort, design and the latest technology. It consists of two buildings dating from the 1850s which have been entirely renovated, and connected via an interior courtyard. La Cour des Augustins is a subtle blend of modernity and classicism, a concept based on the personalisation and the diversity of its interior design.


WHERE TO EAT

Glamorous

Auberge du Lion d’Or
Ideally located in the heart of Cologny, the Auberge du Lion d'Or has become the place to be. 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.

Caviar House & Prunier
One of the best seafood restaurants in Geneva: savour this delectable experience for tastebuds. Guests will enjoy the dishes on the menu from the famous salmon Balik, shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters and fresh Caviars. Gourmands and gastronomes, will not want to miss the chance to eat here.

Restaurant Le Patara
The Hotel Beau Rivage has a restaurant in the heart of the city called Patara, renowned by the Swiss for its excellent food and service.

Restaurant L’Arabesque
One of the restaurants of the Hotel Président Wilson is l’Arabesque, the best Lebanese cuisine in the city.

Restaurant Le Vertigo
The Hotel de la Paix offers its guests and clients a contemporary and comfortable restaurant. The chef Jerome Manifacier is taking the cuisine at this French/ Mediterranean restaurant to new heights.

Restaurant Le Loti
Located in the famous Hotel La Reserve, the restaurant Loti attracts guests with its atmosphere: bamboo knotted with leather, green and violet taffeta, copper and iron fireplace, rich brown woodwork and beige wadded lampshades. Le Loti gives you the opportunity to discover the passion of a chef for whom "good" means "simplicity of taste and excellence of products". Dishes include rack of Limousin lamb, veal chops, mashed potatoes with Bormane olive oil, Noirmoutier sole and truffle risotto.

Miyako
Miayko is a traditional Japanese restaurant located in the heart of the city. Miyako serves Sushibar and Teppan Yakin. Many specialities can be ordered including tempura, a cooking technique making use of vegetables, prawns and fish, cooked in a light golden batter.

Restaurant Le Tsé Fung
Le Tsé-Fung transports you across the world and offers traditional Chinese cuisine; discover their crispy duck, dim sum and their astonishing collection of vodkas. In fine weather, the Hotel La Réserve opens its magnificent terrace overlooking the park and the swimming-pool. Two rooms are available for private events.

La Chaumière in Troinex
Troinex
Michelin-starred chef Richard Cressac offers Mediterranean cuisine in a classical setting.

Auberge d’Onex
A rather selective clientele frequent this restaurant, appreciated not only for its delicious Italian cuisine, but also for the generous and familiar service. You can choose from among more than twenty kinds of pasta, specialties, white truffles and other gourmet dishes that change with the season. If a customer wants something special, the chef will do everything possible to please the customer. The dessert trolley is outstanding.

Auberge du Cheval Blanc in Vandoeuvres
Vandoeuvres
Excellent gastronomic restaurant with a classical atmosphere in the heart of Vandoeuvres, a small suburb of Geneva.

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

Smart casual

L’Adresse Table & Wear
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, l’Adresse occupies former artists’ workshops. This unique setting is home to both a contemporary bistro and fashionable boutique.
There is always a warm, friendly welcome, highlighted by a cordial and chic décor and a large terrace overflowing with greenery. Gabriele and Valérie Azoulai have cleverly restored this urban loft - following their creative instincts as well as the latest trends.

Le 3 Rive Gauche
Le 3 Rive Gauche is a new trendy restaurant in Geneva’s Old Town. On the edge of the historical neighbourhood, it is the place to be for perfectly relaxing moments where you enjoy warming, delicious cuisine. The fashionable atmosphere and cosy setting allows you to enjoy authentic brasserie cooking made with the finest ingredients. For a solitary lunch or a private dinner party, Le 3 Rive Gauche’s team is there to make you feel at home. A delicious discovery in the heart of Geneva.


BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Bars

Arthur’s Rive Gauche
Rue du Rhône 7
A trendy bar in Geneva that is known for its private parties.

Le Leopard Bar, Hôtel d’Angleterre
Quai du Mont-Blanc 17
Comfortable piano bar which offers entertainment in the evening, Le Leopard Bar is a favourite place for locals, with hand rolled Cuban cigars available on request. Drinks on offer include fine whisky, wine and beer.

Hotel des Bergues
Quai des Bergues 33
Located in the heart of the city, the bar’s main attraction is its décor and quality of service.

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.

La Clémence
Situated in Geneva'a old town, la Clémence has become an institution in Geneva. For many years it's been a meeting place. Go in summer as it is one of the best places to have a drink on the terrace in Bourg du Four.

Senso
18th century patio converted to a bar-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.

Floor Two
Located inside the hotel Kempinski, Floor Two is one of the trendiest bars in Geneva. With an amazing view over the lake, the bar welcomes the most elite clientele in Geneva offering a “before clubbing” mood, best enjoyed before heading to Java the Kempinski club just down stairs.

Clubs

Java
This is one of the hottest and most sophisticated nightspots in town.

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

Bypass
A unique place with 500 m2 divided into three rooms. Its architecture has been described as one of the best in Europe according to ‘Night Design Magazine’. You will find white leather, marble, wood and smoked glasses.

La Sip
Former ‘Genevois science’ shed, La Sip is a popular club set over two floors which is a local favourite. Locals love to go there as it is totally different from all other nightclubs in the city and the atmosphere is low key.


WHERE TO SHOP

Pitti Uomo
Rediscover the art and tradition of fine bespoke tailoring at Pitti Uomo. Mr. Cosimo Solmona provides hand-made suits and shirts for men and women in the best Italian and English fabrics. As befitting the high quality and exclusivity of Pitti Uomo creations, you will find only two identical hand-crafted ties per collection. Mr. Solmona also offers Borelli cashmere sweaters, Italian socks and Rossetti belts and shoes. The boutique is ideally located in the heart of Geneva.

Drake store
From Marni to Missoni for women and men this boutique provide the latest trends from the best brand from all over the world.

Noa
In any season, Noa finds a balance between basics, casual wear and more sophisticated wear for women and kids in a trendy atmosphere. Women's designers include Vanessa Bruno, Paul & Joe, Kristina Ti, Anna Sui and Tania London. Kid's designers include Antik Batik, Pakuis Oost, Nana Ki, Zef, Simple Kids, Caramel Baby & Child and Hunter.

L’Adresse Table & Wear
L'Adresse Table & Wear has established itself as a unique concept space in central Geneva. A dynamic mother and daughter team have elegantly spit a 350 m2 luminous and airy artist's loft and terrace into a welcoming and modern restaurant lounge and boutique. Once a hidden treasure, L'Adresse is now a destination stop for both local connoisseurs and visitors to Geneva. Male and female clothing and accessories are sold in the "Wear" space. Most lines carried are exclusive to L'Adresse in Geneva. In any season, one finds a balance between basics, casual wear and more sophisticated looks.

Hofstetter
Ideally located in the heart of Geneva, Hofstetter is an upmarket and elegant sportswear store offering the finest sports labels for men and women. Hofstetter also offers a very large range of trendy clothes, high quality skis, tennis and gym and fitness equipment.

Hot Box
Located on the rue du Marché, Hot Box has a selection of the latest trends for men and women. Women can find beautiful dresses for a night out along with a great pair of fashionable jeans. Men have a large variety of hip brands for t-shirts and jeans.

Jacadi
Jacadi provides a whole world for children from 0 to 12 years old: nursery products, baby and children’s clothes collections and shoes. Jacadi is the premium top of the range children’s fashion brand. This reputation is the fruit of strong commitment to quality. Jacadi products convey sophistication and excellence thanks to their premium fabrics, exclusive patterns, high-quality materials, crisp colours and their attention to detail.

Caviar House & Prunier
Caviar House & Prunier has specialised in caviar since 1950. Today, Caviar House is recognized as the market leader worldwide for its unique selection process and the high quality of its caviar. Thanks to their expertise in choice, grading and importing the finest caviar from producers located on the Caspian Sea, discerning consumers from all over the world continue to enjoy this high quality delicacy.

Geneva - Fleuriot
By paying attention to new trends and techniques while not forgetting the basics, the service that Fleuriot provides for its customers is both discreet and helpful. The staggering choice of flowers they offer is incomparable and the shop is unique in that it delivers at home, even on Sundays. Situated in the centre of the city, Fleuriot has two other shops in the city: at the airport, which is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm - and at Cornavin train station. Employees speak English, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Fleuriot is a partner of "Fleurop-Interflora", the international flower delivery service.


HEALTH & BEAUTY

La Reserve SPA
Rte de Lausanne 301, 1293 Bellevue
Highly acclaimed and extremely fashionable city centre spa.

Institut Clarins
Rue du Rhône 50
World-famous beauty treatment institute.

After the Rain
Passage des Lions 4
Excellent and highly acclaimed spa which attracts many visiting celebrities and dignitaries.

Your Place
Cours de Rive 16
Friendly and intimate boutique spa.

Spatio
Rue de la Madeleine 13
Very chic and desirable city spa.


WHAT TO SEE

Visit Museums - Geneva houses over 40 public and private museums which cater for all interests: archaeology, ethnography, fine arts, nature, science, technology and nature. They all contribute to the reputation of the city.
-    International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
-    Natural History Museum
-    Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (MAMCO – Contempory and Modern Art Museum)
-    Ariana Museum Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass
-    Art and History Museum
-    Rath Museum
-    Archaeological Site of St Peter’s Cathedral
-    International Museum of the Reformation
-    Martin Bodmer Foundation
-    Conservatory and Botanical

Geneva encourages culture and organises events all year round concerning music, theatre, dance and art. Please do not hesitate to contact the Quintessentially team any time to get more information.

Reformation Wall – Located in the heart of the Parc des Bastions, on Place Neuve, the construction of the Wall began in 1909 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the birth of Jean Calvin and the 350th anniversary of the foundation of the Academy of Geneva. Four Protestant figures of the different Calvinist countries are represented: Guillaume Farel (1489-1565), one of the first to preach the Reformation in Geneva, Jean Calvin (1509-1564) the "pope" of the reformers, Théodore de Bèze (1513-1605), first rector of the Academy and John Knox (1513-1572), founder of Presbyterianism in Scotland.

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.