Historic places in Geneva

Historic places in Geneva

1. See

   CERN Science Gateway

   The CERN particle physics research centre has a purpose built museum presenting the history of CERN, our universe and quantum science at a level accessible to all. Almost all exhibits are interactive and are presented in five languages (French, English, German, Italian and Spanish). There are also workshops for children (free, 45 mins) and guided tours (90 mins) of the premises which can only be booked on site. The reception has a souvenir shop; this is your opportunity to get yourself a CERN helmet!

   9AM-5PM Tue-Sun·Free

2. Eat

   Café du Soleil

   This ancient Petit Saconnex roadhouse claims to be possibly the oldest restaurant in Geneva and to have probably the best fondue in Switzerland. They have a nice large patio in front that is overlooked by a 2nd floor balcony with a few small tables and also inside seating. Surprisingly popular even if it's in a mostly residential part of Geneva, even among international guests.

   mains Fr. 10-35

3. See

   Cathédrale St-Pierre and Calvin's auditorium

   The new Espace Saint Pierre pass includes entrance to all three sites of Cour Saint-Pierre, a worthy space of unique spiritual and cultural importance. The Cathedral and its towers, originally Catholic, both embody the high point of the Reformed tradition and explore the origins of Christianity with an extensive archaeological site and they are now complemented by the International Museum of the Reformation on the ground floor of the Maison Mallet. An underground passage, reopened when the Museum was created, connects the two buildings. The archeological tour beneath the cathedral is excellent for archeology fans it explains the origins not only of the cathedral but the reason for Geneva's location back to pre-Roman times. Those willing to climb the steps of the Cathedral's towers will be rewarded with magnificent views of Geneva and the lake. Nearby, the Auditoire, where Calvin taught, completes a complex that is both representative of the past and open to current questions. The new Espace Saint-Pierre thus aims to contribute to our understanding of today’s world – between tradition and modernity, cultural experimentation and spiritual practice. These three buildings invite the visitor to explore the city’s history. Religious denominations aside, Espace Saint Pierre represents a spirit that continues to guide the city and citizens of Geneva today. For schedules and information about free live organ performances in the cathedral, go to the website Concerts cathédrale.

   Jun-Sep: Mon-Sat 09:00-21:00, Sun 11:00-19:00; Oct-May: Mon-Sat 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00·Adults Fr. 16 (Seniors, Disabled, Students aged 16-25, and groups of more than 15 qualify for a Fr. 10 pass, children aged 7-16 qualify for an Fr. 8 pass. Entry to the church itself is free, of course, but donations are welcome.)

4. See

   International Museum of the Reformation

   Installed on the ground floor of the magnificent Maison Mallet (next to Saint-Pierre Cathedral), this new Museum presents the main spiritual and cultural elements of the Reformation. Unique objects, manuscripts, rare books, engravings, and paintings illustrate the close ties between Geneva and the Reformation. State-of-the-art technology welcomes a modern audience: films, a music room, and demonstrations, including many for children, invite visitors to both rediscover the past and imagine the future.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 January. Open Easter, Pentecost, and Jeune Federal Mondays. Access for disabled visitors.·Fr. 10 for Adults; Seniors, Disabled, Students from 16-25 years old qualify for a Fr. 7 admission fee; Children age 7-16 years old and groups of 15 or more qualify for a Fr. 5 admission fee; Children under 7 are free. For another Fr. 3, you can explore the archaeological site beneath the cathedral and climb the tower inside the cathedral, which has some amazing views of the city

5. See

   L'Ile

   Worth visiting for the old Tour de L'Ile, the remains of a fortified castle erected in the 13th century.

   Free

6. See

   Maison Tavel

   Three floors presenting the history of Geneva from the Middle Ages until the 19th century. There's an entrance fee to the temporary exhibitions in the basement.

   Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00·free

7. See

   Musée d'Art et d'Histoire

   Extensive art and archaeological-historical collections. Painting gallery extends back to the early Renaissance, but is most extensive in Swiss-French and Impressionist works.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00·Free, except special exhibits

8. See

   Old Town

   Vieille Ville

   Aside of the cathedral the Old town in general is worth walking around in for an hour or two. Among the highlights are the city hall with the cannons in the little square opposite to it, Rousseau's birth house and various antique shops with all sorts of interesting stuff in the windows. A word of warning to people with physical disabilities: the Old Town, is situated on a hill with quite steep streets leading up to it.

9. Do

   Parc de la Grange

   Just along the south side of the Lake Geneva promenade, Parc de la Grange is a large park which contains a rose garden, a historic mansion and a tree-lined path leading to the nearby Parc des Eaux Vives.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Geneva (CC BY-SA 4.0).