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.
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 Archéologique
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.
Musée 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
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 until recently 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.
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. Be sure to get a look at 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.