Things to see in Geneva

Straddling the Franco-Swiss border, the laboratory of the European Council for Nuclear Research is the world-leading particle physics research organisation. It's most famous for being where Sir Tim Berners-Lee created the world wide web, and for its Large Hadron Collider, the world's biggest and most powerful particle accelerator, which sends particles racing round a 27km (16 miles) underground ring. Visitors can see the awe-inspiring LHR for themselves on a guided tour, while CERN's outreach building, a 27m high illuminated sphere called The Globe of Science and Innovation, hosts a permanent exhibition helping you get your head around particle physics. Children should at least be 12 years old. A bit of preparation ahead of the visit is helpful to understand the explanations you will hear at CERN.

Universe of Particles: Mon-Sat 1000-1700

Microcosm: Mon-Fri 0830-1730, Sat 0900-1700

No

Just over the border in France, the Salève is nevertheless known as Geneva's local mountain as it's just a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre. Either drive or take the cable car up for an outstanding panorama over Lake Geneva, the city and Mont Blanc. A number of hiking paths meander over the mountain, while you'll often come across paragliders launching themselves into the abyss. The less energetic can enjoy the view from one of several restaurants and cafés at the top.

Year-round

No (but there's a charge for the cable car)

For a spot so central to Geneva’s religious life, St Peter's Cathedral – built between 1160 and 1252– is surprisingly small. Even more astonishing is its combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Neoclassical styles. The austerity of the main body of the church seems wholly appropriate for a building in which protestant reformer John Calvin preached (1536-1564). By contrast, the 15th-century Chapel of the Maccabees (restored in 1875) is a riot of gilded embellishment against blue and red backgrounds. The Neoclassical facade was added in 1750. Under the cathedral is an archaeological site revealing remains dating back to the pre-Christian era, while climbing the 157 steps to the top of the north tower rewards visitors with fine views over the Old Town and lake.

Mon-Sat 0930-1830 and Sun 1200-1830, towers open daily until 1800 (Jun-Sep); Mon-Sat 1000-1730, Sun 1200-1730, towers open daily until 1700 (Oct-May).

No (although there is a small charge for the tower)

If you’ve got one image in your head of Geneva, it’s likely to be this. The city’s jet d'eau is in many ways its Eiffel Tower, providing an iconic backdrop for many a tourist's holiday snap. Dominating the harbour, it spurts out 500 litres of water, some 140m (459ft) into the air, every second. Far from being intended as a tourist attraction, the jet was initially a pressure release valve for Geneva’s water supply. The aquatic showpiece is illuminated at night and adds an impressive dimension to the city's annual fireworks display in August. During the day the fountain takes care of the special effects for itself, with the appearance of shimmering rainbows a common spectacle during sunny periods.

Daily 1000-1600 (mid-Nov-Feb); Mon-Thu 1000-sunset, Fri-Sun 1000-2230 (Mar & Apr); Daily 0900-2315 (May-mid Sep); Mon-Thu 1000-sunset, Fri-Sun 1000-2230 (mid Sep-Oct). The fountain is occasionally shut down due to frost or high winds.

No.

Officially the oldest private house in Geneva, this 12th century property in the Old Town was rebuilt after a fire in 1334 and remains a fascinating example of medieval architecture in Geneva. Bought by the city in the 1980s, its six floors now showcase Genevese living from the 14th to the 19th century. Don't miss the original 12th century vaulted cellars and the relief map in the attic showing Geneva as it looked before its defensive walls were destroyed in 1850. The museum sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions, too.

Tue-Sun 1100-1800.

No (for permanent exhibition).

This vast Geneva building, designed in the form of a double horseshoe and set in a park with century-old trees, is the European headquarters of the United Nations and the largest UN centre after New York. It was built between 1929 and 1936 to host the League of Nations, the precursor to the UN, so in terms of historical significance it’s something of a titan. Guided tours take visitors to the Assembly Hall, the Council Chamber and the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilisations Room with its incredible ceiling painted by Spanish artist Miguel Barcelò. Unsurprisingly, visits are extremely popular and it attracts more than 100,000 tourists annually. Tours last an hour and are available in 12 languages.

Tours: Mon-Fri 0945-1145 and 1345-1545 (Jan-Mar & Oct-Dec); Mon-Sat 0945-1145 and 1345-1545 (Apr-Sep). Group tours for more than 15 people must be booked in advance.

Yes

Completely renovated in 2013, this museum documents the work of the Red Cross from the humanitarian vision outlined by founder Henry Dunant in 1863, through the many conflicts worldwide where its work has been so vital. The permanent exhibition, entitled The Humanitarian Adventure, is split into three thematic sections, each comprising moving video interviews with witnesses to the Red Cross' work. Particularly affecting is the section detailing how the Red Cross reunites families following war or genocide, while the collection of 6 million record cards containing the fate of prisoners of war during WWI is extraordinary.

Tue-Sun 1000-1800 (Apr-Oct); Tue-Sun 1000-1700 (Nov-Mar).

Yes.